Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I'm thinking about building a PC for the first time. Does anybody have any recommended resources to read before I attempt this? I've read lots of different articles, but as with everything on the internet there's a lot of conflicting advice. For example some websites say preventing static isn't that important, while others say it's incredibly important and can kill the components within a PC. Thought about buying this but I don't know if it's any good: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Building-PC-Dummies-Mark-Chambers/dp/0764542478 Thanks :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muhammad Farrukh Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 A budget estimate would be nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royalty Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 TBH, "for dummies" series never really helped me. I went to the direct books that tell you specifically what you want and what you needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 A budget estimate would be nice Don't really have one, I'm going to buy the components over time. Haven't decided exactly what I need yet, but I would *like* something with USB3 support and an SSD for the OS to live on, but if that adds too much to the price I'll probably reconsider. I just think my current PC is on its' last legs (making some funky sounds and refusing to boot up like every one in five times...). I thought if I build my own, it will be easier/cheaper to just upgrade individual parts in the future rather than replace the whole thing. I'm an Xbox 360 gamer so wouldn't need a gaming PC, just want something fast for browsing, ripping music, watching movies etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x9248 Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I just recently built my first PC, and I can tell you if you have any technical knowledge whatsoever then books/guides like that aren't needed. Every component will come with some sort installation manual (the mobo one will be the most informative with what connects where etc), so really all you need to do is follow those instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muhammad Farrukh Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Okay, let see. Pentium G620, upgrade to IvyBridge later Z68 motherboard 8 GB RAM 430W PSU Radeon 6670. I know you said this isn't for gaming, but still. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TokiToki Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I thought if I build my own, it will be easier/cheaper to just upgrade individual parts in the future rather than replace the whole thing. That's not entirely true. A few years ago, I bought a cheap Dell PC which uses standard parts so I could upgrade a few parts if necessary, like adding a new video card. I saved quite a bit of money this way. Make sure you do your research. I'm an Xbox 360 gamer so wouldn't need a gaming PC, just want something fast for browsing, ripping music, watching movies etc.. Do you encode videos? How often? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 I just recently built my first PC, and I can tell you if you have any technical knowledge whatsoever then books/guides like that aren't needed. Every component will come with some sort installation manual (the mobo one will be the most informative with what connects where etc), so really all you need to do is follow those instead. Hadn't thought of the guides that come with the components themselves actually, good point :) Most of what I know is software related, but I know a bit about networking, and know what the common components within a computer do.. I mainly get confused about motherboard sizes, what PCI-E is, etc, which is why I'm trying to read up on a few things. I might be okay once the components get here, but I need to make sure everything's compatible before it even gets here. Okay, let see. Pentium G620, upgrade to IvyBridge later Z68 motherboard 8 GB RAM 430W PSU Radeon 6670. I know you said this isn't for gaming, but still. Thanks for the suggestions, should give me something to start with :D The pentium is only slightly better than my E8400 so I'd probably go with an i3-2100 for an extra ?40, which would be a bigger leap. That's not entirely true. A few years ago, I bought a cheap Dell PC which uses standard parts so I could upgrade a few parts if necessary, like adding a new video card. I saved quite a bit of money this way. Make sure you do your research. Do you encode videos? How often? I know what you're saying, it just seems to me that it would be easier to build something from scratch than to mess with what somebody else has built. Occasionally, hardly ever. I download most of my movies from iTunes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muhammad Farrukh Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Thanks for the suggestions, should give me something to start with :D The pentium is only slightly better than my E8400 so I'd probably go with an i3-2100 for an extra ?40, which would be a bigger leap. There is no point in getting the G620, but seeing as you said that you'll be upgrading in the near future, I suggested it. It isn't that bad, at all, and can hold on its own pretty damn well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 How does this look? ?129.98 - Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3P ?89.99 - Processor - Core i3 2120 ?44.99 - Memory - Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit ?35.99 - PSU - Corsair CX 430W V2 ATX2.2 80 PLUS? Power Supply ?55.99 - SSD - OCZ Agility 3 SATA III 2.5" 60GB Solid State Hard Drive ?72.98 - HDD - Western Digital Caviar Green Power 1TB 64MB Cache Hard Disk Drive SATAII 300MB/s <8.9ms - OEM ?34.99 - Sound card - Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio - OEM ?47.98 - Case - Sharkoon T9 Value Gaming Case Black with Red LED Fans - (No PSU) ?73.98 - BR Rewriter - Samsung SN-506AB Slim Internal Blu Ray ReWriter Drive - OEM TOTAL - ?586.87 Would be ordering everything from novatech.co.uk as they have very competitive prices :D Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 Apparently the case I've got has a 450watt psu with it, so I could save almost ?100 if I re-used this case and psu. Just means I wouldn't have a USB3 port at the front, but I'm not too fussed about that. