HELP!!! I want to build my own computer!!!

[BinkyAB]

Hey, if anyone out there knows ALL of the individual pieces of a computer you will need to make one, can you PLEASE compile a list of all the parts I will need. Like motherboard, RAM, hard drive... things like that. THANKS!

[noresull]

Hey Binky, check this out! (http://www.sysopt.com/buildpc/index.html)

[Ed_S]

Problem is that the list varies greatly depending on your needs & budget. But if you just need a list of basics, well...

1> CPU - First thing to pick, at least which style.
2> Motherboard. Choose this next, as the rest of the components depend on this! Should include cables.
3> Video - 2nd most important performance item, after CPU.
4> Ram - More is better
5> Harddrive - Let price be the guide, you can always add a 2nd later.
6> Floppy drive
7> CD Drive, or DVD drive
8> Case - Bigger is better. Should include hardware.
9> Sound card (optional)
10> Modem (optional)

External necessities
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse

That help, or too basic??

[Dominus]

I'll take a swing at this.

I will explain parts in detail further down/

CPU (Processor)

Dependant on CPU type:
---------------------
Motherboard (Most important part of system)
RAM (comes in DIMMs or SIMMs, and has other ratings, like PC freq, and ns)
Case (Sometimes calles Chasis, can be AT, ATX, or WTX)
Power Supply (Usually comes with the case, and is either AT or ATX)


IO System
---------------------
Floppy Drive
Hard Drive (can be EIDE, or SCSI)
CD-ROM (same as above)


Expansion Cards
---------------------
Video card (Can be AGP, or PCI)
Sound Card
Communications Card (ie, modem, or network card)
Plus whatever other exotic stuff you want.

Other
---------------------
Monitor (get a 17" if you can)
Keyboard (either PS2, or serial)
Mouse (either PS2, serial, or USB)
Speakers

That should just about do it for your average system. Of course fancy stuff like CD-Burners, or cameras are up to you.

Most likely you will have to deal with:

1. An ATX case and motherboard
2. PC100 SDRAM DIMMs
3. EIDE devices, most likely using a ATA66 interface.
4. An AGP video card, and most other cards as PCI.
5. PS2 keyboard and mouse, though USB mice are sweet.

Not the clearest answer, and if you have any more questions, please ask.

We're always willing to help configure systems.

[Chef Mark]

Binky,

Post a little more about what you want to do with this computer and some general parameters.

[BinkyAB]

OK, I am the one that needs the help, I am 18 yrs old and ive installed harddrives and video cards and stuff like that, but never a whole computer from scratch, i just want to be able to do it, because people have told me it is cheaper... I want it to be around 600 MHz, 64 or high MB, and has CD, floppy, and a few empty bays to upgrade, if u can help me THANKS!!!

[Dominus]

Athlon, or Intel, and what do you mainly do with your computer? What OS?

[BinkyAB]

I normally play multiplayer games, internet (AOL) and stuff like that i was it to be fast to play games and for internet

[Dominus]

Ok, how about this:

---------------------------
Athlon 600
128MB PC100 SDRAM
Asus K7M motherboard.
Inwin Q500 case

Asus TNT2 Ultra 32MB
SoundBlaster Live! Value

Floppy
20GB IBM 22GXP 7200rpm Hard Drive
50x CD-ROM

PS2 Keyboard & Mouse
Altec-Lansing Powercube speakers w/subwoofer

Samsung SyncMaster 750s 17" monitor

---------------------------
$1,460.00 + shipping

From Micro X-Press (http://www.microx-press.com).

[alpha]

Don't go near the K7M. Go for an MSI or a Gigabyte. There is a lot of problems with ram and the like with the K7M, let setting it on fire and the like http://www.sysopt.com/forum/redface.gif

[Dominus]

My K7M works beautifully. Not one problem.

Although I agree that the Gigabyte 7IX is a good board too.

[Spartan]

Bah! The K7M is a great board. I just built my first PC 2 weeks ago after never having owned a desktop before.

If you follow the manuals (and advise from the good folks on this board) you will be fine. Just remember to buy quality parts and that you get what you pay for.

The beauty of my computer building experience was that it worked the first time I hit the power button. It was awesome! The only thing I did wrong was I plugged the harddrive LED in the wrong way.

By the way, if you're looking to save a few $$$, get the K7M with the onboard audio and skip the SB Live! card.

