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Before building a computer

Blogs > Carnivorous Sheep
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1 2 3 Next All
Carnivorous Sheep
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Baa?21242 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-08-10 01:09:39
August 08 2009 01:44 GMT
#1
Post from page 2:

On August 10 2009 09:44 Carnivorous Sheep wrote:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11489032

Here's a build that mahini (you're awesome, thanks <3) put together for me really quickly as a guide/rough draft sort of thing. (I kinda just went "ooh shiny" at most of the stuff. I feel so clueless ) He told me to check this with other people as I start researching myself, so yeah, anyone have anything to say about any of these parts/have personal experience/suggestions for something better/cheaper/etc.?

Budget: ~$1000
Main goals: SCII, Diablo 3, run Windows 7, and possibly upgrade in the next few years if needed.

(PS researching computer parts is hard work @_@)


---

I'm considering building a computer to use. Before I actually delve in, I would like to ask for you guys who have had experience with this kind of thing, what should I know about building a computer before I actually start. Like, nothing technical, but is there unexpected stuff that I should know/watch out for? How long does it typically take? How much effort/expertise? Will I hate life/myself/computers in the middle of this process? Stuff like that.

Also, a little related-ish question, for gaming, is RAM, Video card, or CPU the most important part of performance?

edit: Title is awesome. thanks pachi

*****
TranslatorBaa!
Agro_Z
Profile Joined April 2008
United States138 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-08-08 02:04:45
August 08 2009 02:00 GMT
#2
[QUOTE]On August 08 2009 10:44 Carnivorous Sheep wrote:
Also, a little related-ish question, for gaming, is RAM, Video card, or CPU the most important part of performance?QUOTE]

All three are largely important, but seeing as how most new computers today come with a decent amount of ram and CPU power, I'd say the GFX card is usually the thing that can make the difference.

What do you mean? Are you building a computer, i.e. buying the parts and putting them together (a real headache)? or are you customizing it on a site?
"Don't put things off, put them over" - fortune cookie
mahnini
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
United States6862 Posts
August 08 2009 02:02 GMT
#3
those are weird questions. video card is usually the most important.
the world's a playground. you know that when you're a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.
pachi
Profile Joined October 2006
Melbourne5338 Posts
August 08 2009 02:05 GMT
#4
Just give mahnini a budget and ask him nicely to build you a sc2 computer
Moderatorpachi fanclub http://goto.tl/6DI9 。◕‿◕。
xmShake
Profile Blog Joined February 2007
United States1100 Posts
August 08 2009 02:13 GMT
#5
On August 08 2009 10:44 Carnivorous Sheep wrote:
I'm considering building a computer to use. Before I actually delve in, I would like to ask for you guys who have had experience with this kind of thing, what should I know about building a computer before I actually start. Like, nothing technical, but is there unexpected stuff that I should know/watch out for? How long does it typically take? How much effort/expertise? Will I hate life/myself/computers in the middle of this process? Stuff like that.

Also, a little related-ish question, for gaming, is RAM, Video card, or CPU the most important part of performance?

edit: Title sounds weird. I guess I shoulda just called it "Before building a computer" or something...

Building itself is strait forward but choosing the components is where most of the work comes in.

Establish a budget and your priorities (what are you going to use this computer for?). This will greatly aid you and whoever else may help you when choosing parts.

Know how to choose the right power supply. Look around for reputable brands (Corsair, OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, etc), and know how much Wattage you'll be needing. A quick google search should turn up several recommendations.

Make sure everything is compatible (obviously). The main things are does your motherboard support your processor and ram speed.


Building a computer is incredibly simple itself compared to choosing the components and will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours for a first timer depending on how much cable management and problems you run into. If you follow a basic guide and insert things in the right order (so you don't have to take other things out to fit another thing in, thus wasting time and patience), everything should go smoothly.

Most important in this order: Video card, Processor, RAM.
Generally, RAM is irrelevant as long as you have 2GB+. Processors affect performance quite a bit but you won't be seeing jumps in framerates from a processor upgrade like you in video card upgrade.
Carnivorous Sheep
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Baa?21242 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-08-08 02:14:43
August 08 2009 02:13 GMT
#6
See I always thought video cards were the most important too (so does some very basic googling), but one of my friends who is usually right on computer stuff told me not. Meh.

I guess the questions in this blog can be summed up to "Do I want to take the leap o.o?"

PS thanks pachi.
TranslatorBaa!
DamageControL
Profile Blog Joined July 2007
United States4222 Posts
August 08 2009 02:17 GMT
#7
On August 08 2009 11:13 Carnivorous Sheep wrote:
See I always thought video cards were the most important too (so does some very basic googling), but one of my friends who is usually right on computer stuff told me not. Meh.

I guess the questions in this blog can be summed up to "Do I want to take the leap o.o?"

PS thanks pachi.

