[Panda Kisses]

Current (modified) Windows XP desktop. ^____^

February 14, 2008: Finally built my first computer. Thanks guys!
Here are the specs I ended up with, maybe it could be of some help for someone! ^^

Case: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply
* I bought a separate power supply from Fry's since this one lacked a specific pin.
Monitor: Acer X193W+BD Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor
Ram: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000
Fan: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Video Card: GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3
* Came with a free copy of Call of Duty 4!
Hard Drive: Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
Extras: DVD+R DVD Burner, Thermal Paste.
Rough Total: $1000.

It was so worth going over my initial budget ($600). My computer only reads up to 2.5/4GB of my memory, but it's okay.
At least I'll have extra room for comfort in the future when I upgrade. ^^ It's so fast. Runs CoD4 on high with no lag that I notice.

Thanks for all the help again, guys! PS: For the record, I'm a girl. Everyone kept calling me a "he" this whole time xD.

So, the thing is, I've been debating whether or not I should put together my own computer.

This is my current state: As of now, my computer's main use is just for internet browsing and typing up documents. Maybe photoshop. But even that is lacking its fun because of my lag. I am a gamer. But how can you play high end computer games when your computer can't even support them, (320MB ram? come on)? Haha. Also, I am an artist and wish to use the computer to explore my creativity (movie editing, digital drawing, etc).

So, I just recently considered the fact that I could put together my own computer to fit my needs. But my mother, of course, is against that idea. She's worried about warranties of each individual part, she's worried about the uncertainty that the computer will function well. She wants me to just buy another computer at Best Buy or something. But eh. I've compared shelf-bought computers and home built ones, and home-built ones are usually cheaper. I also want the self satisfaction of knowing I put together my first computer =)

Oh and it's coming out of my own wallet, so yeah.

Here are the components of the computer I wish to build so far (might change in the future. Open for suggestions ^^):

Hard Drive: Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Video Card: XFX PVT88PYHF4 GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP
Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Computer Case/Power Supply: Antec Sonata III 500 Black Computer Case / 500W Power Supply
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
RAM: CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Fan: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

The estimated amount so far is only $663.

I'd like to hear experience from those who built their own. And if they like it better compared to store-bought computers.
Sorry if this was a lot of text o_o Thanks~!

This is a revised build that I scrapped up, going by all your helpful suggestions/advice, accordingly.
Please help me deface it, critique it, mark out every possible flaw/problem I could encounter with
compatability or just individual performance on each part.

Hard Drive: Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - NEWEGG.COM LINK

Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - NEWEGG.COM LINK
- Since many of you suggested against the 8800 I had chosen.

Computer Case/Power Supply: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black 1.0mm SECC Steel
ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply - NEWEGG.COM LINK
- My previous case didn't have a problem, but this just looks much nicer. Has multiple fans, as well.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - NEWEGG.COM LINK

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - NEWEGG.COM LINK

RAM: Kingston HyperX 4GB (4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Quad Kit Desktop Memory - NEWEGG.COM LINK
- Got 4GB instead, in the form of individual 1GB sticks so that all my slots are filled. I do not plan on going over 4GB anyway.

ALSO: Planning to run WINDOWS XP on this computer.
Switching to Windows 7 (not beta) when it's released (2010?).
Video/photo editing, digital art, Flash, games.
Stop asking what I'm using it for. I already stated it above. orz

[LilViet]

Well i built mine and I would do it again in a heart beat. I have dual monitors surround sound and its great. If you want If you give us a budget we can try to make a list for you that would be the best possible. For prebuilt vs custom made, I see much more freedom in Customs because it's like clothes for yourself. It represents you in a way. Most of the time, if you choose the right things it WILL come out cheaper and usually faster

[Panda Kisses]

Ah ^^ I see. Yeah, I like the whole customization idea.

My budget would be maximum $800. $900 is okay, but I'm trying not to reach that point.

Did you purchase your parts from newegg? My friend recommended that website to me.

