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Helping Normal People Get Their Geek On

STEP 1 : Materials Required

This tutorial is intended to assist you in building a basic PC. There are obviously a plethora of possible PC configurations and hardware that you could put into your new PC if you choose. But, what we are trying to do here is help you put together a basic PC. For this reason, we are only requiring the basic components and tools to get you up and running.

Tools Required

  • Screwdriver - A Phillips-head (cross-point) screwdriver is what is used in most PCs.
  • Screw Extractor - If you have surgeon’s fingers you may not need this. But, if you’re human, it is likely you might drop a screw into your PC during this procedure and be too big-thumbed to get it out. A screw extractor can help you grab those screws and get them out without messing with the hardware. You definitely do not want to run your PC with loose screws in there. It could cause a short circuit.
  • Flashlight - Unless you are in a fantastic lighting situation, you will likely need a flashlight to get a look of the landscape in your PC while you’re working.
  • Tweezers - May be helpful for you in switching jumpers later in the tutorial.

Hardware Required

  • PC Case
  • Floppy Disk Drive
  • Hard Drive
  • CD-ROM Drive
  • Processor
  • Processor Cooling Fan
  • Motherboard
  • Memory Modules
  • Power Supply
  • Video Card
  • Keyboard & Mouse

To build a basic PC, you will need at least a motherboard, a memory module, a processor with cooling fan, a power supply, a hard drive, a floppy drive, a video card and a CD-ROM.

Most electrically sensitive hardware comes in a static bag which is designed to protect the electronics from static electricity shock. Leave your hardware in these bags until you are ready to install them.

Software Required

  • System Disk
  • Device Drivers (these usually come with the hardware above)
  • Operating System (for the purposes of this tutorial, we will assume you are choosing Microsoft Windows as your operating system – PC Mechanic has lots of great information on Linux and other alternatives)

Cables and Miscellaneous

  • Drive cables
  • Motherboard spacers (usually come with the motherboard, but are used to space the motherboard up off the mounting plate)
  • Screws (usually a whole pile of screws will come with your PC’s case, but if you are using a case you happened to have around, you will need to collect some screws)
  • Power cords (for both your PC and your monitor. They usually come with the hardware when you buy it, of course)
  • CPU Cooling Compound

41 Comment(s)

  1. Kailey said:
    2/20/2008 8:22 pm

    I do not get this is this exactly like a laptop or destop?? plz e-mail back….

    [Reply]

  2. Jamie said:
    3/3/2008 2:51 am

    Its a desktop. Labtops have everything on the mother board itself thats why you can’t just change out video cards etc.

    [Reply]

  3. joey said:
    3/9/2008 8:44 pm

    how much money does it ususlly cost for the products necessary for building a pc

    [Reply]

  4. joe said:
    3/12/2008 11:22 am

    This article is really not all that great. Besides everyone thinks that building your own PC is better then buying a prebuilt one. I disagree. you spend 500 bucks at dell and you get what you want a hell of a lot cheaper then what you get when you build your own. Plus 20 years from now when I need the drivers for my computer just go to the dell website and they will have it on there for me. unlike me going to build my own i need to keep track of cds and stuff all the time. If you guys really want a nice computer just save up 5 grand and go to dell and get w.e you want. Trust me 20 years from now you won’t regret it. I’ve had the same dell since 1995. I’ve rebuilt the operating system once (Due to virus’s) and the computer actually runs better then any of the new computers that we have now. I am using a dell with the vproccessor and it runs like mine at home.

    [Reply]

    ruis reply on April 16, 2008 5:13 pm:

    20 YEARS???? You wish. Your Dell will be screwed waaay before that, and when it does screw up you’ll be reliant on Dell to help you out - which they won’t. And there’s no way your pre-packed Dell is better than one you could make yourself. It’s probably OK for now but when it comes to upgrading you won’t be able to upgrade bit-by-bit. Unfortunately my friend, Dell screwed you over.

    [Reply]

    Joker reply on April 21, 2008 11:50 pm:

    that comment alone is stupid.20 yeras would mean you would have to replace next to all your hardware.The comment that you had to “rebuild” your OS because of viruses alone makes me 100% sure you are an idiot or that your hardware was crap.The most a virus would make me do is reformat my drive.

