First Build and ?'s

[bananaboy]

Hey, I'm building a new PC and I just want to make sure that the build is good. It costs $857 after rebates, shipping, and tax. I have a really tight budget, so I can't increase the cost.

Click

Also, will putting it together be hard? Is there a site that could run me through everything?

Much appreciated.

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCM.

Looks like a good list. You only need DDR2-800, if you can find some cheaper then whats listed. Otherwise its fine to stick with it.

Putting together a system isn't hard but its important to read directions carefully and ask questions if you get stuck. Thats why we're here.

[bananaboy]

^Thanks. Would DDR2 800 be fine if I wanted to overclock anything? (Keep in mind I'm a big PC noob.)

Is this memory good?

OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227269

[minsonngo]

These are a great deal right now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590

[Alaron]

Using DDR2-800 would still give you room for a bit of overclocking, minsonngo has some nice sticks in that link.

However, if you're new to building computers, I'd avoid overclocking. You most likely wouldn't see any performance increase anyway.

[not important]

I would suggest going with a Lite-On or LG DVDRW. I prefer Asus motherboards but the GB should be good.

[bananaboy]

Thanks. One question, how long after do you mail rebates? What if the parts break after you send it in with a cutout UPC code?

[not important]

I like to give new hardware a few days to be sure it is working properly before cutting off UPC labels for rebates. I also like to make a copy of the UPC. Read the rebate instructions carefully and allow yourself enough time to comply with the requirements.

[tmathews]

If the part fails before you cut off the UPC you should be able to exchange it at the retailer; if it fails after (and is still in manufacturer's warranty) you need to deal with the manufacturer.

[bananaboy]

I have a couple more questions...

How do you tell the speeds of a hard drive? Also, what does the cache do?

Out of these 2, which is better?

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136320

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136218

Both are the same price.

[Alaron]

The vast majority of hard drives today are 7200RPM drives and they perform very well. Cache is a small amount of flash memory (like a RAM chip) that stores frequently used data. This means that if you're always firing up iTunes or certain documents the hard drive can load them much faster instead of spinning the disc. More cache is generally better but lately it is starting to reach a point of diminishing returns, so I wouldn't get too hung up on it.

Of course those two drives have different sizes, but I've heard very positive reviews of the new 640GB. That would be my choice of the two. The extra space is going to me more useful then a bit more cache in my opinion.

[bananaboy]

Thanks. Another question :P

Where can I buy an ESD wrist strap? Also, do I need special screwdrivers and other tools to install the parts to prevent ESD?

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by bananaboy Thanks. Another question :P Where can I buy an ESD wrist strap? Also, do I need special screwdrivers and other tools to install the parts to prevent ESD?

You can grab it at any local computer/electronic store although, it is not necessary (95% of the time I don't use one).

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by minsonngo You can grab it at any local computer/electronic store although, it is not necessary (95% of the time I don't use one).

i remember as a kid rubbing my feet on the carpet and zapping my sister or my cat with my finger... not a good idea doing this to your ram

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by jdeb i remember as a kid rubbing my feet on the carpet and zapping my sister or my cat with my finger... not a good idea doing this to your ram

Yes, but from my experience, as long as you discharge yourself on a body of metal before handling the sensitive components... there won't by any issues.

But having a ESD wrist wrap, grounding mat or table, etc... wouldn't hurt.

[bananaboy]

All right, my parts should be coming today, and I need a good guide for putting a PC together. Anyone have one? Thanks.

[mattaggie]

Your motherboard should come with a manual giving step-by-step instructions.

[shadowpr]

follow this: PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

and read this: http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

[bananaboy]

Ok, just got it. I have the CPU+fan and memory attached to the mobo. The PSU is screwed to the case, but now I don't know what to do next. Should I install the HDD or CD drive next or what?

[not important]

I like to connect my case wiring before install any drives but the order is kind of up to you. As long as it's all in there at connected properly in the end.