New Computer Builder

[GrEEdY]

Hey all. A professor at my local area college just told me about this website. I like what I see so far. But to get to the point. I currently started a class to prepare me for the A+ exams at school. And with the class I hope to learn how to build my own computer.

But my question is, what components should I start to buy? I want a fast computer for gaming, and graphics (majoring in web design/networking/ maybe programming). I thought about what type of processor and looked around on this page but couldn't find anything saying which was better, either Athlon AMD or Pentium 4. And also how are this (http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11066830&m=488&cat=511&scat=512) hard drive could hold up.

thanx in advance for any information.

[Brian1154]

I use a AMD 1800 XP and really like it very well
it does everything I ask of it

I used to swear by Intels PIII series , but a freind convinced me to go AMD on my current machine and I am very pleased with it

Hope this helps

[HeadachesAbound]

Your system components are going to be determined by 2 things : use and cost. You could go all out and spend 2 to 5k on very high-end machine or you could get a mid-range system for under 2k. Recommendations follow:

The best bet for a decent price on any system when you are buying one component at a time is to look for the wholesale discounters. You will get a better price on components if you purchase from a local shop as compared to a big chain store. Some exceptions to this can be hardware that is being offered at a sale price. For instance, my local CompUSA has a 120GB WD 7200rpm HD for the same price as the hd you mentioned from Best Buy.

AMD has been the speed leader for processing power until just recently and even then it's just barely a tie. In a test performed by PCWorld, the Intel 2.53GHz P4 with a 533MHz system bus scored about par with the AMD 1.73GHz Athlon XP 2100+ processor. For those of you not familiar with the AMD ratings, this means that an AMD processor built for performing at the 2.1GHz range outperformed an Intel 2.53GHz P4. I won't go into the details on the test system configurations, but the P4 was better configured for faster performance than the AMD.

I would recommend an AMD over a Pentium simply based on the cost which is about $300 less than a comparable P4.

Minimum recommendations:

Hard Drive : 100GB, 7200rpm
Processor : AMD in the 2100+ range
Video Card : AGP with 128MB RAM
Sound Card : Audigy Platinum
CD / DVD : Your Choice
Case : Depends on how much you intend to expand
Motherboard : Depends on how much you intend to expand
Monitor : Minimum 19"
Standard : Keyboard, Mouse, Floppy
Power Supply : Minimum 500 watt

A complete system with operating system will probably run around $2,000.

[iisbob]

As was so adroitly posted above AMD has continously ( since the introduction of the K7 series of CPU's )spanked Intel's Pentium series of processors; even with the newest 533 FSB/2.53 GHZ P4, Intel has barely managed to beat a CPU from AMD that is already nearly 6 months old!!

I recommend that you go with an Athlon, DDR memory ( pc2100 ), a Geforce 3 Ti 200 ( simply becasue their is no current or immediately available game that pushes the G3 core to it's fullest yet-and Nvidia is coming out with a new GPU that is more poweful than the G4 series in the next couple of months )and a GOOD Power supply!!

The last i can't stress enough; too many people jump at purchasing the latest and best hardware while completely overlooking one of the most critical components, a stable/dependable power supply.

I recommend one from Antec, i use a 430w version called Truepower, as it not only conditions the power your system will need, but based on the current draw it will " intelligently " throttle the fan speed to keep the system cool.

I would also suggst buying online from a reputable dealer such as Newegg, where you'll not only get the best deals-but also some of the best service i've ever found.

Newegg (www.newegg.com)
Antec-truepower (www.http://www.antec-inc.com/p_truehome.html)

[evalroy]

I would second iisabob's recommendation for newegg. I like their selection, pricing and service. Two other things that you will appreciate about newegg, is that they are very thorough in the information about the products they sell and the majority of the products are rated by the site's patrons. I have found these recommendations invaluable when choosing between two worthy componants.

The advice posted previously is solid, e.g. AMD, NVIDIA GeForce 3, DDR, etc. So, good luck. There is nothing like building your own system.

ER

:)

[Whyzman]

iisbob,

What's your Motherboard recommendation for our builder, based on the gaming and graphics use intended?

Also, why PC2100 rather than the newer...price?

[Nooyawkah]

I third buying from Newegg. I personally would prefer a Maxtor or Seagate to the Western Digital. Here's an example of Newegg's prices:

MAXTOR 80GB 7200RPM Model # 6L080J4 - D740X OEM, DRIVE ONLY
Specifications:
Size: 80 Gigabytes
Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA133
Seek time: <8ms
RPM:7200
Cache 2MB
OEM(Drive alone) 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty --* Works With PC & Mac *-- Model#: MX6L080J4 (Special Free FedEx Saver Shipping)
$100

And if you'll notice, the shipping is free. (Alsothere's no tax). On other items the shipping is reduced. This is an important thing as shipping costs will kill you. For this reason it's a good idea to buy most of your parts from only a few vendors.

