Is it Worth It?

[SCKiller]

I've picked out all the parts for my fist build with help from you guys, but i was wondering if I should get the book they sell on this site "build your own PC" to help me with my first build. Or is there another book that's better? Thanks.

[Alaron]

It's up to you. Our book is very thorough and is a handy reference for your first time. The DVD is equally useful. But if you'd rather save the cash, there are lots of guides online that will help you. The usually aren't completely up to date though. So its a toss up.

[shadowpr]

I personally just used this: http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

It covers the essentials, and if anything differes, the motherboard manual should cover.

Also, if you were to have questions, you could ask here.

Take a look at this too before you build: PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

[EzyStvy]

Do you have any friends with building experience? That's how I learned.

[The Village Idiot]

I learned just by throwing myself in, in retrospect it would've been more efficient to just use online guides but I did fine with the manuals that came with the motherboard and when I did get stuck, I just came here! Then again I don't look at manuals very much so it depends on whether you usually look at manuals.

[catacon]

There weren't too many guides when I started building, so I just learned by doing it. I would say this is the best way. Just read the free guides that are available, take your time, and you will do fine.

[The Village Idiot]

And if you do screw up, just REM the parts saying they were faulty already!

[tomtoon]

Originally Posted by shadowpr I personally just used this: http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/ It covers the essentials, and if anything differes, the motherboard manual should cover. Also, if you were to have questions, you could ask here. Take a look at this too before you build: PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

that section is a bit outdated though.

[shadowpr]

It might be a bit outdated, but it still mentions the basic principles.

The motherboard manual should also talk about anything that is different.

And like I said, if in doubt, just post here.

[phigdon]

the only way to really understand the process is to jump in with both feet. When you boil everything down its really not that hard. My motherboard book had instruction on how to assemble the parts. would suggest sticking with a stock cooler to start and keep your peripherals to a minimum. Like a GPU, a HDD, and an optical. get that working then start adding to the system. sometimes the best thing is that something doesn't work, not at the time of course, but it teaches you how to troubleshoot.