    [Reply]

    paul reply on May 24, 2008 8:01 am:

    That was very funny Joe. I am assuming , since it was so ludicrous, that it was done for the humor. Only other possibility is that he is a troll. 20 years, dang I’m crying here.

    [Reply]

    Nick reply on May 27, 2008 4:29 pm:

    Lower end dells are cheap and nasty. before i became a techy i thought i was getting a good deal!!!! There made so they cant be easily upgraded so when yours is dead, or old and slow, you have to by another from them!!!! Dont listen to our friend joe!!!

    [Reply]

    Mike&Ike reply on June 28, 2008 7:05 pm:

    Dude, its a dell. That means they suck. There is no room to upgrade any of your hardware. They make it impossible, just so you have to come back and buy a new one every few years.

    [Reply]

  5. skeptik said:
    3/14/2008 12:47 pm

    Joe……5k? You’re a moron. I bet I can build I better/faster/cooler PC than your POS dell or any premade computer for cheaper….with a 24″ LCD monitor to boot. Don’t listen to this jerkoff.

    [Reply]

  6. Blitz said:
    3/21/2008 4:04 pm

    Let’s all be civil and avoid name calling. I agree in 2008 you can pay a fraction of $5K and get a great computer. I‘ve been looking at the barebones kits at places like Tigerdirect but it looks like more than what I want to bite off. I do like the idea of the kit because I’m thinking some engineer probably tested compatibility of parts so you have an optimal working system in one of these kits. What I have learned about the Dell I bought a couple years ago is that it’s really not upgradeable for any decent gaming. It’s not impossible to do but based on the price of new stuff and the limitation because of Dell chosen parts it’s not worth the money or headache. It’s no problem because originally I bought the machine for limited gaming. My error, I should have researched more about the upgrade ability of the system’s I was looking at. For example my power supply on the Dell 310 is a pathetic 230W which won’t work on most video cards. Also my motherboard is limited. If I wanted to replace the power supply I have to find a special one that works with Dell and fits in my mid tower with the correct wiring. My next machine will not be a Dell and will have a lot of upgrade ability which you won’t find in many of the Dell type packages. I’m currently looking at some system by Cyberpower. If anyone has any other sites like that it would be much appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Blitz

    [Reply]

    Kazak reply on April 6, 2008 9:56 pm:

    Totally agree with you Blitz!!

    I’ve got a Dell 3100c and I’m replacing it with a new build. I’ve spent hours trying to devise a way to upgrade it but it’s way too much hassle. I can’t upgrade the graphics card as the stock 220W PSU can’t be upgraded to power it as its a unique size and shape. Sure can you stick a new CPU in it no probs and you might be able to find a new motherboard that’s fits in the case but your upgrades will be limited by the low wattage PSU.

    Dell design their PCs so only their parts are compatible. If you want to buy hassle free and don’t mind forking out for a whole new system in a few years to update, go for Dell. This is what they want!!

    With the deals I’ve found, I’ve put together a self-build for £275 ($550) and its gonna rock!!

    [Reply]

    Jayman reply on April 14, 2008 1:51 pm:

    Blitz, before you waste your time with Cyber power,IBuyPower or some of the other cutome PC builders, check out their better business Bureau
    report. I have had the worst experience dealing
    with IBuyPower. their customer service is crap and you have to deal with a bunch of people that treat you like a “stupid fat American Gui Lo”.They will rip you off at every turn. Half the stuff you order wont be the same or even close to what you get. They wont tell you that it could take weeks to even get your PC built and that $69 bucks you spent for rush service is a waste. they wont honor their 30 day return policy etc. etc. etc……not saying they are all like that but if you cant understand what the person on the other end of the phone is saying, time to hang up. research every thing you buy and every company you do business with. I’ll never let anybody rip me off if I can help it

    [Reply]

    Justin reply on May 19, 2008 8:25 pm:

    Blitz,
    I have had an extremely good time with Cyberpower, though I haven’t spoken or dealt with them in years. I bought my computre from them when I graduated highschool, and five years later it still works great. When I first got it, I managed to delete my hard drive, and had to reinstall everything. When I did it wrong, I called them at four in the morning and they helped me out. When my original video card crapped out, I called them, and they sent a new one to me; a better one that I didn’t have to pay for.
    I cashed in on one of their deals, something like “Fourth of July” deal, and got a great computer that, while a little tired and old for gaming now, still runs the latest office/photoshop etc.

