Building a computer - Hardware?

Question

I'm wanting to build a computer soon but I don't know which hardware is the best and not too expensive. Basically, I want a computer capable of running the newest and latest games but also work well when wanting to do other things such as video editing, entertainment, etc. I'm trying to make a list of the things I'll need to buy -- Motherboard, Video card, Power supply, etc...

I could go to some website like newegg.com but I want to make sure that everything I get is the best but also not too expensive. If anyone has any experience in building computers/buying the best hardware, then please let me know EACH thing I'll need to make it run properly and what you consider to be the best buy and would recommend to me.

Don't bother taking the time to explain each component or the process to build a computer since I'm not really new to that. Also, thanks in advance for any recommendations.

Answer 1

Hello,
Building a computer from scratch does cost more money but you know what your putting into it and you can therefore purchase better components. It would be fair to say that buying a cheap and nasty main board would be a bad idea. Trough the years dealing with the public in reltion to computer sales yes the following could be taken into consideration. On the motherboard side of things I suppose an PCI express capable version of a mother board would be a good option. with Processors from AMD beign cheaper and better for games than intel I would lean towards AMD. However if its raw power number crunching then Intel. But when it comes to overall cpuVpriceVpreformance then AMD. (More Bang For Your Euro!!

Answer 2

Here are my recommendations:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 ($220) or E6600 ($320)
- Get a Zalman CNPS7700 ($30) or 9500 ($50) for overclocking or for noise reasons if you want.

RAM: 2 GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 Memory (around $220)

GPU: GeForce 7900 GT or above ($200 - $300)
- replace the stock cooler with a Zalman VF900 if you don't want an insanely loud computer.
- Keep in mind that the 7 series does not support DirectX 10, and if you want DX10 support, which will be quite important with future games, you will have to get a GeForce 8800 GTS ($400) or above.

Motherboard: Intel 965 chipset is good for Core 2 Duo. I have a Gigabyte 965P-DS3 (around $130) and I'm very happy with it. This motherboard also supports quad core in case you want to upgrade sometime in the future. You can also go for a 975x but I don't see the need, especially since they cost quite a bit more. If you want a dual graphics card configuration (SLI or crossfire) then get one that supports that.

Hard Drive: go for a Western Digital 7200 RPM SATA2 hard drive with 16mb cache.. Size depends on your needs.

Case: This is a matter of personal preference. However, I have had great experience with NZXT cases, especially the NZXT Apollo ($50 at newegg), and they are very good.

Power Supply: Don't overlook this one; it's pretty important. If you're going for an SLI configuration get one that's approved for that. For the stuff that's listed above, a 400W power supply should do just fine, but read reviews and make sure you're getting one that's of high quality. Don't shop by wattage, as there are many crappy power supplies that happen to have high wattages. If you want a quiet PC, get a power supply with a single 120mm fan at the bottom, rather than 2 80mm fans, or some other arrangement. Remember, it's going to keep everything running, so don't overlook it.

- All other parts I see as a matter of personal preference.

You should be able to build something along those lines for around $1000 (not much for a gaming PC) if you do your research and get good prices.

I recommend shopping at newegg, since I have found they have great prices, even compared to tigerdirect. However, if you find a few of your components slightly cheaper at tigerdirect or somewhere else, don't hesitate to get it there.

Good luck! and make sure you know what you're doing as far as building before you buy any components.

Answer 3

More importantly, what is your budget?

Anyway, I think you should get an Intel Core 2 Duo, a gig of RAM, a decent Direct X 9.0c capable videocard (get the mainstream ones, 150 - 200 USD). This is for Windows XP.

If you plan on installing Vista on it, well, you should go for 2GB of RAM. However, you should probably wait for a mainstream DX10 video card, they'll be debuting soon.

For entertainment, just make sure you get a HDMI capable video card, and get a decent sound card :) The X-Fi ones are expensive, but hell, if you want good quality sound for your high end speakers, the sound card's well worth it.

Don't forget to get lots of space, I think the 200-250GB hard drives have the best bang for the buck. You may check the prices at www.newegg.com since you're already familiar with the site.

Get a motherboard that suits your needs, and don't be cheap on the power supply. Get a UPS, just in case.

Answer 4

It is really hard to give you specific products without knowing a price range you have in mind. I personally will not buy an Intel Processor. AMD is normally just as good and even surpasses Intel in many Benchmark test and is less expensive. AMD gives you more bang for your buck.

You want to look at motherboards that are compatible with your processor and have SATA, PCI-Express, and either SLI or Crossfire. ASUS and Gigabyte are the more popular brands.

You will probably want a DVD +/- RW. You do not need a floppy drive, but you may want a media reader. Brand name really doesn't matter.

NVIDIA and ATI Video cards are both good. Of coarse you want them to have as much memory as possible. In order to use SLI or Crossfire the Video cards must be identical.

Most motherboards have onboard 7 channel sound and gigabit ethernet.

As for RAM you will want at least 1GB of DDR. More is always better, name brand really doesn't matter much.

Hard drives can be either SATA or IDE, it really doesn't matter much at this point for 7200 RPM drives. The speed gain is negligable when the price is considered. If you want a 10,000 RPM hard drive you must go SATA and only Western Digital makes them.
As far as Hard Drive brands Seagate and Western Digital are both good choices. Size is a matter of your budget you can always add more. A windows computer is limited to a total of 26 drives however. A for 3 1/2 Floppy, B for 4 1/4 Floppy, C for Windows, and normally D for CD ROM. All others are open.

I would recommend a 500w or better power supply.

Really what you choose to buy is more preference and budget. For what you want you need to focus on RAM, VIdeo Card Memory, and Processor Speed. Get the minimum you can live with on the rest. If I knew a price range I could put a parts list together for you.

Answer 5

When I buy something on the net... and I have built my last two mods that way...I find what I want first and then search for the best price. To be sure your MB fits what you need.. get a barebones kit and make sure you can upgrade it later. That way you will save money in the long run. CPU is the most important to me and next the Video card. Remember that cheaper products use cheaper components! So find what you want and get the best price on it.. even if you have to wait a little longer to do it. =)

Answer 6

Core 2 Duo Processor, Over 1 Gig Of Ram, A High End Video Card And Lots Of Space. Alot of it is personal taste.

If you dont know what you want or how to build something perfect for you, you shouldnt probably do it.

Answer 7

Computer Engineering

Answer 8

how about buying a barebones system and just adding the few things that it may need. you can buy a barebones system for less than $200. usually just need to add some ram, a video card, maybe a hard drive, and an OS. pretty good option for a cheap custom built system.

Answer 9

I've built several machines from scratch and the most important advice I can give you...

Never go cheap on the motherboard.
Never go cheap on the power supply.

Answer 10

If your computer is not working properly while you are working on it, it could be a problem with device drivers, hardware or software.
Detailed instructions at http://tinyurl.com/yk5zpr