Building a computer - What comes first?

[Anomo]

The thing is I know what parts I need for a computer, but I don't know what to find first. I have already chosen a processor (heard that is the first thing you find).

Can anyone say the order of what you find first and what you find last? The easiest way to find the parts that are compatible?

[EzyStvy]

First you decide what you're budget is.....

Since you already have a CPU - you need a mobo - then ram and video card. Hard drive is no big deal since they don't change much from system to system.

[glc]

Tell us what processor you picked, what you will be using the computer for, and your budget. We'll give you some suggestions.

[Tempest000]

What is the socket type for the processor? Find compatible motherboard/ram next. After that it doesn't really matter order wise.

What is your budget, and what are you going to use the computer for?

Post up, and we can help you!

[rwest]

There are multiple ways to go about choosing and picking components. The most tried and true is working off a budget and determining what the computer will be used for.

There really is no set method for choosing parts. The more knowledgeable you are about the components, their reliability, and capabilities the bettter system you will end up with. The guys asking are very familiar with the components and can offer the best help when given this information.

[Anomo]

Here is what I want to do.

I want a gaming computer/movie editing/rendring computer. It has to work fast and effective. I am planing to use Windows 7 on it and have found several processors (of which you can find here What processor should i choose?). My budget is betwen 1000$ - 1400$. I really can't tell you anything else then that because that is as far as I have come.

If there is anything specific you want to know ask, and I will answer as asap.

[glc]

Look at Triquee's post in this thread:

New PC Build- $1500 budget

Upgrade the processor to an i7-860. Would that be in your budget range?

[Anomo]

Yes that would be within my my price range. That is one of the 4 processors that I chose in the other thread. Seems like i'm on the right way when it comes to choosing processors then

So it would be smart to find components in this order?

Processor/CPU
Mobo
Video
Ram
Sound (yes I want this, I know its not necessary)

Then the stuff that seems to be compatible with everything (exept the PSU)
External fans
Optical drives
PSU
Case

Anything else?

I already have a keyboard, mouse and screen. Don't want speakers

[Hufigyed]

You will also need a case if you don't have one. Fans are included with most good cases so you don't need to get those separately unless you want more/quieter/different colored fans. You will also need an OS.

I think glc was asking if the whole system in this post was in your price range, not just the i7-860. If it is, it will work great for what you want. Just get the i7-860 instead of the i5-750 and add the sound card you want. If that puts you over your budget, you might need to drop the SSD.

[Anomo]

Originally Posted by Hufigyed I think glc was asking if the whole system in this post was in your price range, not just the i7-860.

Oh xP
Yes that list is within my price range

[glc]

There really is no specific order in which you choose components.

I do have to tell you that most of today's onboard sound systems are just as good or better than most sound cards. Unless you have a very specific need for a separate card you build without one first, and you can always add a card later.

I'm also not a big fan of SSD yet, they are still quite expensive and aren't really that necessary till you get into higher priced systems. Most general purpose builds are fine with one large conventional hard drive. For what you are doing, I'd probably recommend 2 conventional hard drives - one 500gb for OS and programs, and a large 1.5tb or so for your data - movies take up a lot of space.