To build or not to build??

[jcones8907]

I have little to no experience building computers...but this website is telling me that it is fairly simple and I can do it as long as I take my time....but the local computer store tells me that I shouldn't try to build with noexperience...If so where do I start

Should I attempt it or not.

[Mr.Ferrari]

...computer store advising you on not building so they can charge and build it for you or experianced people willing to guide you and help you along the way?

Totally a matter of preference, if you feel uncomfortable with building your own, then go for one pre built.

[blue60007]

Have you ever done anything inside a computer before? Do you think you'd be comfortable with it?

You have to start somewhere...I built my first computer with very little experience inside the computer (and without this site!). To be honest, I'd take what the store is telling you with a grain a salt. They may just be saying that so you'll buy one of their computers (or they may have no experience themselves).

[TimPoet]

It's not that hard to build it, if you do it the right way.

You should really check it out.

[The_YongGrand]

Read the manual books, do some homeworks and research, and finally follow the instructions. You are now building yourself a successful PC if you do all of these. :D

[Freakitchen]

http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_parts_list.shtml

http://www.mechbgon.com/build/index.html

Have a read through those, then decide if you want to build or not. By far the hardest part of the process is choosing good quality, compatible parts that are good value for money. You can get a lot of help with that right here.

If you decide to build, post back with your budget, and what you want your new PC to do.

FK

[jcones8907]

My Budget must stay under a $1000 if I decide to build would like a mid range gamer....Thinking a nvidia 7900 or 7950 if I can get a good deal on them...what do you think i'm definately not an expert!!

[flanzig1]

If you have upgrade parts in a computer or installed software, your half way there to a full build.
If you do want to build, would you reuse parts from an old system or a complete top to bottom system?

[jcones8907]

I would use all new parts

[blue60007]

Do you have any preference to AMD or Intel? or do you want what's fastest? If the latter, I bet you could get a Core 2 Duo build in there.

[jcones8907]

I planned on a Core 2 Duo...probably an E6400

[hagatha]

BUILD! I had "zero" experience when I did my first build about 3 years ago. I read lots of forums, asked lots of noobie questions and downloaded several guides from the web site of the components I was planning on using. I took my time, ordered everything I needed and was absolutely amazed when it posted on the first boot!

I've also helped 2 of my friends build there own systems! BUILD!

[bd1886]

Do the build. What you learn now will be invaluable when dealing with whatever you have in the future too. Built my first one and the satisfaction alone made it worth it. One word of advise... the motherboard choice is the most important step as everything is "married"to it (software wise). After that... stay within your budget, enjoy the results and you can upgrade hardware in the future as prices drop.
I just joined this site (after using it for alot of answers!) and I want to thank everyone. OH YEAH !! GO CONROE!! It's good to see Intel up from it's nap!

[moodyblues100]

I also vote for 'build you own'. The main advantage of a self build is the ability to choose the components, and the quaility of those components, that you put into the box. A self build will not necessarily be a less expensive alternative to a ready made box, but you will have the satisfaction of saying "I put it together myself" (with a little bit of help from the forum) and knowing you built exactly what you need and want.

[bd1886]

I don't know about not being able to save money building a Conroe (Allendale) set-up right now?
Prebuilt manufacturers are still attaching a premium to their stuff. While Intel came out swinging with a real low pricing structure on the e6300 and e6400 for the builder. Couple this with a little rebate action (I know... I hate that game too) and a couple eggs? Because of Vista being just "around the corner" and memory being so easy to upgrade,ram is showing some increased pricing.(Bet mid range video cards will see this same thing because of the added demand from the "aero" feature) Motherboard choices are seeing increased competition.All other components seem to be stable or seeing price drops. A thousand dollars is really a pretty decent budget for a better than decent gamer. A lesser system would almost be impossible to do vs. prebuilt. Your gonna do just fine I think!

.