I also use an Nvidea GForce 3 Ti200 (available under a number of company labels) and find it excellent, and recently bought an Antec True Power 430 and it's a honey.

These guys are the experts, but I've learned the importance of a quality case, e.g. Antec (which comes with its own power supply) or Lian Li, as it will be much easier for you to work inside them. Also, quality RAM. Crucial is one of the excellent brands, competitively priced and with free shipping.

And also a vote for AMD. You'll get a great deal if you buy the CPU a few steps down from the latest.

Much luck and have fun.

[saphalline]

Originally posted by GrEEdY
And with the class I hope to learn how to build my own computer.
Building your own computer, as you will find, is a lot easier than most people think. If you're taking an A+ class, chances are you will be comfortable working inside a computer case, and that's really the first step. Also, if you're serious about it, you can save yourself a lot of money over time, and maybe on your first try like I did. In my case, a gaming computer like I built would've cost me twice as much pre-built and I wouldn't have learned a thing! :eek:

But my question is, what components should I start to buy? I want a fast computer for gaming, and graphics.
Ok, a little timely advice is needed here. If you're planning on spreading out your buying over more than a week, you'll need to buy less price sensitive components first, such as the power supply, case, keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, and monitor. The last few components you buy should be those most prone to price fluctuations, such as your processor, RAM, and graphics card. In between you can buy the rest, such as your motherboard, sound card, CD/DVD drives, etc.

And also how are this (http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11066830&m=488&cat=511&scat=512) hard drive could hold up.
Boy, that hard drive looks a bit pricey! I would definitely check out Newegg (that's pretty much all I use) as they have some deals that would make your head spin compared to that Best Buy "deal". If you're unfamiliar with a lot of what's available, you should also spend a few nights just surfing their site using the catalog (http://www.newegg.com/app/catalog.asp), which breaks down the whole site by component type. Some items will need to bought in a "real" store, tho, like your monitor, and probably keyboard and mouse, so that you can see what you're getting and return it if necessary.

While we're on the subject, may I suggest the Microsoft Intellimouse Optical version 3.0? Quite possibly the best optical mouse currently available, but that's just my opinion. ;)

I also agree that you should only get your DDR RAM from Crucial (http://www.crucial.com/) - best RAM, good prices, and free US shipping. Just get at least 256MB, 512MB if you're smart (because 256MB is starting to become a bit small for high-end gaming :p ).

For a mobo, I've heard good things about the MSI KT3 Ultra-ARU, and you really can't go wrong with it so keep that in mind. And I believe there's a good thread around here somewhere (sorry, don't remember where) about speakers! Yes, speakers are important to good gaming and music, but they are not nearly all the same and more money doens't always get you better sound quality (in other words, always do research on your speakers!). As for the monitor, 19" ought to do it, and while Viewsonic is a good brand (what I have) if you have a bit more to spend go for it! The Sony Trinitron and other flat screen technologies are better all around, though you'll probably have to go to one of the main/really big Best Buy's or CompUSA's to find exactly what you want.

Also, if you get really excited and find yourself without patience during your buying spree, don't forget that you don't need everything right away. You can skip things like a second hard drive or CD-RW/DVD drive at first to get things going faster, then add them later. That's what building is all about! There are supposed to be parts going in and out of your case every few months. It's a natural progression that we call upgrading *dramatic applause*. :D

[Paleo Pete]

And with the class I hope to learn how to build my own computer.

I know this is about the last thing you want to hear but...my opionion is...

If you want to learn to build a computer, I don't recommend spending a large amount of money on the latest top of the line components to learn on. Does the high shcool auto shop hand you a brand new Lexus to practice on? Nope...you get a 10 year old Ford...

I would check CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com/) or Pricewatch (http://www.pricewatch.com/) or Price Combat (http://www.pricecombat.com/) and find something midrange to build, or even a 300MHz or so. Maybe it's not the latest whiz bang P4, but you're not out $2000 if you scrap it either. Wait to put out that kind of money until you KNOW what you're doing.

And I'd almost bet an older machine would still be useful. How many older games do you still have that only require a P-200 or better that you still like? I have a P-233MMX that gets around the net great, the 56K modem can't outrun it...it also makes a great word processor, fax machine, can scan pictures if I hook up the scanner...inother words it won't be put out to pasture for a long time...

