First Build - Need Parts List

[Garritt24]

Okay, so honestly, I don't really know too much about the differences in computer hardware, so I have come here in search of some advice. I want to build a gaming computer in the price range of 700-1000 USD. That is for the computer alone. At the moment I am playing World of Warcraft on a 3 year old refurbed Dell. This computer will basically be for World of Warcraft. Is it possible to build a gaming laptop for the same price, or at all for that matter? I would prefer a laptop but if it's not plausible then I have no problem with a desktop. Thanks!

[shadowpr]

Don't think you can get a gming laptop for that amount.

A good start for a desktop would be the following:

MB: Asus P5K-E
CPU: E6750
Ram: Corsair 2x1gb DDR2-800
HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb sata
DVD: Lite-on Dvd burner sata retail
Video: EVGA 9600GT
PSU: Corsair 550
Case: Your choice

Not sure wht that comes out to, but should be close to your budget. If you add it up, then we can tweak it a bit.

We recommend www.newegg.com for US residents.

[flanzig1]

A gaming laptop would be in the $2000 range while a decent gaming desktop can be done in your budget range.
A few starting parts:
Antec Sonota III w/PSU
Asus P5K motherboard
Intel C2D E6750
Corsair XMS DDR2 800 2gig kit
Seagate 7200.11 HD (pick your size)
Lite-On DVD (retail)
Nvidia 8800GT
Some parts could be done graded a bit if the budget is tight.

[Garritt24]

Originally Posted by shadowpr Don't think you can get a gming laptop for that amount. A good start for a desktop would be the following: MB: Asus P5K-E CPU: E6750 Ram: Corsair 2x1gb DDR2-800 HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb sata DVD: Lite-on Dvd burner sata retail Video: EVGA 9600GT PSU: Corsair 550 Case: Your choice Not sure wht that comes out to, but should be close to your budget. If you add it up, then we can tweak it a bit. We recommend www.newegg.com for US residents.

So I made went through NewEgg and added up all the components you listed plus a 70 dollar case and it came out to about 900 USD which is nice. However, does that come with EVERYTHING i need or do i need to purchase little cords too?

[shadowpr]

That should have all the cords. As long as you have retail everything except for the hd.

You will still need an operating system, keyboard, mouse, monitor.

[Clockwork577]

I just found this in case for whatever reason you dont want to build

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16883229012R

[Garritt24]

Thanks. You guys recommend building your own though right? And also I've had no experience with building a computer, but I've cracked mine open and switched hard drives and pulled out RAM so I'm not completely clueless, but does the case come with directions for building it or what?

[Alaron]

We always recommend building your own. It's not as hard as it might seem. Your motherboard will come with some basic instructions, but you can find a number of guides online.

[Garritt24]

On Newegg I see a lot of stuff like 32-bit Vista and all that stuff. Which one should i go with?

[shadowpr]

Unless you plan on specifically running 64 bit programs, or getting 4gb of ram or more, then just stick with 32 bit vista.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202

[Garritt24]

I'm just curious, will the first parts list mentioned run most PC games out there or just a few?

[Katreat]

That build will run everything out there. There are a very few games like Crysis which you will not be able to play on maxed video setting if you want the best frame rates but you have to do that with Crysis even with an 8800 GTX, the game is just a monster. It plays great and looks wonderful on my box (see sig) and it is getting a bit dated. I cant think of another game you would need to tune down unless you had a HUGE monitor with very high resolution.

Kat

[Fo1k-E]

Originally Posted by shadowpr Don't think you can get a gming laptop for that amount. A good start for a desktop would be the following: MB: Asus P5K-E CPU: E6750 Ram: Corsair 2x1gb DDR2-800 HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb sata DVD: Lite-on Dvd burner sata retail Video: EVGA 9600GT PSU: Corsair 550 Case: Your choice Not sure wht that comes out to, but should be close to your budget. If you add it up, then we can tweak it a bit. We recommend www.newegg.com for US residents.

I'd go with a Gigabyte-??? motherboard. 45nm Architecture CPUs. Same price/cheaper than 65nm architecture/consumes less power/better factory clocks. So, I'd go w/the E8400/500. As for the RAM, I'd go w/OCZ Reaper. Great RAM. For the HDD, totally go w/Western Digital SATAII drives. http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106072 is a nice CD/DvD ROM optical drive.

For the video card, don't go w/the newest and baddest out there. Especially not a midrange card w/no benefits. Runs about as good as the G92 8800GTS. If anything, go with the 8800GT from EVGA.

For PSUs, just go from trusted PSUs. PSUs can make or break systems, can run or fry $1,000s USD.

But, good luck, man! I built my own, I'm sure you can do it. Hell, I even built mine on carpet, my cat jumped into my case, onto my mobo/GPU. So, PCs aren't as fragile as newcomers think, but, doesn't mean they're invulnerable. Just touch the case a lot, be safe, you'll be alright.

[Garritt24]

Thanks for the help so far. I asked a friend of mine about building computers and he said that you need something called a "Grounder" or something so it doesn't fry your system. Is this true or can you just do as the previous post said and touch the case a lot? Another problem I have is I dont quite have all the money right now so I'm trying to finance the rest through my mother (suprise suprise I am 16...I do have a job so I'm not worthless) but she is hell bent on me getting a factory assembled Dell cause they "have the best quality" ect ect. I've tried telling her "Yeah, they make decent computers and have good service but they dont have what I want, and the 2 "gaming" computers they have are out of my desired price range." Any good arguments to use?

