Just Starting to Build

[Lao-Des]

Alright you guys probably don't need a backstory but anyway...
I'm 15, have limited funds, and wish to build a PC of my own. I've never opened up any of the cases in my home (3 2002 Emachines) so I have no prior experience in this field. Though I might as well start somewhere since I'll be majoring in Computer Science in college(software and hardware engineering). Plus, I really want a computer that can handle what I want to do as the power supply on the computer I have currently, burnt out last year from excessive usage. Or I believe that's what happened. The thing doesn't come on anymore ever since I wiped the hard drive. Seemingly took out 2 keyboards and a mouse with it somehow as well <_<

Anyway, my main priority at this point is mapping out the things I'll need to accomplish this feat. I'm trying to build a computer that can easily run games with very little or no lag(online games from Lunia to FFXI, nothing like COD or anything though. I don't want to be a hardcore PC gamer). I also need the computer to be able to handle massive file sizes (4-8 GB) and several programs without being bogged down and sluggish.

I already have 2 cases to experiment with. One is my old Emachine and the other and old Compaq, which I have no clue how old it is. I may have an old tower to experiment with as well but we'll see about that. And the budget....I have no clue what my budget is at the moment. I'll most likely be building the thing from scratch and purchasing one part at a time. Well I'm positive I'll be building it from scratch.

Sorry for the lengthy reading - but I'm new to the field of computer building and modding and all the terminology to go with it. But I am familiar with console modding (PS2 and PSP and eventually my 360)

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech.

It's tough to map out parts for you without a budget to work with. Also, buying on a peicemeal basis doesn't work out well. Tech changes too fast, and you don't want to be sitting on useless, out of date parts. Best to shoot for number, save it up and come back to find out what is best at the time. We can build a functioning system for around $500 (for parts only) that will leave you lots of room to upgrade in the future.

Your old towers are not going be reusable with current parts unfortunately. You'll also need a copy of Windows.

Will you need just the computer, or monitor/peripherals too?

[Lao-Des]

Well I already have a monitor to use, it's a nice size. Not too big or small. I just need a computer.

I'm not planning on using the old towers for anything though. I just want to open them up and take them apart, then put them back together. That way when I get a new case, I'll have a good idea and solid grasp of what goes where and how to install it.

[Doom]

Lao-Des

I recommend you save up to buy most (actually...all) of your stuff at the same time. If any of the parts are dead on arrival (DOA) and you're waiting around for a few weeks while you get the last components... it will be a lot tougher to work returns and exchanges if you need to. I know it sucks... but have patience. I've been researching my first build for two months... and it's going to be another month or so until I have the dough for my new rig. But it will be worth it.

In the meantime, get as smart as you can and do your research. It may be laughable to some, but I recommend finding the most recent copy of "Building a PC for Dummies" and reading the PCMech section on building your own PC. I recommend the dummies book because it's very complete and helps you understand a lot of the terms an technology. If you want to do CS in college (good on ya!), it will certainly help build a good knowledge base.

I also made a spreadsheet of all the parts of the computer (RAM, CPU, case, etc) and then columns for the actual equipment I wanted and the price. It's been updated a lot as I've done research and read threads here on PC Mech. At any given time I know exactly how much my dream machine is set to cost... and once I've got the money... it's game on. Good luck to you!!