    [Reply]

    kory reply on June 25, 2008 11:46 pm:

    your problem blitz is that you use tiger direct when you should get your parts from directron which are cheaper and ship faster i have used both if you are having trouble with compatibility start by picking a motherboard and using the dropdown menus to pick major componets to add such as cpu video card etc.

    and joe i can build a better computer than any one dell has cheaper than them in fact i have i bought an emachine for $700 later i learned to build my own and built one for $650 that was 5 times more powerful

    [Reply]

  7. Aaron said:
    3/23/2008 5:15 pm

    hi,

    i dont think i would be able to build a computer without some sort of guide… but im the same sence im not an idiot… like i know most of the components that i would need.
    i wanna build my comp basically for gaming only, so i know i need a good graphics card etc…

    but would you guys be able to tell me about how much i would have to fish out for building my own pc?
    also where could i get, (on the net) good quality but cheap components?

    [Reply]

    James reply on May 8, 2008 3:57 pm:

    its would roughly cost you for a decent machine between $2000 and $3800. if you want the latest and greatest top high-end powerful gaming pc your looking at cheapest of $6000+

    [Reply]

    kevin reply on May 17, 2008 2:14 am:

    Dude try newegg.com and dont listen to the idiot about 2000 to 3800 you could build a great gaming computer for around 900 to 1200 that would handle any game today and it would be badass the dude above is talking about just released shit that has been on the market for maybe a couple of months but most ppl wont find practical for another five years or more and by then it will be a hell of alot cheaper and you will know how to upgrade it with experience from this one the computer i am going to build will only cost me about 1350 because i am going to go a little overboard with some of the parts like i said check out newegg.com i have found them to be the cheapest most reliable source for a while.

    [Reply]

  8. Sayer said:
    3/24/2008 11:14 pm

    Great guide, just built a 9600 Black Edition Phenom on a 790FX Motherboard by MSI, 2gb ram (pc6400), X-Fi Extreme Gamer (although I don’t need it with the awesome on-board 7.1), with a 750w Power Supply. Spent less than $1000, got EXACTLY what I wanted, and I don’t ever have to deal with Dell’s horrible customer service. This PC would cost way more at Dell, but I can’t tell you how much since they no longer carry AMD. The mid-range xps starts at $1500.00, way more than what I spent. Also when you get a prebuilt pc you can’t choose the motherboard, which a lot of people don’t think is that important but it is. I bought Half my stuff on e-bay, just timing it out until I got the price I wanted to pay for parts, and the power supply, box, operating system, and DVD burner from Micro Center (microcenter.com). THe power supply is normally $179.00 and I picked it up for $110 before my 50 dollar rebat. And the other stuff I bought from there because the price was within a couple of dollars of the cheapest things I could find. This project did take me a little while to do, but research pays off when you are wanting to build a wailing gaming machine. (by the way still using the x1650 by ATI, will upgrade to 3870 hd and eventually to 4 - 3870 hd cards, but this still wails) By the way you can get the motherboard I got for the phenom for $151 plus shipping on clubit.com, MSI K9A2 Platinum 790fx (HyperTransport 3.0 supporting speed up to 2600MHz, beat that Intel) That’s with the phenom.

    [Reply]

  9. Sayer said:
    3/24/2008 11:29 pm

    Blitz, CyberPower is your best option, yes I know you mentioned it, but like I said in previous post I researched a lot to build my pc and this was the cheapest and best place I have found. I just built an almost identical system to mine on there and it was less then $1500 ($1430 to be exact) without the monitor. Actually this is better than my pc, as it has Dual 3800 HD cards in it, which is my last step to finishing this beast. Not many computers will be able to beat this head on in a challenge.

    [Reply]

  10. jon said:
    3/25/2008 7:46 pm

    hey u @ 3/23/08 5:15 pm,

    highly sugest http://www.newegg.com

    i built my 1st computer there and getting ready build another soon.

    my second altogether is goin to cost under $600 bucks. but thats w/o the

    monitor, keyboard, etc. keep in mind tho that under $600 ISNT high-end

    this high-end that. u kno i can upgrade in the future.