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEX4S Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Apparently the case I've got has a 450watt psu with it, so I could save almost ?100 if I re-used this case and psu. Just means I wouldn't have a USB3 port at the front, but I'm not too fussed about that. :) LOL - I knew that was coming... when will n00bs ever learn. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is thinking PSU isnt a big deal - in fact its one of the biggest. People dont see performance benefits so they think its a good place to get junk. The brand is just as important as the wattage. Never go cheap - ALWAYS get the good stuff & you will save $$ in the long run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 LOL - I knew that was coming... when will n00bs ever learn. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is thinking PSU isnt a big deal - in fact its one of the biggest. People dont see performance benefits so they think its a good place to get junk. The brand is just as important as the wattage. Never go cheap - ALWAYS get the good stuff & you will save $$ in the long run. When they become non-noobs? :p Seems fine with my current PC, and I could always buy a new case + PSU if it doesn't work out, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerowen Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Go to Fry's electronics if there's one around you. The store reps will even help you if you ask, and they have demo motherboards and stuff nailed to wall for you to look at. I just rebuilt my mom's PC using her case and power supply. I went into one store, and walked out with a new motherboard, processor, 8 GB of RAM, a 2 TB hard drive, and a copy of Windows Home Premium 64bit (OEM) for much cheaper than it would have cost me to buy a pre-built PC with the same specs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 Go to Fry's electronics if there's one around you. The store reps will even help you if you ask, and they have demo motherboards and stuff nailed to wall for you to look at. I just rebuilt my mom's PC using her case and power supply. I went into one store, and walked out with a new motherboard, processor, 8 GB of RAM, a 2 TB hard drive, and a copy of Windows Home Premium 64bit (OEM) for much cheaper than it would have cost me to buy a pre-built PC with the same specs. I don't think they have them in England :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imachip Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Just asking, why the Blu-Ray Rewriter and the audio card? Often an external storage HD is a easier option to manage backups and the board outputs to 7.1 anyway. Blu-Ray readers are around ?40. I agree with getting a cheapish video card though (I'd recommend a GT 520 which you can pick up for ?35). The Intel 2000 isn't really good for other than basic desktop things and you may notice some slowdowns during use. Perhaps if you want to make the PC quiet (which I would in your case if it's mainly for watching movies and listening to music is invest in some fans (the sharktoon 120mm ones on the case are probably quiet noisy) and a fan speed controller for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imachip Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Oh and you probably don't need such an expensive Z68 motherboard. The extra features on the one you linked are aimed at overclockers and gamers. Novatech has the Asus P8Z68-V for ?80. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 Just asking, why the Blu-Ray Rewriter and the audio card? Often an external storage HD is a easier option to manage backups and the board outputs to 7.1 anyway. Blu-Ray readers are around ?40. I agree with getting a cheapish video card though (I'd recommend a GT 520 which you can pick up for ?35). The Intel 2000 isn't really good for other than basic desktop things and you may notice some slowdowns during use. Perhaps if you want to make the PC quiet (which I would in your case if it's mainly for watching movies and listening to music is invest in some fans (the sharktoon 120mm ones on the case are probably quiet noisy) and a fan speed controller for them. I thought I needed a sound card to listen to music? I'll look into your other points, thanks :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ_ Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 When they become non-noobs? :p Seems fine with my current PC, and I could always buy a new case + PSU if it doesn't work out, right? The problem with generic no name PSU's that are bundled free with cases is they tend to die/smoke and cause other problems in my experience locking up the computer but extremes are short/fry your expensive components etc. There are a select few case manufacturers who bundle half decent PSU's such as Coolermaster but it's typical for first time PC builders to pass on a decent brand PSU. I