[BinkyAB]

Hey, thanks for everything so far, but is it posible for ya'll to tell me every indvidual piece i will need... and where to get it, THANKS

[alpha]

I don't know about the current revision, but the early (very early) K7Ms reeked! Ram was fussy about houw it was inserted, certain comanations of ram didn't work, it even set fire to some one's PC133 once.

I trust these "nigling" dificulties have been fixed http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Not tryin' to dis' the board or anything.

[wyvrn]

You can go to www.onvia.com (http://www.onvia.com) for the monitor and pay no shipping! I have had good luck at www.axiontech.com (http://www.axiontech.com) for chips and motherboards at reasonable prices. Go to www.5oclock.com (http://www.5oclock.com) for good prices on name brand memory. These three vendors could outfit you with a nice machine. I would stay away from the Best Buys and Compusas of the world, they usually overcharge you, especially on RAM. The best place to search for reliable vendors is Sysopt's own www.resellerratings.com (http://www.resellerratings.com) . Here you will find people that have shopped at certain vendors before, their ratings and comments. Good luck, and keep us posted if you need any more help.

[Dominus]

BinkyAB, we have already told you everything you need. All cables, drivers and instructions are included with the parts that I listed earlier.

There isn't anything else that you'll need, other than a free afternoon, and a phillips head screwdriver.

[jadison]

I've been building computers for a long time:
I';ve gotten most of my products from a place called Chipsmart.

They offer everything u need for a great system, and even preconfigured systems that are great to upgrade urself. U can call there customer service phone line, tell them what kind of things u would do most on the computer and they'll give u a list or go step by step on every part u need. Go to there website: www.chipsmart.com (http://www.chipsmart.com)
Check it out, it's worth it, Oh btw, they have GREAT PRICES!!!!!!

PS. if u live in Texas it's even better cause that's where there located, check there site for store locations!!

Building a computer is fun thing to do, and u feel great once uv finished doing it, take it for me, I started when i was only 14, I did everything on my own. Just read all of the manuals before u do anything!!

Good Luck!!

[cs7smj]

if uk www.pcindex.co.uk (http://www.pcindex.co.uk)
if usa www.pcwatch.com (http://www.pcwatch.com)

[CujoRbd]

try checking this (http://www.tech-advice.freeserve.co.uk/) out... it is about a year or so old, but it is pretty good anyway...

it seems to be kinda what you're looking for, so i hope it can help ya out some...

this (http://pcmech.pair.com/build.htm) is pretty good as well... again, outdated a little, but still good...

now, this (http://www.verinet.com/pc/) one i like... it's got a pretty neat layout and isn't quite as outdated either...

and a more general "how-to" place on computers, such as this (http://www.knowledgehound.com/computer.shtml), seems to work well for many people, so if all else fails, then just maybe try this out...

well, i hope that i could help... and if i find any other sites that may help ya out, then i'll be sure to post them...

and good luck with building your PC... you'll have lots of fun... http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif


anywayz...

CujoRbd

[Dave2]

If you know nothing about buying computer parts I am giving you some recommendations.

Motherboard: Asus P3B-F. This is one of the most stable motherboards out there. This is a high quality built motherboard.

RAM: I suggest that you buy 256MB Crucial PC133 CAS 2 with -7E at the end. This is among the best quality memory out there. Crucial memory is also compatible with most motherboards. Don't buy cheap generic memory unless stability isn't important to you.

CPU: I only recommend processors by Intel. The Athlons are only a bit faster but the Athlon motherboards are still a bit flaky. The Pentium III 750 is the fastest you can get for the motherboard I described to you.

[Missing the point]

I totally agree with Dave. He knows. That is what i have:
Asus P3B-F mobo
P III 500 CPU
128 MB Generic ram (I know)


My computer is running as we speak @ 666 MHz, w/the stock heatsink/fan!

If you want performance, get he Asus P3B-F mobo, and an Intel CPU

[Nathan G]

Dont forget to get a GOOD heatsink (didn,t see one mentioned http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif ), heatsink compound and a Case fan.. or 2.

[davidk]

hey binky,
building a PC is easy!
I am 13, and I have just built my new PC on my own.