[Garritt24]

Also, how likely is it that the computer will fry when I build it?

[Doom]

If you're talking about static "frying" your computer. It's not hard to avoid it. Just remember to always touch something metal attached to the ground before working on electric components (lamp). I think you can simply touch the metal on the chassis and you'll be good. What you're looking to avoid is a static discharge on any of those sensitive parts like the motherboard, RAM chips or central processor. Also, keep components in their static free bags until you're ready to install. As far as reasons to build vs. buy... I don't know effective it will be on your mom... but these worked on my wife ...

1. Cheaper in the long run... especially for any type of gaming system.
2. You don't get stuck w/ a ton a programs and features you don't need... which means you don't pay for them. My current gateway is nice... but it came with dozens of programs I didn't want, didn't need and never used.
3. This isn't like buying a Playstation 3. If you do your research, you'll be learning about computers and electronics in the process. I don't care what career you eventually go into... this helps a ton.
4. Keeping your system up to date is cheaper in the long run since you are 100% aware of what's in the box and what it's compatible with.
5. You don't have any control over what parts are used in a Dell. Don't expect them to use the best motherboards or RAM chips out there. If you do this on your own, each and every component can be researched... so you know each component is reliable.

The bottom line is that you can save your family money... now and in the future. Plus, you're learning throughout the process instead of just playing games.

Good luck dude.

[Garritt24]

Thanks! Are there any other risks involved I should know about? And also, is the guide on this website a good one to use for building or can someone link a very nice, detailed, and easy to follow guide. Sorry for all the questions and stuff, but until I get to the business part (building) I am left just thinking about it.

[digitalfreedom64]

I have to agree with the rest of these guys....build it yourself. I built my first computer when I was 17. in the seven years since I have built another for myself, 2 for my mom and 4 for different friends and all of these machines are still going strong. I have yet to see a factory assembled machine that is as reliable or has the longevity of a do it yourself rig.

The reason I like building myself is because I can research all my part to make sure I'm getting top quality components and I get a better bang for my buck because more of my money goes into the hardware instead of the useless bundle apps that come on all factory assembled machines. Then there is the fact that because of the fact that you know what goes into the machine it is more easily upgraded which can add to the lifespan of a machine.

oh and just my take on the first parts list... I'd go with it. That looks like an awesome gaming rig but them what else should expect.....these guys on here are the best. That is one thing you can be sure about...the people on pcmech really know what they are talking about.

[shadowpr]

The guide from this site is pretty good.

It's the one I used before I built my first one. Just read it threw before you start the build, and take your time while building.

Your motherboard manual will also explain a lot. too.

If you have trouble putting it together, just come on here and post. Someone will be able to help.

[Garritt24]

This is one of the last questions I have about the build until I actually Build the rig. I see on cases taht it says "______ power supply". Do I need to find a case with a certain power supply or am I buying the power supply seperately?

[Alaron]

Best thing to do is to buy the power supply separately. Very few cases come with good power supplies (Antec is the exception). Using the Corsair units recommended above would a great idea, then you're free to buy any case you like.

[Garritt24]

How long will it take to build? Remember that I have to read directions.

[mattaggie]

If all goes well, not that long, easily done in an evening. But since you are new, you will run into a few snags and have to get on here to ask questions, so it may take a few days. But it is well worth it to learn something about a device that is so crucial to our world. It is amazing how many businesses out there use many computers and no one who knows anything about them. So they have to pay "experts" lots of money to handle even the smallest problems.

[shadowpr]

If you read ahead of time, and have a basic idea of what you want to do, I would say it shouldn't take more then let's say 4 hours. Give i a bit more to install the operating system. And that's with being very cautious and taking your time.

Just read before hand. Once you do that, it shouldn't be too hard.

[Garritt24]

And the first parts list will come with everything i need except for the OS as long as everything is retail but the HD, right? I dont have to purchase cords or anything?

[Katreat]

Originally Posted by Garritt24 And the first parts list will come with everything i need except for the OS as long as everything is retail but the HD, right? I dont have to purchase cords or anything?

Yes, everythiing you need to build the computer will come with the parts. The MB will have a couple of SATA cables to connect the HD. The case will come with all your screws and assorted case hardware. Retail CPU will come with heatsink and thermal pad. You should be fine unless you decide to add a bunch of OEM hard drives.

Kat

[Garritt24]

Just put in my order on Newegg! Do they ship over the weekend, cause I added the 3$ fast processing option. Wish me luck! I'll be back in a few days when the parts come

[HolTiL]

*Wishes Luck* Good luck man im only 14 and im trying to build my own rig with as much knowledge as you and i can definatly say that im glad to see another person in the same position as me... Sometimes when people are talking its like " WHATTTTT " cause it sounds so confusing but this site seems to help Alot. Like everyone here is very nice so im glad that i can just read what was posted here for help to me.
=D

Thanks- HolTiL

[Garritt24]

Parts came, I've begun assembly, however, I am to the connecting of the cords to the motherboard and it has just blown my brain to ****. I dont know where to start and where everything goes. There are cords coming from the case that i have no idea what to do with, the other cords from the power supply I dont know where to put. A good link or picture would help thousands, thanks.

[Garritt24]

Or if you'd be willing you can hit me up on AIM Garritt24