Comp building question

[Fearless888]

I was just wondering if there is a certain process that one should take in deciding which parts to get when building a computer.

In other words, should I get a certain part first (CPU, MB, etc.) and then move on down the line finding compatible parts in a certain order?

Or is there some more complex method to choosing parts?

I want to finally build my own PC and the more I read about other people's builds the more complex the decision process seems to me.

 

[2r4w]

I would start by picking:

1. Case
2. Motherboard
3. Power Source
4. Processor
5. Ram
6. Videocard
7. Hard Drive / SSD
8. CD Rom for installing Operating System
9. Operating System
Intel Goes With Intel AMD With AMD...
Make sure everything is compatible...
I built my PC off newegg...
Look at ratings and read reviews on everything...

My specs. :

Operating System
MS Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 955
Deneb 45nm Technology
RAM
8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 600MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 (AM3) 40 ?C
Graphics
W2040 (1600x900@60Hz)
1024MB GeForce GTX 560 (ASUStek Computer Inc) 31 ?C
Hard Drives
1465GB Hitachi Hitachi HDS723015BLA642 ATA Device (SATA) 29 ?C
Optical Drives
ASUS DRW-24B1ST a ATA Device
Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio

 

[Snipeye]

My order is different than 2r4w:

1) Motherboard
2) CPU
3) RAM
4) Video Card
5) PSU
6) HDD/SSD
7) Case
8) Misc. (DVD-Burners, Extra case fans, lights, etc.)

The first two parts are the most important as it defines your entire build. Most people have an idea if they want Intel or AMD, so their motherboard choice goes right in line with the CPU, which is why they're numbers 1 and 2 on my list. After that, anything you then buy must be compatible with the motherboard you picked out. And it's easier to pick out parts when you solidly know the motherboard, whereas if you picked everything else out, then the motherboard, you're playing a jigsaw puzzle in making sure you get one that fits what you bought, instead of getting it to fit as you go along.

Building a PC for the first time can be overwhelming, but it isn't really a hard process. Just be sure to take your time, work slowly, and try to do it correctly. If you mess up, you can always correct yourself. If you like, we can give you a recommendation list of parts to fit your budget and what you want to do with your PC. (Ex. $1000 budget, want to make a home theater PC)

 

[mad pistol]

I'd go with what snipeye says. The first 5 components on that list are the most critical for your system. Make sure they are the ones that you don't skimp on (especially the PSU). Base your build around those items first.

 

[Cigarjohn]

I was just wondering if there is a certain process that one should take in deciding which parts to get when building a computer.

In other words, should I get a certain part first (CPU, MB, etc.) and then move on down the line finding compatible parts in a certain order?

Or is there some more complex method to choosing parts?

I want to finally build my own PC and the more I read about other people's builds the more complex the decision process seems to me.

My advice to you would be to sit down and write down what you want the computer to do?

Example: Do you just want to play games at their highest resolutions with the best frame rates and occassionally do some basic video or photo editing. Or do you just want to do your basic office productivity software like Word, Excel, Access and browse the web. Play some web games, do your taxes.

It all depends on what you want to do with your computer before taking the next step.

You can build a system to do it all, but it will cost you some $$$$$ to do it.

I would then start watching Youtube videos on how to pick and build a system. There's many great tips on there.

Next, I would ask other builders from this clan for advice. I'm willing to help you anytime you need it. Also, Jon Paso and Blue Stealth are excellent sources of information among other members who have replied to you in this tech forum and they know there stuff. many people will go out of their way to help you too. But first you need to establish a budget and understand that you many go over that budget.

Secondly, decide what exactly you want to do with the computer.

Then we can go from there.


I decided to stay with the mainstream of computers. I use to build AMD systems and have recently built a Intel i7 2600k system. I built a gaming rig only with two GTX 580's overclocked to 950 mhz and my processor is overclocked to 5.1ghz.

If you are into heavy benchmarking, I would shoot for the new X79 platform with the new 2011 processors. But now were talking $$$$$ again.


But first decide what you need and what you are going to be using your computer for and then we'll go from there.


And I will stress one thing to you. If your on a tight budjet, I would highly recommend you purchase the best PSU you can afford and then some before making any other purchase. The PSU is more important than anything you purchase. I would recommend Antec, Corsair and Thermaltke. They have an excellent track record and great support. Corsair offers a 7 year warranty for their PSU's. And if your considering on using two or more video cards, I would recommend you purchasing at least a 1000watt power supply. I'm using a 1200 watt PSU and I'm probably using about 900+ watts. But having a larger PSU will use less energy than a smaller PSU maxed out.

This forum is an excellent place for help.

I hope I was able to steer you in the right direction.

I wish you luck in your new computer build. Building your own computer is very rewarding and gratifying.

I wish you the best.

Peace and be well.

 

[Ph?bus]

Refer to this link in my sig.