Websites to building a pc?

[starburst]

I am considering building a pc at home rather than going with my original plan and having cyberpowerpc.com do it for me. I have never built a computer before, and i am scared that i may not build it correctly. I was wondering if there were any good guidelines online that can help me build my pc?

 

[avenseth12]

There is a great guide on tom's hardware http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/building-pc,511.html

Also, I watched a great video when I built my 1st PC a few years ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUY0tP5jYIo The topic is building a gaming pc on you tube - this guy's video helped me out a bunch

good luck

 

[unksol]

you mean... like tomshardware?that has conveniently placed stickies in the category your in?

www.tomshardware.com/forum/288241-31-buyer-guides-troubleshooting-tips

www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

 

[starburst]

oh thank you, i was trying to look for a search feature before posting this thread, but i couldn't find it so without searching any further i just decided to post a thread.

 

[rwayne]

I would highly encourage you to build your own.

It can be a little scary at first but once you finish I think you will find that it is easier (and more rewarding) than you had ever imagined.

I highly recommend going to your local bookstore or news stand. Right now both PC Gamer and Maximum PC magazine have a special edition on how to build a gaming rig. They walks you through the process step by step.

There are also a lot of good references online and on Youtube such as this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls

I think once you build one you will never want to buy a pre-built one again. Just take it easy, build your knowledge, and post a question on the message boards when ever you feel the need.

Go to youtube and type in 'How to Build a PC'. I am sure you will find several good videos.

I Recommend subscribing to these Youtube Channels:
motherboards.org
linus tech tips
newegg tv
hardware canucks

Some good tech wesbites:
Tom's Hardware (nuff said)
Fudzilla.com
Nordichardware.com
anandtech.com
hardocp.com
pcwizkidstechtalk.com

 

[gidgiddonihah]

Building a PC is pretty easy. Just stick in the parts where they look like their supposed to go. Each part (especially the mobo) has a instruction manual that lets you know where and how to put parts on that your not sure. Then you install Windows and your off.

The hard part is when the rig doesn't work right. Then you have to do troubleshooting and it could take up to several weeks just to find out what part is bad. When I built my rig it didn't post at first and it made me suspect hardware malfunction. Spent days trading parts in and out independently. Found out I didn't hook the 8-not 4-Pin CPU cable in. *DUH!*

Just fair warning... Not trying to change your mind because it is a big thrill when you see your baby light up with its first successful POST. And with your first rig its fun to learn all that you end up learning and you learn more when it doesn't work at first. I just want to make sure that you know what you are getting into.

(Edit) I learned from a magazine that a friend gave to me. It had a step by step instruction manual.... But there are a vast number of other resources for you to choose from. The suggestions already given are great ideas.

 

[avenseth12]

And there is no bigger thrill when you build your first pc and you hear that 1 beep as it posts - woot. Also, if you do build yourself just take your time and enjoy the experience.

 

[gidgiddonihah]

I think once you build one you will never want to buy a pre-built one again. Just take it easy, build your knowledge, and post a question on the message boards when ever you feel the need.

I totally agree. I will NEVER buy a prebuilt again, if you don't understand why now, you will after its up and running. I have a few other people who use the same computer and there are some instabilities because I OC and unlocked my CPU core-had its share of blue screens and one really freaky Windows bug. They don't like to use it and make fun that I built it wrong as they don't know a power supply from a graphics card. As long as you don't do what I did, it should come out rock solid.

And if you have questions, which there are bound to be several, we are always here to help you out, even if the question has been asked a million times (*AHEM*XDA*AHEM*).

 

[rwayne]

And there is no bigger thrill when you build your first pc and you hear that 1 beep as it posts - woot. Also, if you do build yourself just take your time and enjoy the experience.

I SOOOO agree with that statement. It is such an adrenaline RUSH. Better than any theme park rollercoaster You almost close your eyes as you hit the power button waiting to hear that beep. So exciting! Once you do it you want teach others how to do it too.

 

[gidgiddonihah]

I SOOOO agree with that statement. It is such an adrenaline RUSH. Better than any theme park rollercoaster You almost close your eyes as you hit the power button waiting to hear that beep. So exciting! Once you do it you want teach others how to do it too.

I was going to say the same but didn't want to hog the whole thread. Its so much better than a rollercoaster. Its... It's amazing.

 

[starburst]

Thank you for the information you guys gave me, i will be sure to check it out. I will be sure to post on this forum for any questions i have because you guys seem very knowledgeable.

 

[ndositwe]

I am considering building a pc at home rather than going with my original plan and having cyberpowerpc.com do it for me. I have never built a computer before, and i am scared that i may not build it correctly. I was wondering if there were any good guidelines online that can help me build my pc?

You can find a bunch of videos on YouTube. I recommend you watch as many DIY Computer Build Videos you can so that you get comfortable and see the pattern of how to go about it. Below are some step-by-step videos from K.S. Studios, Newegg TV and Hardware Canucks. Check all of them out.

