Building own computer.

MasterMind · 03-13-2002, 03:30 PM

I'm in the process of putting together my own computer. I'm just wondering how many of you guys have tried or have built your own. It seems like it going to be pretty simple. Just waiting for a few more parts to come before I start. Anyone have any tips?

Gamer · 03-13-2002, 10:15 PM

uhh, one tip, make sure its not plugged in!

GameMaster · 03-13-2002, 10:57 PM

Wash your hands before assemblying and keep all food and drink away. It stinks when you drop a soda on your new hardware.

Ginkasa · 03-14-2002, 01:22 PM

I've thought about building my own computer. But there's one thing that's stopping me.....

I don't know how.....

gekko · 03-14-2002, 03:48 PM

It's not that complicated. I know how to build one. Just a few pointers:

1) Keep in mind Windows machines have hardware problems. Make sure the hardware is compatiable with all the other stuff you have crammed in your system.

2) Remember to provide the proper cooling to the proper parts. I recommend a liquid cooled system, because it's very quiet without fans.

3) Learn BIOS before you start. Know all the settings and what they mean.

4) You better be good with troubleshooting. No company to call for help. You figure out the problem, you get the replacement part, and you fix it. And when you turn on that computer for the very first time, you may not have a clue what the problem is.

If you know a lot about computers, it's basically common. Building your own computer has a lot of benefits, but sometimes troubleshooting will come back and bite you in the ass.

thehtownpoption · 03-14-2002, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MasterMind
I'm in the process of putting together my own computer. I'm just wondering how many of you guys have tried or have built your own. It seems like it going to be pretty simple. Just waiting for a few more parts to come before I start. Anyone have any tips?

Are you an IGNInsider? They have a complete Build-Your-Own-PC guide that I read through and it seemed very good. If you're not an IGNInsider, just ask and I'll copy and paste it all.

db

Yoda9864 · 03-14-2002, 11:04 PM

Yeha, I built my own computer. One tad of advice, know what you are doing or ahve someone nearby that knows what they are doing. Good thing I knew what I was doing.

Joeiss · 03-14-2002, 11:36 PM

I have never built my own computer, sorry about that. But, I have another question. Is building your own computer cheaper than buying one? If so, what is the price of all the hardware that you buy?

MasterMind · 03-15-2002, 12:52 AM

Hey guys, thanks for the replys. I've never built one before but I have some close relatives who are into the IT field so I could always ask them for help. The only thing that does worry me is trouble shooting the system once I get it going.

Quote:

Are you an IGNInsider? They have a complete Build-Your-Own-PC guide that I read through and it seemed very good. If you're not an IGNInsider, just ask and I'll copy and paste it all.

No I'm not an Insider so if you want you can post it but I've read a lot of those how to's already too.

And about saving money, I think you can save some money, but it all depends on what you want. I spent about $500 for my parts

IBM 40gb HDD -> $80
20 x 10 x 40 CDRW -> $75
Athlon 1.4Ghz Cpu -> $110
Asus Mobo -> $70
256mb DDR -> $80 Did the price for memory jump up????
New case -> $70

Plus I'm reusing some of my stuff I have right now like video card, modem, and other things that can be reused. So you tell me, savings or not? Cause I don't even know what I could get retail for $500 that I would like.

What did you guys build and what was your budget?

Sorry for the rant.

Ric · 03-15-2002, 09:16 AM

I selected the parts I wanted for my PC and had it built for me, that way if it f's up it's their fault and you're not stuck with a chunk off metal/plastic with some fancy circuit boards in. Be careful mate, if you get stuck get help straight away.

gekko · 03-15-2002, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joeiss
I have never built my own computer, sorry about that. But, I have another question. Is building your own computer cheaper than buying one? If so, what is the price of all the hardware that you buy?

Yes, it's cheaper. When you buy from a company you are paying for their labor charges, all that crap software you never use, and a warranty. When you build your own, you do the labor, you pay for all the software you want, and if something breaks, you buy the new part to replace it.

It can be cheaper, but in many cases, it can become more expensive. When you buy a pre-made PC, you may only have a choice between 3 DVD drives. When you go build your own, you might throw in a real expensive one. So I guess if you get carried away, ya, it could cost you more

But if you made the exact same PC, when you build your own it would cost less. Like I said before, only problem you gotta know how to trouble shoot, because no one will be on the phone walking you threw it step by step to find the problem.

Yoda9864 · 03-15-2002, 02:40 PM

It was tons cheaper for me.

I got a bare bones system, which included mobo, 1.33ghz Athlon, case and power supply for $120.

Got a GeForce2 GTS for $60
Optical mouse for $15
30gb 7200 hard drive for $70
17" monitor for $90
and some other stuff I can't htink of right now.

Final cost was somthing like $550.
Saved tons of money.

Cyrax9 · 03-15-2002, 10:58 PM

Gekko basically said everything I was going to say, but I'd like to re-emphisize two points.

Number 1: Make sure that what you put together is compatible if it's a windows machine, and make sure you understand how to set it up.

Number 2: There's no tech support so if you fry your CD-R/Rw dribve, you have to buy a new one without warrenty. Building your own computer is cheaper as Gekko said because you don't pay for manual labor and parts, or in some cases shipping. But on the toher hand, you have no warrenty either, so it's up to you to troubleshoot any problems.

I'll actually add some of my own tips now.

Tip #1. Buy some static discharge fingerbands for your wrists and fingers, a little bit of static electricity can do a LOT of damge.

Tip #2. Work in a Clean area with Clean tools and NO Food, food causes deaths to many computers, also be sure to discharge your tools on the Power Box inside your computer (It's the one you plug into the wall and has al the warinings on it).

Tip #3. I know this is hard for alot of people, but READ THE MOTHERBOARD INSTRUCTIONS FIRST!!!!!! If you don't it'll bite you in the ass, trust me on this one. Also read the other component's insturctions, but always read about the motherboard first before you take the plunge.

I hope this helps, if you ned to find static tape, try any electronics store, resist the urge to eat around the machine, and if something isn't compatiblle try to return it unused and buy a part that is compatible.

~Cyrax~

MasterMind · 03-16-2002, 01:01 AM

Thanks for the tips guys. I new I forgot something, cause I just went to CompUSA earlier today to buy some case fans, and I totally forgot to pick up an anti static wrist strap. Now I have to drive out there again. Well I did actually read the whole manual cover to cover, and I think I got that down, I think. As for compatability, I think everything I have should be compatible. I'll let you guys know how it goes when I get it done. Still waiting for that hard drive to get here.

jshrimp3 · 03-16-2002, 03:44 PM

one of my bro's friends made his own comp, with the help of his dad. it ended up being awesome and a lot cheaper than wut it would cost him regularly. my advice is, have some1 who either has experience or just knows the stuff. it will help A LOT.