Building ze computer

[Ghostwind]

My budget's probably around 500-1000 so let's just go ahead and say 800 USD. Now, I want a nice computer with a fair amount of hard drive space that will let me run new games smoothly at medium-high graphics settings. That's really all I'm looking for, but I've never actually built my computer before, I always go for one of those ripoff deals at the stores. I have a laptop currently.

Can anyone help me choose some parts? And where would I buy them from?

 

[ElderKingpin]

why dont you just buy one..unless you know what you are doing you might screw up when things are done

 

[Ghostwind]

Because they are so much more expensive. I mean, I'm posting here so I can get a guide on how to do it. :/

 

[ElderKingpin]

TBH its hard to tell someone how to make a computer over just words... however, go to your major retailers for parts, like best buy

 

[Ghan]

> best buy

For parts? I would never do that. Accessories, maybe, but not core components. http://www.newegg.com

 

[Slapshot136]

it's not too hard to build your own.. but does that budget include money for a mouse/screen/keyboard/operating system?

anyways here's what id get assuming you already have those

CPU - i7 920 for $200

Motherboard - $155 AR
use coupon code MBSALE10 for 15

Memory - $80 AR

PSU - $70 AR

graphics card - $180 AR

Hard Drive - $60

Case - $80

total: $825 AR

 

[ElderKingpin]

how exactly will he put that together by himself, unless its a lot easier then i thought you also forgot the AC Adapter

 

[Slapshot136]

how exactly will he put that together by himself, unless its a lot easier then i thought you also forgot the AC Adapter

that comes with the power supply (or is the power supply or PSU?)

start with the case, open it up, put in the PSU and hard drive, then put the CPU and memory in the motherboard, then put the heat sink and fan on the motherboard, then install motherboard into case, then add in your graphics card, and then just connect the power cables, then connect everything in the back of the computer

and most pieces come with their own assembly instructions, but it's really just a lot of screwing screws and plugging in cables

 

[ElderKingpin]

that could still be easier said then done and isnt there a high chance for shock

 

[Slapshot136]

that could still be easier said then done and isnt there a high chance for shock

you plug it in 2nd to last, and last you turn on the power button on the back of the PSU, and you wont get shocked

 

[Ghostwind]

I'm not an idiot, sheesh, I'm not gonna shock myself xD

Anyways, I already have a keyboard and a mouse, as well as a nice big screen, and if I have vista installed on my current computer, can't I just use the same CD for my new one?

 

[ElderKingpin]

you can do the same cd for multiple computers with xp so yes

 

[Prometheus]

http://www.thehelper.net/forums/showthread.php?t=128930

 

[w/e]

So you need:

A motherboard
A video card
A processor
A case
Some RAM
A power supply
A CD ROM drive
A hard drive
A CPU fan

Your two most expensive components will be your video card and processor. They are crucial if you want this to be a gaming computer. You also need at least 4 gigabytes of DDR2 Ram. If you're going to be using the core i7 processors, you will need DDR3 ram, which is much more expensive. The motherboards that support DDR3 are also slightly more expensive.

I recommend a 4870 1GB for a video card. A quad core 2.66 Ghz from intel for a processor, 4 GB off DDR2 RAM, a terabyte HDD (about 100USD) a 650 watt PSU, some antec cpu fan, a cheap 60$ antec case, and a motherboard that can handle all that.

For all these parts, I recommend newegg.com or microcenter.com. They always have good deals.

 

[Ghostwind]

Ok, so I shouldn't get an i7 because that needs DDR3, instead I should get something else that uses DDR2 because that's cheaper? That sounds right to me, but I want confirmation.

 

[Prometheus]

Yeah. I'd suggest an AM3 core because you can use DDR2, and then upgrade to DDR3.

 

[Slapshot136]

id go with ddr3 because it's better and within your budget, but whatever works for you

 

[sqrage]

Whatever you get, don't forget your Arctic Silver 5 or else you wont be able to finish putting your computer together till you get some.

 

[Ghostwind]

Ok, once I buy all the parts (probably in a few weeks) is there some guide to putting them together, or should I just google something?

 

[Ghan]

The motherboard manual will tell you how to install most things. To get the motherboard installed, consult the manual for the case. Those resources should explain things reasonably well. Building a computer is for the most part fairly obvious, really. There aren't too many things that could be plugged in a different way.
Still be careful, though. If you put the CPU in the wrong way, for example, you will be in a world of hurt. "Measure twice, cut once." There is no hurry here. Take your time, make sure you cover everything, and it should go fine.