    [Reply]

  11. Kate said:
    3/26/2008 11:56 pm

    i wish you had pictures of each item…it would help out! :-(

    [Reply]

    jon reply on March 28, 2008 12:18 pm:

    hey kate,

    sorry for late reply: if u are interested, go to http://www.newegg.com , ten go to wish lists on bottom , under public wish lists type: ‘under $600 budget pc’ . the post date is 3/25/08. i probably wont git this rig by summer time.

    also, uh im probably goin to replace that Antec 900 for a Cooler Master Centurion 534 bc its cheaper and has the same capabilities as the Antec case except it doesnt hav backward compatibility for Micro ATX mobos.

    and very lastly: im also thinkin about changing the AMD cpu to Intel bc i cant seem to find any 3ghz cpu from AMD’s single core processors. highest i can find is 2.6

    thx for ur time
    jon

    [Reply]

  12. Amazing beef said:
    3/29/2008 5:14 pm

    I was wondering if I actually need memory modules (RAM I think). I’m a bit confused because I am buying a 500GB hard disk and spending more on memory when i have that much sounds a bit pointless. Unless It’s RAM.

    Basically I’m asking, by “Memory modules” do you mean RAM. Thanks

    [Reply]

  13. jon said:
    3/31/2008 12:35 pm

    amazing beef,

    yes memory module and ram are the same thing. although i dont get ur question. i’ll admit i am not a computer technician. but like aaron said, i kno enough about computers to pick out the components and put them together.no problem

    [Reply]

  14. Amazing beef said:
    3/31/2008 3:33 pm

    tymv

    [Reply]

  15. sam said:
    4/3/2008 2:03 am

    great guide!

    i can definately attest to the idea that building a pc is cheaper than buying a comparable pre-build…i am in the process of building a quad-core desktop with 3g RAM, 810gb HD (750+60(salvaged), 512mb graphics card, with all personally chosen components and so on, for less than $700 (after rebates, etc.)…i tried building a pc at dell.com that is comparable, and it turned out to be over $1800 (video card is 8800, mine is 8600; OS included, mine is salvaged from current comp, and other minor details), but for a difference of over a grand, definately home built is the better choice…

    [Reply]

  16. franctuz said:
    4/3/2008 10:56 am

    i want to build my own computer,but right now i dont buy any thing on my list im comparing the price of every component of my PC to buy.PLS SEND ME EMAIL if i mised something on my list main board;asus p5k chipset;intel p31/p35 processor;intel core dou e6550@2333mhz physical memmory;2048mb(2×1024DDR2-sdram) video card;nvidia corp ge force 8400gs or 8600gs hard disk;maxtor 250gb DVD-rom drive;tsst corp cd-dvdw sh-s202j ata device monitor type;m19w-19 inc network card; broadcom corp bcm4309 802.11 a/b/g o.s windows vista home prem. power sup;corsair 650w atx case midi…tv card haupaugewintv pci…do i need a sound card? and is atx case include c.fan and heatsink. im not much in to games but i also play.do u recomend any thing.fmt_kik@yahoo……thahnks

    [Reply]

  17. Olski said:
    4/15/2008 4:44 am

    I saved up £400 (no idea what that is in dollars anymore $800?) and bought a high end mac mini. I got a cheapass acer 22″ widescreen and mac keyboard and its an absolute triumph. Ive had dells before but i got sick of random things going wrong with apparently no cause. After 2 trojan horses i switched to mac and they’ve been good to me ever since.

    I had a go on vista the other day and it didnt impress me.
    My advice? save up (not 5k) about £600 and get the full macmini works.

    [Reply]

  18. sevyrr said:
    4/16/2008 11:08 pm

    I made the mistake of buying from dell and I WILL NEVER purchase from them again. They are not updating the drivers for my computer I bought 1.5 years ago and said they will not even though the companies that made the hardware have updated several times. I payed off my computer and they charged me $400.00 extra because the payment of $150.00 that paid it off posted a day late, even though I had a receipt showing it was paid off on time. I told them I was very unhappy and would tell everyone I knew not to buy from dell and they didnt care, even after I went up several levels in management. I feel sorry for anyone that falls into the dell trap.

