Need help to get started/learn how to build a computer!

Forums › Desktop computing › Need help to get started/learn how to build a computer!

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#101865 10-May-2012 17:09

Planning to build a computer for casual gaming, work, media etc, only problem is that I don't know how to build acomputer haha. Can anyone give me links to some good guides for building a pc/give me a few pointers?

[Modorator Nety: Have moved to correct forum]

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1606 posts

Uber Geek

#623032 10-May-2012 17:21

Well its always good to set your self a budget and go from there. Ascent.co.nz has a PC builder which you need to log in to use.

Google "How to build a computer" and go from there.

Poll

343 posts

Ultimate Geek

#623055 10-May-2012 17:53

Techreport has a slightly old but still decent guide to putting a pc together. As far as choosing components Semigeek's advice is exactly where to start, budget.
Once you have a budget then start deciding on what components to buy.
Do not skimp on power supply, a high quality PSU is more important than getting the next fastest cpu or graphics card.

Before purchasing all components be sure to research them online, read reviews, look for reports of incompatibilities.
Once you begin building your own Pc then you are an enthusiast, don't be surprised if you ponder upgrading as you go so look for components with some semblance of future proofing to them if possible.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

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#623143 10-May-2012 19:34

Go Here - http://www.gpforums.co.nz/thread/302905/?s=

Choose pre selected combo based on the price range you want to spend, then tweak it.

The thread is dated 2008, but the post gets updated every 2-4 weeks.

Choose items then post a thread on that forum with ur list of parts and ask for comments.

Buy all the parts

After you have all the stuff watch youtube videos on how to install XXXXX

I recommend you stick to a stock cpu cooler that comes free with the CPU and has a thermal pad, as it makes it easier to install the cooler to the cpu as this is probably the hardest bit.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

Ragnor

8221 posts

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#623272 10-May-2012 22:49

There are millions PC build videos on Youtube.

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#624431 13-May-2012 16:17

Hey thanks for the help guys. budget ut probably around 1000-1600, will that get me a good pc?
As for components is there a main component i need to decided on getting before deciding what other components i need to get?

tdgeek

29746 posts

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#624451 13-May-2012 16:56

While I've built around 400 PC's I'm a bit out of touch now, but here is a guide. You can research using Google, that will help you get an understanding and learn.

I assume AMD still gives you best bang for buck, so go to Ascent and look for a mid range quad core CPU. See what socket it uses, then look for a mid range motherboard tht uses that socket. ATI I assume gives you best bang for buck as far as graphics cards are concerned, so again, price out a mid range one. Add a quality power supply, a case, RAM at 4Gb minimum, hard drive, DVD drive, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers.

See what that costs. Next, Google the CPU, motherboard, socket XYZ motherboard, graphics card to see what you can cut down on, or what you can increase, depending on budget. You can get a good idea how each component is as far as speed/gaming is concerned, and look at the price they are.

Be like a painter, 90% preparation (research) the build is the easy part

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

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#624454 13-May-2012 17:03

Decide on case first, this will tell you what motherboard size to buy; Full ATX size vs mini ATX size (mATX)
mATX can fit inside a full ATX case, but a full size ATX motherboard wont fit in an mATX case

After that decide what CPU you want. Probably an Intel i3 or Intel i5, then decide if you want to overclock (k series CPU for overclocking or non k series CPU for non overclocking)

Then grab an Intel socket 1155 motherboard, the chipset you use depends on what features you want ie. overclocking, Dual SLI (running 2x video cards at once), How many RAM slots you need, SATA3, USB3, etc..

But I would just suggest you buy the following parts

CPU: $159.00 Intel Core i3 2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz 3MB Cache LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core
Mobo: $179.00 ASUS P8Z77-M 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX
RAM: $49.00 G.Skill Value 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3-1333 CL9
GFX: $319.00 Nvidia GTX560 1gb
Case: $100.00 Case
PSU: $100.00 CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified
DVD: $45.00 Samsung/Asus/LG/LiteOn 22X SATA Dual Layer DVDRW
HDD: $140.00 1TB Seagate Barracuda/WDigital Blue/Samsung Spinpoint F3

TOTAL ~$1100

Add keyboard, mouse, computer speakers, monitor.