I hear its very much worth it, but..what's your budget and how much power do you want.
Liquid | SKT
Carnivorous Sheep
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Baa?21242 Posts
August 08 2009 02:18 GMT
#8
As I said, this is more of a pre-blog. I haven't actually looked at the pricing/technicalities/what parts I want and stuff yet. Still contemplating if I want to before delving really deeply into it.
TranslatorBaa!
Agro_Z
Profile Joined April 2008
United States138 Posts
August 08 2009 02:19 GMT
#9
Yeah, it's worth it. Custom-made PC's are usually way better than the mass produced stuff that HP and Dell spit out.

Since you're building your own PC you might as well get some real quality parts, while you're at it, so that you have some leeway for overclocking as your computer becomes more and more outdated.
"Don't put things off, put them over" - fortune cookie
mahnini
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
United States6862 Posts
August 08 2009 02:21 GMT
#10
On August 08 2009 11:13 Carnivorous Sheep wrote:
See I always thought video cards were the most important too (so does some very basic googling), but one of my friends who is usually right on computer stuff told me not. Meh.

I guess the questions in this blog can be summed up to "Do I want to take the leap o.o?"

PS thanks pachi.

important is relative. what you plan on doing with your computer drastically affects how much you "need" to spend and how to allocate them benjis.
the world's a playground. you know that when you're a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.
Carnivorous Sheep
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Baa?21242 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-08-08 02:30:14
August 08 2009 02:30 GMT
#11
I said it was for gaming. Obviously needs change for different stuff.

I was also talking to a few of my friends, and as of right now, I'm leaning heavily to taking the leap and building a computer. Got nothing to do until school starts anyways...
TranslatorBaa!
mahnini
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
United States6862 Posts
August 08 2009 02:34 GMT
#12
how much are you looking to spend?
the world's a playground. you know that when you're a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.
Carnivorous Sheep
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Baa?21242 Posts
August 08 2009 02:59 GMT
#13
Not sure. Let's go with somewhere in the 800-1000 range. A general idea of what kind of computer that would give me?
TranslatorBaa!
FragKrag
Profile Blog Joined September 2007
United States11552 Posts
August 08 2009 03:01 GMT
#14
it'd get you a mid-high end gaming computer :o
*TL CJ Entusman #40* "like scissors does anything to paper except MAKE IT MORE NUMEROUS" -paper
nttea
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
Sweden4353 Posts
August 08 2009 03:01 GMT
#15
Here's how i did it: i had a guide on how to put your computer together on my old comp sitting just beside so i read up on how to do it step by step while doing it. It all went like a charm! don't be afraid to do it cause it's much easier than you might expect, some things i recommend from my experience:
1. Make sure you have LOTS of light, preferrably more than one source so you can always see clearly from different angles and when your hands block the light, it makes a world of difference.
2. Check and double check if your component is put in the right way before you apply any pressure if it doesn't seem to slide into it's place comfortably, after u've done that be prepared to actually use some (very carefully!) force cause some things just don't want to align perfectly when i installed the ram comes to mind, i actually had to force it a slight bit.
3. When applying thermal paste it's very fucking hard to put too little, but very easy to put too much.
4. I don't know what your budget is, i would recommend posting it here and what you want to do with the computer. me and I'm sure lots of others here can put together the best choices of components for you. you want to do it yourself then there's usually lots of places on the web where you can get infIf ormation on the best current computer builds for a specific pricerange.
mahnini
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
United States6862 Posts
August 08 2009 03:02 GMT
#16
that's a broad range but graphics shouldnt be a problem (if this doesnt include monitor)

800-900 you're probably looking at phenom 955
900-1000 core i7 920
the world's a playground. you know that when you're a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.
Kennelie
Profile Joined December 2007
United States2296 Posts
August 08 2009 05:25 GMT
#17
shits like a clock. Put the pieces together and you'll be amazed out what your missing out on.
ya had ya shot kid!
Husky
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States3362 Posts
August 08 2009 06:46 GMT
#18
Making your own computer is the most amazing thing ever. I just wish I had money to buy a new computer more than every 3-4 years, I look forward to it every time.
Commentaries: youtube.com/HuskyStarcraft
haduken
Profile Blog Joined April 2003
Australia8267 Posts
August 08 2009 12:49 GMT
#19
All that is required for building a computer is common sense.

Don't do anything that will damage the components. Don't short circuit anything.

Don't block air flow. Don't get shits that don't fit with each other.

The rest can be solved by google.

One thing I have to say is get a good brand name power supply. It will give you so much less headache.
Rillanon.au
CharlieMurphy
Profile Blog Joined March 2006
United States22895 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-08-09 03:57:45
August 09 2009 03:55 GMT
#20
I've read this statistic like 50 times online but I built my entire computer from online and dodged it all. Here it is anyways: 25% of all online parts do not work and need to be RMA'd. The only exception to this is my mobo came with the south bridge heat sink un fastened and it was quite a bitch to get back on.

Another somewhat technical tip is that when installing the CPU into a MOBO it is freaking scary, it makes ridiculous crunch and requires a great deal of force to clamp down. (even when you check and recheck that it is in the correct position).

Protip, use newegg.com for most/all purchases, I found most of the shit cheaper on there. But I dunno if you are from USA.
..and then I would, ya know, check em'. (Aka SpoR)
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