new com builder in need of advice

[kingsownall]

now i wanna built a computer. but im a complete nuub at this. so ill be asking alot of ques. budget around 1000 to 2000 dollars(us). and if anyone would mind. help me select the nessary parts to build it. im just asking cause i realli have no idea what to buy. and i have several ques since i nv built a com b4. when u have all the things assembled. do u have to configure the bios first b4 installing the software(like window xp and stuff). basically i need a step by step guide in installing the software after configuring putting the hardware in place

[Dark Nova]

well firstly, youll need to find your parts, check out newegg.com
if you dont know what you need, you need a mobo, a processor which is compatible with your mobo, then ram, a video card thats compatible with mobo, a HD, a case, a PSU and the opticals (and floppy if neded). im not gonna list it for you cause it takes a long time, and i dont know what your looking for really

to answer your questions, no you dont need to configure the bios before installing the OS, but make sure that the primary boot device is set to CD-rom .

here are the steps: http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

[flawedreality5]

Haha. That's a large margin of a budget. For $1000 you can buy something really good or for $2000 you could buy something amazing. All I did for my build regarding the BIOS was stick in the cd that came with my motherboard and it basically did everything it self. You need to do this before you install Windows. There's a good guide on here. Read it through first and come back and we're clear up any more questions and help you pick parts. Also read through the Sticky's at the top of each forum section. They help as well.

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm

[Dark Nova]

Originally Posted by flawedreality5 You need to do this before you install Windows.

Why would you need to do so??? unless you need the SATA drivers or something, but usaly you dont need to put the mobo cd in before installing windows, ive build over 100pcs and never done so

[flawedreality5]

My manual said to. It installed something, I can't remember what.

[jayb1234]

Enter 1000 build and 2000 build in the search box at the top of the page and read through a few of the returns to get an idea what people are using in that price range.

A good starting point would be an Intel motherboard with a 945 or 955 chipset, next best would be an ASUS with the same chipset.

A Pentium D processor or one of the faster hyperthreading Pentium 4s would be good.

This case and PSU. One or more of this hard drive.Floppy drive

Optical drives--Liteon

OS: XP Home or XP pro OEM

Video Card: ATI has some nice All-in-wonder cards with tv and PVR built in, or Hauppage makes some nice PVR cards if you want to use a separate card for that.

[flawedreality5]

If I was spending around $1500, I'd buy something like:

Asus SLi board
Athlon64 3800+
2 GeForce 7800gt's running SLi.
2gb XMS Dual Channel memory

The hard drive would be up to you. I have 80gb's and have only used half of it, but you'd want to go with something SATA. That case that Jay picked out is really good. I don't know if the PSU is SLi certified though if you even intend on doing that. Case is more personal preference. You can buy something for looks, airflow, portability. Processor is kind of personal preference. I like AMD more than Intel, but am not totally apposed to them. After you finish reading the tutorials, come back with a basic idea of what you want, and we can help you out.