HOW MUCH (BUDGET) ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND ON YOUR PC BUILD?

===========================================================================
K.S. Studios (the below links are BASIC steps. He also has ADVANCED videos on 'Build a Water Cooled Gaming PC')
===========================================================================
Basics Of Building A Gaming PC - Chapter 1: Choosing Parts (part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKSYpdGCQac&feature=relmfu

Basics Of Building A Gaming PC - Chapter 1: Choosing Parts (part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55OlCyPEoTY&feature=relmfu

Basics Of Building A Gaming PC - Chapter 2: Getting Started
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B21UhXM6igk&feature=relmfu

Basics Of Building A Gaming PC - Chapter 3: Installing The Parts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARrRQhaOpoM&feature=relmfu

Basics Of Building A Gaming PC - Chapter 4: Plugging It In
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibl3ll1z1bI&feature=relmfu

Basics Of Building A Gaming PC - Chapter 5: Bios Basics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHsyN9BelzU&feature=relmfu

Basics Of Building A Gaming PC - Chapter 6: OS Install
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNIPxM0fE6U&feature=plcp


===========================================================================
Newegg TV
===========================================================================
Newegg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 1 - Choosing Your Components
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw&feature=plcp

Newegg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 2 - The Build
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls&feature=plcp

Newegg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 3 - Installing Windows & Finishing Touches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaVBsXEiok&feature=plcp



===========================================================================
Hardware Canucks Guide to Building Your Own Personal Computer (PC)
===========================================================================
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcR8Fl8cwZk&feature=plcp

 

[rwayne]

I realize we are throwing a lot of information out but don't let it overwhelm you. There is lots to learn but only a small percentage of it is needed to successfully build a PC.

You may want to check out this list of 75 building tips from Computer Shopper Magazine. I found may of them helpful in the past.

http://computershopper.com/feature/75-pc-building-tips

Some of my personal tips:

- Take a 15 minute break every 45 minutes whether you feel like you need it or not.

- Inexpensive LED Headbands such as this one can be extremely helpful as it increases your vision and frees up your second hand from holding a flash light. These can be found at Walmart, Lowes, or other stores. http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-HD33A1EN-3-LED-Headlight/dp/B00081GATG/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1340204864&sr=8-12&keywords=led+headband

- Never lay a case on its side on a table. If it gets bumped with no barrier in-between it can potentially impact the paint finish. Use a nice 'THICK' cotton bath towel to lay it on. That way if a rogue screw rolls out in front of it (which you don't see) it will get adsorbed by the towel and not damage the case's paint finish. (This is a rare event but it is a preventive measure which can be taken)

- And one of my personal favorites (Tip # 4 from computer shopper). Sort your parts Egg-actly how you need them. Cardboard Egg Cartons can be very helpful for sorting different screws and parts.

Continue to build your knowledge on the forums and learn what the reputable brands are and what is compatible with what. Once you feel you are ready pick out some parts then ask the forum for additional advice by filling out this form: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

I think you will enjoy the experience.

 

[roadkill922]

If you would like, we could give you tips on what parts to buy. Just let us know what your budget is, and what you would like to use the PC for.

 

[rwayne]

One thing I forgot to mention. If you are into podcasts I highly recommend subscribing to TWICH (This Week In Computer Hardware) by Ryan Shrout.

http://twit.tv/twich

It is an excellent podcast which is broadcasted on Thursdays. I stream the video of the show to my roku box.

 

[starburst]

Yes i know it's a lot of information, but i am learning from it all.

If this helps, i am looking to build a budget gaming pc for about $1000-$1100.

I am looking to get the intel i5 3570k, possibly OC when i need to. Looking for an AMD radeon 6950 or a radeon 7850 for my GPU.

A few questions i have are...

What motherboard should i get?
What brand GPU should i get (sapphire, powercolor, xfx ect.) and what are the differences?

 

[rwayne]

I would go for the HD 7850 if you are going AMD. It is one of the best bang for your buck cards out there right now. Plus there are significant improvements in the technology between the HD 6000 series and the 7000 series. DX11 Tessellation performance alone of the 7000 series is more than double of that of HD 6000 series.

Sapphire & XFX are good for AMD cards. (I particularly like XFX's new Double Dissipation cards. They look sharp and they cool well) ASUS Direct CU & MSI's HAWK editions are good graphic cards for both AMD and Nvidia.

Watching unboxings & reviews on youtube can give you an idea of what you will get with each product and its performance. Here is one by motherboards.org for the Sapphire HD 7850

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvJ7OZEyRd4

Motherboards:
Asus, Gigabyte, & ASRock are the better motherboard brands. MSI is not too bad either.

PSUs:
Corsair, Antec, & Seasonic are the better power supply manufactures. XFX can be included in there also since their PSUs are manufactured by Seasonic.

Cases:
NZXT and Cooler Master tend to make the better PC cases. There are others but those two stand out in my mind.