Is It Hard To Build A PC?

roguecatfish

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So I'm getting the components for a new computer in the next week or two and wanted to know how hard it is to build it yourself. I was originally going to get it built through a local company but they have a ridiculous $200 fee to build the computer so I figured it wasn't worth it. So I have some questions about building one that I will put below along with a link to all of my PC parts.

1. How easy is it to start out on building a computer for your first time?

2. Can you link me to some videos on how to build one?

3. Are all of the parts backed up to where if I make a mistake and break one that it is replaced by the company?

4. What age did you first build your computer?

5. Will all of my parts be compatible and work at high or max settings at 60 FPS in today's games

Any help is greatly appreciated.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Wo9x
 
1.its easy enough--its just when you turn it on for the first time if it doesn't work then it gets hard

2, just look on youtube

3.if you break the parts then no the company doesnt have to replace them--though some retailers do offer an insurance to cover damage while installing

5.yes to compatible and yes to high or max settings at 60 FPS in today's games at 1080p
 

Drew010

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May 11, 2013
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1. I just built my first computer this past week, and it was very easy, took me about 3 hours to put everything together (I was taking my time to do it right)

2. If you just search on YouTube you will easily find multiple videos, can't say that any are better than others

3. Not all parts have an accidental warranty. I would suggest just taking your time, and if something isn't going in easy, rather than try and force it in, take it back out and make sure you have it in right

4. I'm currently 18 and am posting this from the computer I just built last week

5. Your current build should be able to play all but the most graphically demanding games at the highest settings and get 60FPS with ease
 

Groomer

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Jul 29, 2012
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1. It's not hard, watch a tutorial on youtube first, and if you feel insecure, watch a bit more, ask anywhere for help if there is something that you don't understand. The first time you build, take your time.

2. Probably not the best video, but this guy is friendly and easy to follow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKnbazLsM7g

3. If you break a part, I don't think anyone covers it.

4. Kind or irrelevant, but 17.

5. Short answer: Yes, it should work, and run most games great.
 

giltyler

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First build at 47
Watched YOUTUBE and NEWEGG videos plus read forums on here.
Not hard at all first build this computer was fully working in several hours due to careful cable management, some do it faster.
Everything was brand new including OEM windows.
With the new parts there is less to go wrong (bent pins on CPU)
 

ismaeljrp

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1. I'd say it is a detailed meticulous job. You have to be pacient. But it is not difficult. The hard part is knowing how to match components, and for some, the patience part.

2. This is a nice video, and I think it uses the same motherboard as you picked. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bUghCx9iso

3. All parts should come with some kind of warranty if they are purchased new.

4. I built my first at 18 yrs.

5. Your parts are very good, I wouldn't change much about it. I do recommend however you buy 2 120mm fans for the front of that Antec case , I have the same case and I absolutely love it, but I also installed 2 fans in the front. I have changed a few things in the build which you'll see on the link :

Changed Ram to faster set. Changed PSU because this new one is equal quality, yet has a special discount ( lasting till tomorrow ). Included Corsair AF 120 fans ( 2 fans ), they are priced a little high, but they are well worth the price IMO.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LX ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($60.49 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($162.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($120.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($402.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N15 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Performance Edition (2-Pack) 63.5 CFM 120mm Fans ($26.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: SeaSonic M12II 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.94 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1370.80
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-11 11:19 EDT-0400)
 

butremor

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Oct 23, 2012
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There will be thermal paste in the box with CM cooler so you don't really need buy another one. Other thing, i see you listed 1066 MHz ram, which will perform slow paired with i5 cpu. Get 1600 MHz ram, they cost the same but it will perform better.

As for assembling own pc i like pcpartpicker video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUdt9NDcVNw start with that
Haven't seen but other people recommend a lot newegg video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls
If you like text more Toms' has guide written http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/274745-31-step-step-guide-building

Regarding your third question I insist you look at this thread: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems few good advices there, but the main thought is don't use too much force ,take your time, connect and plug everything secure and tight.
 

thesuperguy

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Apr 19, 2013
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I know a 15 year old who was able to build a computer, and he even had to troubleshoot it because it wouldn't turn on. Turns out it was the power supply so he went to replace it and there ya go, it worked!

As long as you can read and follow instructions, it really is quite easy. The hardest part would either be troubleshooting a PC that won't turn on or simply determining what the instructions are referring to at each part.
 

giltyler

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Great information for the OP Where I live we have all the major stores FRYS/COMP USA/MICROCENTER /TIGER DIRECT so if any part was bad during my build is was a quick fix vs. mail order so if possible BUY LOCAL
 

roguecatfish

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So should I remove the CPU Cooler then if I'm adding the dual fans or should i get both? Also, the case and the processor you put in the list are a lot cheaper than the ones on my list because the ones that you chose are from microceneter and I don't have one near me. When I add the Case fans to my list it brings it up over 1400 so are they really worth it?

 

mbreslin1954

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I've used Antec 300 cases. With your CPU, unless you are overclocking, you will not generate enough heat to need the two front fans. I've only ever used the large 120 mm fan in the back of the case, along with the PSU fan, and never had a heat problem. Modern Intel CPUs generate very little heat, and even with a big video card, heat is not an issue. I've got a 7950 video card and an i5-2500 CPU and my one 120 mm fan in the back keeps it plenty cool (I also have a Hyper 212 evo).