If you want to change it you can
Get an Intel i5 instead of i3
Add an SSD HDD (crucial m4 64gb or 128gb) and change the main HDD to a slower + larger 3TB WD Green
Upgrade ram to 8gb instead of 4gb
Upgrade GFX to ATI HD7850 Overclocked
Change CPU to overclockable i5 k series CPU and add a Hyper 212 EVO CPU cooler for $60
Spend more on a quiter case eg. Antec P180 / P183 Case
Get a nicer PSU eg. Seasonic X-560 or Seasonic M12II 650
For a monitor consider a Dell 24" 1920x1200 LCD with student discount from their website (They don't check student discount eligibility)

The upgrades that would make the most difference would be CPU / Video card /SSD. Upgrading RAM wouldn't make anything run faster unless you ran out of memory (unlikely).

If above is too expensive buy the following parts, which uses the onboard video (onboard AMD faster than onboard Intel video)

CPU: $109.00 AMD A6-3500 Liano 2.4GHz 3MB L2 Cache Socket FM1 65W Triple-Core
Mobo: $119.00 Asus F1A55-M AMD A55 Socket FM1 mATX
RAM: $35.00 Kingston 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 CL9
Case: $100.00 Cooler Master Elite Mid Tower ATX Case with 420W PSU
DVD: $45.00 Samsung/Asus/LG/LiteOn 22X SATA Dual Layer DVDRW
SSD: $100 Crucial 64gb M4
HDD: $250 Western Digital Caviar Green WD30EZRX 3TB 64MB Cache SATA3

TOTAL = $760

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#627230 18-May-2012 10:30

Im thinking of getting an Intel Core i5 3450 Ivy Bridge 3.10Ghz 6MB 95W LGA1155 or Intel Core i5 3550 Ivy Bridge 3.30Ghz 6MB 95W LGA1155
Which one of these would you guys suggest me to buy for a mid range $1000-1500 and what kind of motherboard should I get for it?

trig42

5811 posts

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#627245 18-May-2012 10:48

Don't forget Windows. You need to factor that into your build cost.

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#627247 18-May-2012 10:56

Got a free upgrade copy of windows 7 for my laptop but havn't used it yet so might put into into the computer. But its only 32bit though

trig42

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#627249 18-May-2012 11:00

Those upgrades usually need a valid XP/Vista license on the computer first.
If you install the upgrade from scratch, it will want you to prove you ARE upgrading (usually by inserting the media from the previous version).

I am not sure about windows 7 though. It will certainly be a breach of the EULA if you are installing it on a new PC as OEM licenses (like the one on your laptop) are not transferable to a new PC.

Just saying...

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#627250 18-May-2012 11:02

Ah ok, didn't know that. Will have to research on the 32 and 64 bit windows 7 to see which one to get

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#627259 18-May-2012 11:29

trig42: Those upgrades usually need a valid XP/Vista license on the computer first.
If you install the upgrade from scratch, it will want you to prove you ARE upgrading (usually by inserting the media from the previous version).

Not quite correct.
Windows 7 Upgrade will upgrade from Vista but if you have an XP system it does a clean install i.e. it won't do an upgrade from XP. Says so on the box. I think it will work OK on a new blank HDD but if not then it's easy enough to install XP first then install Win 7.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#627261 18-May-2012 11:35

http://www.pcityourself.com/

Nice "build" site

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#627264 18-May-2012 11:38

I've always had my PCs purchased and assembled to my specs at one of the Asian Computer Shops.
Doesn't cost any more than the individual parts (usually a little less) and I've always got a good deal as a regular customer.
I just chose my list of parts and they put it together with operating system of my choice (OEM version), software installed and PC soak tested 24hrs before pick-up. Removes all worry about making a mistake putting it together and killing some parts. Also 12 month return to base Guarantee. Even had a power supply replaced free of charge on one after it failed 6 months after guarantee expired.
Most have generalised deals available which can be changed to suit your needs.

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