    [Reply]

  19. JB said:
    4/20/2008 4:10 pm

    This is my first build. Purchased from http://www.newegg.com
    Gonna be my first time with Vista. Can anyone tell me what the dif is between the 32bit and 64bit version oem home edition.
    Unsure which one to get.

    [Reply]

    Amazing beef reply on April 21, 2008 4:08 pm:

    JB, 32bit can handle up to dual core, whereas 64bit can handle up to quad core. I think this is the only difference, but to be honest the vista operating system is pants. You’re probably better off getting a top end version of XP, waiting untill the next windows operating system is released, or even buying XP and up-grading in the future. If it’s gaming you’re looking for, quad core is good, but vista isn’t. Whereas I think all but one XP (the most expensive) are only 32bit, so can not handle all four cores. Personally im going for XP and depending on how much money I make before my build, I’m either going to buy the most expensive XP or buy standard and wait for an upgrade.
    Hope that was of help!

    [Reply]

  20. Will said:
    4/22/2008 2:02 am

    When I was seventy-three years old I built my first two computers after reading magazines, visiting web sites and read a book. The studying gave me the knowledge to pick compatible parts and put them together. They both worked perfectly the first time I booted up after installing the OS.. I learned how to do it and since then when I upgrade I do it myself. No more paying for service. The original computers cost a little more than off the shelf ones, but the knowledge has saved me money. All components are of good quality, so after using these computers four years, at about five hours per day, they have never needed repairs or servicing. Can Dell or HP beat that? I am seventy-seven years old now and as long as I can operate a Phillips screwdriver I’ll not buy another one off the shelf. Building one only takes two to three hours at a slow pace and it is fun.

    [Reply]

  21. GB said:
    4/22/2008 2:04 pm

    Hope I’m as bright as Will is when I’m 77!

    [Reply]

  22. silenslaya said:
    4/25/2008 2:46 pm

    wow…most of you have zero knowledge of pcs and pc hardware

    building a pc is cheaper then buying a pc PERIOD there are no ifs or buts about this statement!

    I myself have built two pc’s in the past 2 years both with top end graphics, duel core 2 - 4 gig ram high end pcs for all around 1000 - 1200$ whereas gaming pc’s go for 1500+ at retailers like futureshop

    [Reply]

  23. Amazing beef said:
    4/25/2008 4:47 pm

    Are you refering to me when u say that?

    coz i agree, building is cheaper.

    and btw gaming computers must be crap in USA. $1500? thats like £750! in england they are £2000+. and if u didnt know, thats about $4000. but when i say gaming computers, i mean like “holy s*** this is so f****** imense!!!”. do u have computers like that? (that wasnt ment to be bitchey or sarcastic, i ment it as a proper question) And btw, americans can’t spell colour and build crap cars. not trying to be racist, just pointing it out. actually pay no attention to this post. i talk about too much crap.

    [Reply]

  24. Derek said:
    4/28/2008 4:36 pm

    I’m looking to create my own PC for gaming but I’m a noob in this “build your own” world. I would like some major help. I’m looking for a great Graphics card with lots of RAM to run smoothly, but I think I have those down. Im looking for some good Brand power supplies, motherboards. I also have no idea on Processors… Looking for spend alittle over 500 maybe. Also do most moherboards support all types of RAM or do they need some special stuff for eahc type of boards?

    [Reply]

  25. joe said:
    4/28/2008 5:56 pm

    Motherboards do NOT support all types of ram. You need to start off with a motherboard that is meant for your needs. For instance, Find a motherboard that can handle about 6 gigs of ram. Then when you find the motherboard that you want look for memory that is compatible with it. Your NOT going to spend only 500 on a rebuild. Your going to spend at least 800. but 500 will get you some stuff that you need to start off then you can keep going as you need to.

    [Reply]

  26. joe said:
    4/28/2008 6:00 pm

    dell is not meant for gaming computers. Dell handles mostly business and homeoffice and stuff for school and work. What i use my computer for it works fine. From a business/professional stand point dell is the way to go. Now if you were to buy a gaming computer your better off buying it yourself but keep in mind that the cpu will become obsolete and you’ll eventually have to replace the motherboard to upgrade the cpu. Well you losers that like to build your own have fun wasting your time it is a complete waste of money and is definitly not worth it unless your a gamer. But at that point i deal with what i have. i don’t look for the best of both worlds when it comes to a computer.

