Complete newbie, thinking of building my own computer, non gaming

[ts87]

Found this site from just researching on the internet for some advice on building my own desktop. This place is great and has a ton information and ive learned alot so far. I have never built a computer but I am a very fast learner and I am very patient. I am not intimated to build my own as long as I know what is what lol. I currently own a Compaq Evo N610c laptop (I know lol very old) with XP but it has been very durable but is pretty slow. I dont know much about computers but I love to try things out for myself and learn how to build it in the process. Are there any good books or dvds that help explain the process of building your own computer that you guys would recommend? I would like to learn the ins and outs of this process because I would like to continue to build my own computers for whatever I may need. I have about $800-$1000 to spend on the entire computer moniter included. If I can get by for less than that price range while still building a fast reliable computer for my needs than I have no problem with that lol. From what I have read from here and other sites newegg.com looks to be the best place to get parts so I will probably be getting everything from there. Here's a list of what I will be using this computer for:

No gaming whatsoever
Internet surfing, video streaming
I am a student so I will be typing papers, etc
I restore old cars for a hobby and take alot of pics and video
Would like to be able to burn cd's and dvd's
Would like to be able to download music with plenty of space
I have DSL for internet
Would like to try Windows 7
Would like to have atleast a 16+" screen
I want a fast computer, something that can keep up easily with anything mentioned above
I want to use good quality parts, I dont mind paying extra for something that will last me a long time
I may be looking into purchasing photoshop down the road but for now not a concern, just would like to be able to upgrade my computer to be able to handle it if/when I ever do get it.

That is what my basic usage will be but if you guys need to know anything else please feel free to ask.

I want a good, solid, fast, reliable computer and I dont mind spending a little extra money to accomplish that. At the same time I dont want overkill, I dont want to buy something I may never need for what I am using this computer for. Thanks in advance for any advice you guys may have. I appreciate any advice I can get.

[David M]

You have done the right thing. You put together a budget and told us what you want to do with your computer. Pick out the components now and let others give their opinions. Change the component list as you get others recommendations. Once your component list gets the thumbs up from the experts then order your components from a quality online retailer like Newegg.

Also, read through some of the other new builds and see what was suggested to them and why.

[The Other Steve]

Hello, and welcome.

Originally Posted by ts87 I want to use good quality parts, I dont mind paying extra for something that will last me a long time

I have the same philosophy.

Your budget is larger than mine was, but your intended uses seem sort of similar, and you might get some ideas from the thread for my build (which was my first DIY):

$450 Ubuntu/Win7, Intel, Photo + db + Web

That's for a basic set-up, photo editing and no gaming. Including Windows-7, it came out to ~$650 with shipping and taxes (but I already had a monitor).

With a larger budget, you could look at an i5 processor and 1156-board if you were going Intel. That, and a larger hard drive, are the things I would have done differently if I had had another ~$125.

I have both Win-7 and Ubuntu on this machine, and they are both fine and seem to live harmoniously together on the same drive.

[The Other Steve]

Oh, and I meant to ask: What old cars?

[lfnfan]

Originally Posted by ts87 Are there any good books or dvds that help explain the process of building your own computer that you guys would recommend?

I don't think you need a book or a dvd. This thread should give you pretty much what you need: PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

Make sure the components you choose are compatible.

Read your motherboard manual cover to cover

Buy a good quality power supply unit.

Seat the cpu heatsink fan properly.

Have fun learning.