[CatGoesMeow]

So, the thing is, I've been debating whether or not I should put together my own computer.

This is my current state: As of now, my computer's main use is just for internet browsing and typing up documents. Maybe photoshop. But even that is lacking its fun because of my lag. I am a gamer. But how can you play high end computer games when your computer can't even support them, (320MB ram? come on)? Haha. Also, I am an artist and wish to use the computer to explore my creativity (movie editing, digital drawing, etc).

So, I just recently considered the fact that I could put together my own computer to fit my needs. But my mother, of course, is against that idea. She's worried about warranties of each individual part, she's worried about the uncertainty that the computer will function well. She wants me to just buy another computer at Best Buy or something. But eh. I've compared shelf-bought computers and home built ones, and home-built ones are usually cheaper. I also want the self satisfaction of knowing I put together my first computer =)

Oh and it's coming out of my own wallet, so yeah.

Here are the components of the computer I wish to build so far (might change in the future. Open for suggestions ^^):

Hard Drive: Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Video Card: XFX PVT88PYHF4 GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP
Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Computer Case/Power Supply: Antec Sonata III 500 Black Computer Case / 500W Power Supply
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
RAM: CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Fan: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

The estimated amount so far is only $663.

I'd like to hear experience from those who built their own. And if they like it better compared to store-bought computers.
Sorry if this was a lot of text o_o Thanks~!

get 4gigs of ram its like next to nothing these days..

Places to buy thats recommended. Newegg.com, Tigerdirect.com, NCIX.com, Mwave.com, ZipZoomFly.com

[Pogichinoy]

I've built my own computer, and its totally fun because its far more flexible than buying anything from a department store. I get to mix and match what I want and still be able to haggle the price.

[LilViet]

alright i'll make a list for something about 700-800 and maybe even 600

Yes newegg is a wonderfull sight though i built my computer off of tigerdirect but i wish i built mine off newegg because it's closer to me and therefor cheaper

[Panda Kisses]

Did anyone ever experience any difficulties? During setup or during use?
Is installing each component pretty self-explanatory?

I'd like to weigh out the pros and cons for custom PCs against store-bought PCs.

[LilViet]

ummm for anything hard it's just

hard:remembering to power everything and install everything correctly (But it is really easy pretty much anyone can help you)
Sometimes when you buy a product it comes DOA Dead On Arrival i believe that's what it means. and then you need to test everything to see which thing is dead but other than that not much is hard


Pros: Highly customizable upgrade anything with little to no restrictions,
Looks great because no one will have the same thing as you or anyone that u know have the same thing
Cheaper
You get that great feeling of building something with your 2 hands
It's flashy!
you learn a bundle in the building process


Cons
First time it might overwhelm you with so much stuff
first timers don't really know what is compatible with what so it takes a while to learn a bit see whats new what to look for
time? takes a couple hours to make and program it
might get scared if something goes wrong but you will get out of that because you will learn a lot of about computers and trick/tips to fix it

[LilViet]

here is a list i made but this is BEFORE tax and shipping. As for a case, you can choose your own as long as it is an ATX format. if you want a little better but it will cost a bit more you can change the 9800GT into an ATI 4850 which is about 50 dollars more.


Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB

MSI N9800GT 512OC GeForce 9800 GT

BFG Tech GS-550 550W

G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600



$731.93 Total without Tax and shipping

[PDURRR]

i built mine

well it was built by a relative and i upgraded all the outdated stuff

so i like "rebuilt" it lol

800$ is a good budget...
i spent about 400~ish on my upgrade...and now i regret not getting more ram and going quad core
i hate how technology gets outdated so fast T___T

i think its better building it yourself, you get more experience and if something goes wrong you can replace it really easy
if you have any problems you should just call up a friend when your building it, but most of it is very self explanitory..once it boots, just install windows and your pretty much good togo!

[Panda Kisses]

here is a list i made but this is BEFORE tax and shipping. As for a case, you can choose your own as long as it is an ATX format. if you want a little better but it will cost a bit more you can change the 9800GT into an ATI 4850 which is about 50 dollars more.


Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB

MSI N9800GT 512OC GeForce 9800 GT

BFG Tech GS-550 550W

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1

Inter Core 2 Quad Q8200

Ah, thank you for this build recommendation (and the pros/cons you posted). I'll look into it =)

[LilViet]

No problem and if you need a case recommendation check out the Antec 300. Oh by the way, I'd go with the Updated list

[Donnerschlag]

Wait til after Christmas to buy your parts. Newegg will have killer deals, that is when I bought most of my parts.

Also if you are on the West Coast look here:

http://www.frys-electronics-ads.com/

I build gaming machines here in AZ and I have never had a person call back to warranty an item. Just make sure you are getting good parts and remember you get what you pay for.

[boost]

*cough* Intel I7!!! *cough*

[boka]

I'd recommend a WD HDD out of personal preference. I've had two Seagates die on me, though I'm sure they've made some mechanical improvements since then.

I once owned a Sonata II... it's a reasonable choice, though there's not a lot of space and if the III has the same vent system, you may have a hard time fitting a third party HSF in. In any case you can just stick to the stock HSF and get into overclocking a bit later.

[duykato]

I just built myself my computer 2 days ago. Long story, but my old computer caught fire (Oh yeah... I know..). I went to Fry's and they had quite a few good deals.

4 GB of Patriot Viper ram for 50 bucks PLUS a 20 dollar mail in rebate.
If you happen to live around San Jose or Sacramento, let me know. I got an extra Antec case if you need it. Also, if you need help building it I'm sure you can ask on here. It's honestly a pretty simple process. I always seem to scratch up my hands pretty good though.

I would.. however, copy your Windows XP cd key. I've installed windows on my computers a bunch of times using the same CD key. I would just call in to the support line, and tell them that I just upgraded my computer and I wish to install my windows copy on to it... They'll just give me a new serial #.

[dot1q]

*cough* Intel I7!!! *cough*

For his budget and intended usage purposes *cough* not worth it *cough*. I would rather invest more on the graphics card and as stated by others, get 4gb of ram and go 64 bit on the OS to take advantage of the full 4gb.

[Hax]

I built my computer a couple years ago and it was a bit cheaper to make it at the time. I imagine that the price difference isnt too big now a days as long as you are willing to wait it out for a good deal.

I'd say building a computer now a days would be for the sheer experience because building your computer takes more time, effort and you have less peace of mind. In hindsight I would probably purchase over constructing next time around, but I recommend everyone to do it if given the chance .

I love my computer compared to store-bought computers, but I am really lucky with mine. I have had it for about 3 years and nothing bad has happened *knock knock on wood*. Provided everything goes well, it will be a great experience. Suffer a few failed parts here and there and you might have wished getting the Dell with fairly similar stats + 24inch monitor and 3 year warranty.

As for the construction, aside from installing the processor, everything was easy. It took me like an hour to install the processor because I was so afraid of cracking it.

Good luck with yours!

[DKYang]

Usually only hard core gamers and people who does a lot of photoshop and anything intense related, build there own computers. At least that's how it was when I first started. Because if you're only going to browse the web and type documents, then just buy a cheap computer.

I built mine two years ago, still running fine after some maintenance and re-installing the OS once or twice a year. Be prepared that you will have to fix the problems on your own. There are a lot of great communities out there that help people, so you should be fine.

My first experience wasn't too great though. Right when I had everything done, I picked it up and put it on my desk. I checked that everything was secure. I turned it on and bam, a flame on my hard drive where the sata cable connected. It really pissed me off because I knew that Seagate wouldn't replace it once they see the HDD themselves. So I spent another $100 for a bigger HDD just so I can have my computer up. Good times.

[cluu1]

hell yes go build your computer
it's awesome

buying from like futureshop and bestbuy is hrrible unless it's under 500

if it's any above then build yourself its so much cheaper and so much better