    [Reply]

    Kazak reply on April 28, 2008 9:19 pm:

    wasting time and money!?? losers!?? is this the same Joe who said this article isn’t all that great? keep kissing dell’s rear end. I’ll be kicking it if I ever met them!! don’t think any further comments are required as the others have done it for me…

    DEREK - check out the FAQs at overclock.net and overclockers.co.uk for some great advice on what to build

    [Reply]

    BigTom reply on May 16, 2008 9:32 am:

    Kazak… easy brother… go get a cold one or something.
    Do you notice that there’s ALWAYS a “Joe” on any forum.
    Check out his comments… go to the top and read his post from 12March.
    Seriously… what the heck is this guy doing even POSTING on this site?
    If you don’t think ‘home-built’ is worth the time then what are you doing on a site DEDICATED to DIY’ers??
    Please, to all my thoughtful readers, consider these ‘jems’:
    1. “you spend 500 bucks at dell and you get what you want

    2. “20 years from now when I need the drivers for my computer just go to the Dell website”
    3. “to build my own i need to keep track of cds and stuff”
    4. “If you guys really want a nice computer just save up 5 grand and go to Dell”
    5. “I’ve had the same Dell since 1995…and the computer actually runs better then any of the new computers that we have now.”
    6. “it [building your own PC] is a complete waste of money and is definitly not worth it”

    Need I say more??
    The best thing to do with “Joe’s” is to ignore them… it’s attention he craves.
    It must get lonely sitting in your mom’s basement in your underwear surfing for porn.
    That tin-foil hat must get hot.

    [Reply]

  27. Derek said:
    4/28/2008 9:31 pm

    Well I’m looking for a good one for gaming! I need somthing that will allow for upgrades. Can u tell me some good brands of motherboards/processors. Are those one and the same?

    [Reply]

  28. Derek said:
    4/28/2008 11:31 pm

    Ok well, I have my system for thought. As my Mother Board I will be installing the Asus M2A-MVP Mobo. For my Graphics card the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition. IDK where to go from there. Please do not deeter me from my choices unless they can greatly be improved, I only want an above average gaming comp.

    [Reply]

  29. James said:
    5/8/2008 3:54 pm

    its cheaper for the gamers to build their own system. on the other hand, for computer people that dont game or need a high-end custom computer, should go buy a pre-built because it would be cheaper for them. if you dont want a pre-built…DONT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PRICE! the whole point of building a pc is to mostly save money for high-end equipment, it wont save you any for something average.

    [Reply]

  30. nick said:
    5/11/2008 8:34 pm

    what is a system disk and where do you get one?

    [Reply]

  31. jacob b said:
    5/14/2008 5:56 am

    i am hoping to build my own pc in the near future.
    (just for the experience)
    but i have already bought a custom made pc from a local retailer
    and saved at least $500 than if i bought the same hardware on dell, not including delivery!!

    Im just wondering
    1/ which is the best Australian site for cheap or second hand computer parts.
    2/ do you know of any good guides to building computers
    3/ is it easy getting all the gear together(i don’t want to start and find that it is a pain in the a$$ to get it all together)

    [Reply]

  32. Blitz said:
    5/21/2008 1:50 pm

    I went with Cyberpower. Thank you for the suggestion. I’m very happy with the purchase and performance of the new machine. It came around 5 business days late but I had read some complaints about this and called Cyberpower early and learned first hand. No biggie since they had a free shipping promotion and I found a $30 promo code for additional savings. Also I have never had positive experience with internet purchases and paying extra for expedited shipping. I called a few times to check the status on the build. The website provides some status but I wanted to talk to a person and had no problem. They do charge your credit card right away if your machine has upgrades or is custom built. I’m use to being charged after my items start to ship. I priced the parts out on the setup I purchased which was around $800 and figured I could have saved around $200 to $250 from Newegg if I elected to go the home build route. Yes I like to save money but felt I wasn’t ready to build my own yet. This is something I plan on trying next time. I will definitely need help from sites like this. Cheers.