I know this is not the advice you wanted, but I never advise anyone to learn on new, more expensive equipment.

[joea64]

Paleo Pete is right. I still keep my old Dell Dimension XPS Pro (used to be a Pentium Pro 180, boosted to a Pentium Pro Overdrive 333mhz) around not just as a backup machine, but because it runs older software (especially classic DOS games!!) better than the latest machines, on which you have to use special software to _slow down_ the CPU if you expect to run any DOS programs at all (and if you're running WinXP, you'd better install an older version of Windows or even DOS on a dual-boot setup if you plan to run really old-time software at all, from what I understand).

As to components, I'd certainly go with AMD for the CPU; my Athlon T-Bird 1.4Ghz, though really last year's model, still keeps pace well with any P4 up to 2Ghz. nVidia for graphics, too; I guess I'm in the minority here, but most people seem to say that this is one component on which you should really splurge. NOTE!!! If you get a mainboard with a VIA chipset, you will need to be careful about the order in which you install the VIA 4-in-1 drivers and the nVidia drivers (in short, install the VIA drivers FIRST, in Safe Mode, then the nVidia drivers, then standalone VIA AGP drivers, then DirectX); the most recent versions of nVidia and VIA drivers have compatibility issues which can cause real problems, especially on Win9x systems, if they're not installed in the correct order and manner. In fact, if you want to avoid that particular hassle you might even try to find a mainboard with a different chipset for your AMD CPU, though VIA seems to dominate that segment of the market just about now. (Or get a different type of video card like an ATI Radeon.)

-Joe-

[malcore]

The one thing I agree with here is Newegg.

Western Digital, Maxtor or Seagate? Best price wins, all are quality products.

RAM? Crucial, Kingston, Samsung(Original), NOTHING ELSE!! Best price wins.

A lot of AMD zealots here!! If price IS NOT a concern, go P4 strictly for ease and stability and less HEAT!! If best price wins, it's AMD, although some P4's are getting pretty cheap now!!

I appreciate Pete's note of caution, but I feel it has a small taste of elitism. If you research well enough and follow good advice, I see no reason to limit your first build to a lesser machine. If you garner enough knowledge and advice, and are meticulous, I say throw caution to the wind!! The man wants a gaming rig!! High end graphics.

When you feel you know enough to start building, reread or re examine the material that was the most informative, then dive in!!!

Good luck with the A+ and happy building!!

[Nooyawkah]

Originally posted by saphalline

There are supposed to be parts going in and out of your case every few months. It's a natural progression that we call upgrading *dramatic applause*. :D

I love upgrading. In fact, it could be my all time fav. For a few bucks you feel like you bought a new rig. :)

[Whyzman]

malcore,

I realize we are "oceans" apart, and words can take on different nuances of meaning.

I appreciate Pete's note of caution, but I feel it has a small taste of elitism.

"Elitism" most often has associated with it's use the idea of "Snobbery!" I trust that's not what you had in mind! :(

[GrEEdY]

hey thanx you guys wow i'm definatly hanging around in this message board instead of the damn chat rooms where no one pays attention. i'm taking notes now and will keep them around till i do know more about building pcs and will keep ya posted.

[ziba-june]

Hi,
this might be a little off what others had suggested but the first computer I built was a AMD 486x4 but that was a long time ago. I did play with it till I burned the motherboard by setting the wrong switch however I learnd how to do it right( I had burned other motherboards cause of some othe mistakes I had done). Building a computer basicaly is the same for p4 as it is for AMD 486 and if you want to really learn and play with it I would suggest getting the least inexpensive component to work with (except good case, ps, mouse and keyboard).

[GrEEdY]

hey here's my list of parts that i searched over newegg.com, crucial.com, bestbuy.com, compusa.com, circuitcity.com, and a few others. most if not all comes from newegg. but newegg does have some of the same price parts that are on sale here. so i'll go with those to keep shipping and handling cost down

[GrEEdY]

heres the link to my want list

my comp (http://www.newegg.com/app/WishList.asp?position=HISTORY&submit=VIEW&ID=131544)

[iisbob]

I'm gona toot my little horn here and tell you that you can shave $100 off that list by purchasing the ECS K7S5A SIS 735 board, and get great performance as well as stability. ;)

[Nooyawkah]

Sounds like a great machine, Greedy. Good luck.

[Whyzman]

I recently built a computer for my Father and noting iisbob's high regard for the K7S5a I purchased it for the build.

It has worked smoothly from the first day! And, I was impressed with the alternate backplate included...pretty fancy compared to the one that came with the computer case I purchased. :)