thought I needed a sound card to listen to music? I'll look into your other points, thanks :) Nope, most motherboards have built in sound cards. I would suggest going for an Asus mobo for good reliability and driver support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x9248 Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Wow that's like $900, and you didn't add an aftermarket GPU with it either. Really expensive over there :p As for the case/PSU you already have, is it from a premade company like Dell or HP? I used to have a Dell that needed a new PSU, but the screw holes didn't line up with anything that wasn't a Dell PSU. So rather than buying both I just tossed the PC lol. As for the sound you don't need a sound card, the onboard sound is all you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcore Til I Die Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 The problem with generic no name PSU's that are bundled free with cases is they tend to die/smoke and cause other problems in my experience locking up the computer but extremes are short/fry your expensive components etc. There are a select few case manufacturers who bundle half decent PSU's such as Coolermaster but it's typical for first time PC builders to pass on a decent brand PSU. Nope, most motherboards have built in sound cards. I would suggest going for an Asus mobo for good reliability and driver support. Thanks. Updated list: ?79.99?- Motherboard -?Asus P8Z68-V LX Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) Motherboard ?89.99 - Processor - Core i3 2120 ?44.99 - Memory - Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit ?35.99 - PSU - Corsair CX 430W V2 ATX2.2 80 PLUS? Power Supply ?55.99 - SSD - OCZ Agility 3 SATA III 2.5" 60GB Solid State Hard Drive ?72.98 - HDD - Western Digital Caviar Green Power 1TB 64MB Cache Hard Disk Drive SATAII 300MB/s <8.9ms - OEM ?47.98 - Case - Sharkoon T9 Value Gaming Case Black with Red LED Fans - (No PSU) ?45.98 - BR/CDRW drive -?Samsung TS-LB23P Slim Internal Blu Ray Combo Drive ?38.99 - gfx card -?Asus GeForce GT 520 1024MB GDDR3 TOTAL - ?512.88 Wow that's like $900, and you didn't add an aftermarket GPU with it either. Really expensive over there :p As for the case/PSU you already have, is it from a premade company like Dell or HP? I used to have a Dell that needed a new PSU, but the screw holes didn't line up with anything that wasn't a Dell PSU. So rather than buying both I just tossed the PC lol. As for the sound you don't need a sound card, the onboard sound is all you need. The case is this one: http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/components/cases/cases/galaxy3.html Seems like a really popular one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muhammad Farrukh Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Thanks. Updated list: ?79.99 - Motherboard - Asus P8Z68-V LX Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) Motherboard --- (Y) ?89.99 - Processor - Core i3 2120 --- Get the 2100 save a few ? ?44.99 - Memory - Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit--- (Y) ?35.99 - PSU - Corsair CX 430W V2 ATX2.2 80 PLUS? Power Supply--- (Y) ?55.99 - SSD - OCZ Agility 3 SATA III 2.5" 60GB Solid State Hard Drive--- (Y) ?72.98 - HDD - Western Digital Caviar Green Power 1TB 64MB Cache Hard Disk Drive SATAII 300MB/s <8.9ms - OEM--- (Y) ?47.98 - Case - Sharkoon T9 Value Gaming Case Black with Red LED Fans - (No PSU)--- This looks like a good (Y) ?45.98 - BR/CDRW drive - Samsung TS-LB23P Slim Internal Blu Ray Combo Drive--- (Y) ?38.99 - gfx card - Asus GeForce GT 520 1024MB GDDR5 --- Get the 6670 one. Its just a few ? more, but well, well worth the money. I know you won't be gaming on this, but this is downright waste of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEX4S Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Good thinking on the PSU. I realize this is a budget system, but are you sure on that case ? Why not get something that doesnt have a light inside, and a window ? That case screams "Made in China with the cheapest material possible !" Same price, just a normal, black case - much classier. When you have more $$ and are ready to build a better rig - then it will be time to get some badass case with a window & lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muhammad Farrukh Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 For Case, I would suggest you to have a look at Fracture Design Mid Tower. Excellent one (Y) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCA Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I'm thinking about building a PC for the first time. Does anybody have any recommended resources to read before I attempt this? I've read lots of different articles, but as with everything on the internet there's a lot of conflicting advice. For example some websites say preventing static isn't that important, while others say it's incredibly important and can kill the components within a PC. Thought about buying this but I don't know if it's any good: http://www.amazon.co...s/dp/0764542478 Thanks :) easiest way is to get a kit, they have them at newegg.com that's how i'm going to be doing mine soon. https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ix=seb&ie=UTF-8&ion=1#hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=tips%20and%20resources%20for%20building%20your%20first%20computer&pbx=1&oq=&aq=&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&fp=2662c7bf2252b838&ix=seb&ion=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1920&bih=926 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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