    [Reply]

  33. NoRGE said:
    5/22/2008 1:42 pm

    Bottom Line,

    If you’re not a retard in the shopping department and spend some time looking for good hardware at decent prices, you can build a custom PC yourself for less than half the price of prebuilt, especially if you’re wanting a gaming PC. And since nowadays all the good companies like Alienware and Voodoo are getting bought out by larger companies that don’t give a shit about quality, the hardware you will find piece by piece online will be of much higher quality and last longer if upkeep is a high priority for you. Newegg.com is the best site for finding well-priced hardware that is high/mid grade. Buying prebuilt is just a waste of time, money, and patience.

    [Reply]

  34. mike said:
    5/25/2008 11:37 pm

    guys building a pc is not that hard i mean i am currently 15 i built my first pc at 14 and working on a more up to date one for gaming that i should be finished with by end of summer cause i dont have a job lol ne way if you can read english u can build a pc using countless guides on the internet like this one farely easily

    [Reply]

  35. jay said:
    5/27/2008 12:43 am

    from most of the responses if you are a gameryou it is cheaper to build a computer. What if you want to use the pc for movie editing and such. From all of your responses and after reading up on newegg.com I would like to build my first pc but is it worth it? Thanks

    [Reply]

  36. jbct09 said:
    6/4/2008 4:07 pm

    I am very interested in building my own computer, but when I go over the list of what you have to buy and then have to pick the items, it is so confusing. What kind of motherboard do I get, etc. Is it better to buy combinations of items?

    Please someone help me. Excited about doing project, but also very nervous.

    Thank you

    [Reply]

    regan reply on June 28, 2008 9:29 pm:

    One of the ways I’ve found to decide on the hardware going into a particular system is to go to one of the custom builders (ie. Cyberpower or Ibuypower) and configure your dream system. This should give you a better idea of the components you want. then go to google and try to find those same parts for the lowest possible price. By doing this, you should get the computer you want for hundreds less than it would cost to build it on cyberpower. Hope this helps:)

    [Reply]

  37. Christian said:
    6/16/2008 7:49 am

    I don’t find anything difficult about this tutorial. It’s great, and besides, All you need is Newegg.com and tigerdirect.com to shop for hardware. Newegg and tiger have every last piece of Hardware categorized for ease of shopping, and this tutorial lists everything you need. After figuring what parts you need to complete the ideal computer, you’ve already conquered to big tasks. lol

    [Reply]

  38. jon said:
    6/18/2008 12:03 am

    actually come to think about it, i see that price will be about or in the same range wether if its custom-built, or if it from store. buy it from store if you jus need for work/ school. custom built for high quality products.
    so to in the end, you can have the comfort in knowing that all your computer parts are of high quality, esp. if you game alot (wich i do)
    jon

    [Reply]

  39. Kenneth said:
    6/24/2008 1:38 am

    Building a basic computer is very easy, and yes a basic Dell computer is cheaper because Dell can buy all the parts from vendors at a lower price. I just built a PC for my friend, all in all he spent a good $1,200, but his PC is far from a $1,200 PC you can get from Dell. If you were to buy the PC I built, from Dell it would probably run you at least $1,700. Huge difference there. Building your own PC is way more fun than just buying one. Think about it, you built it.

    [Reply]

  40. Kerby said:
    6/25/2008 5:20 am

    I was plannin on makin a gaming comp eventually. I’m not really computer suave bu tI know the basics and had a question for you tech geniuses. I was thinkin of goin with a Nvidia nForce 680i, with dual 9600gt’s, but what would be a wise psu to use, like a 700W?

    [Reply]

    regan reply on June 28, 2008 9:33 pm:

    Yeah, something in the area of 700w is sufficent, though if you spent a little more, you could get a 850 that’s a little more upgrade friendly.

    [Reply]

    Kerby reply on June 30, 2008 4:23 pm:

    awesome thanks! Then I’ll probably go with 850 :)

    [Reply]

  41. brad said:
    6/28/2008 7:47 pm

    ok i need help comp genniuses plz :D

    im slowly building a comp and i no basics but not what goes well together n wots actully good :D all lots of words and numbers wandering if u can help me?
    show me wot i can get (needs to be able to play nice games :D) for around 100-200 £ guys plz help me u dont know how desperate for the help.and dell nty they cahrge to much for too little

    [Reply]

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