[alpha]

Hey, Davidk!! I'm thirteen and I've built my own machine!! I built it last year when I was twelve. k6-2 450 (was a 350), Chaintech CT-5AGM2, 64mb PC100 (was 32mb), 32mb Savage4 (was an Ati Rage IIc), 2gb WD HDD and a 40x CD.

email me http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Lackmusboy]

God ****, I hate the prices on computers in my country! They usually cost about $240 more than in the US...
Does anyone know if there´s some (cheap http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif)computer-store in the US that ships oversea?

[methane]

dont give me that rubbish about expensive parts, try coming to england, i wanna build a pc and the price is coming up to $1950 so dont moan

no offence intended but things are way too expensive

[Morpheus1964]

When it comes to the bits and pieces, like screws cables and cords, try Pi Manufacturing (www.pimfg.com) ... I got 48" 5-plug EIDE Cables for $3.00 apeice.

[Spiderdrake]

There was a great article in PC Gamer some time ago. Although their trinity page sucks, the assembley instructions in said article were great. Does any one know which one I'm talking about ?
Basicallyy they put togehter a comp/ Since it's visual it's a good instruction base.

[brandon184]

Congradulations on taking on the challenge of building your first machine. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

You should always do a lot of searching into for each individual part and/or the individual parts of the basic computer, when doing it for the first time of course. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Cya!

- Brandon

[voogru]

Im 13 and buiding a computer also heres what i have planned

001 ABIT KA7-100 $169.11 W/Shiping
002 AMD 750MHz Athlon CPU - No Fan $199.00
003 128MB Micron True PC133 8ns w/ ECC $$169.14 W/shiping
004 Fong Kai FK-320 Super Mid-Tower ATX Computer Cases Athlon Approved W/300 watt PS $110.00
005 Global Win V0S32 athlon fan 35.00
006 Western Digital 20.5GB Hard Drive $99.00
007 Toshiba - 4x4x4x24 CDRW/DVD Retail Box Internal IDE $245.00
0008 Microsoft IntelliMouse $30.00
0007 Logitech Cordless iTouch Keyboard $60.00
0009 MONSTER SOUND MX300 $--.--
008 Guillemot - Prophet DDR DVI / 64MB $339.00 w/shiping
009 Black 3.5 1.44MB Floppy Drives, OEM $25.00

Sub-Total $1236.13

any good??



[This message has been edited by voogru (edited 07-06-2000).]

[SoopaStar]

voogru:
I just got the same motherboard. THink I paid the same too. I got the 750 for $187 after shipping from wholesale-club.com. Decent price on the case, I suppose--but I have never seen it before. I got the Antec SX830 from techstore.com for $108 after shipping (I need to call them, though cause it should have been $5 less than that). Not sure where you are getting the price of that hard drive or CDRW, but I think you are paying WAY too much. For the harddrive, pricewatch.com lists the 5400 rpm model for $87 plus $10 for shipping. The 7200 rpm model is under $120 with around $12 for shipping. The rest of your prices looks okay.
Paul

[lynchmob]

Where do you 13 year old guys get the money to build pcs anyway? Just kidding.
For my own 2 cents, dont buy the first thing that catches your eye:see if someone has it cheaper or a like product that costs less. Building a pc with quality parts with a final tab of under $1000 is highly possible and very satisfying.
lynch
p.s. If you're not sure about a product, someone on this board has probably used it and would love to give they're opinion(s) on it.

[voogru]

oops
i forgot to update that price
on the hdd
and i use pricewatch to look for good prices and update prices weekly and my system gets better and cheaper as i find new prices!

voogru

[This message has been edited by voogru (edited 07-06-2000).]

[paganman7]

I just recently put together a computer...on a budget too! So if you don't want to spend 12,000,000.00 on a computer, try this out:

Duron 600 on a gigabyte board ($237 at www.unitedmicro.com) (http://www.unitedmicro.com))

128 MB PC100 ($129 at Office Max)

10.2 Ultra ATA 66 HD ($99 at Compu USA)

TNT2 32 MB AGP video card ($59 for M64 version at www.ocie.com, (http://www.ocie.com,) overclocked, this card kicks ****)

Turtle Beach Montego ($29 at Comp USA, although the Gigabyte board has a built in AC97 Codec)

52x CD-ROM ($39.99 at Tucson Computer, sorry if you don't live in Tucson!)

floppy, cables, mouse, keyboard...all pretty cheap