Anyone here got experience in building Systems /desktops?

wolfskymoon

wolfskymoon

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Thinking about putting together a new one because my current is giving me problems, and i don't feel like buying a brand name again. I had few questions so i was wondering if anyone here is experience enough to know few key things.
 
For the most part, you're not going to save any money building your own system anymore. You can spend a little(if any, really) just buying one in a store without all the hassle of building it. About the only reason to build now a days is because you want something specific in it.

I just rebuilt my computer, the only things that I didn't replace are the case and one of my internal hard drives(had to take the other out); but for at most $100 extra I could have just bought a new one with a new case and hard drive without having to build it and make sure everything's set up right.
 
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I have built three systems thus far from components. Notes:

  1. It's not cheaper than an OEM product.
  2. It's much more entertaining.
  3. You need to install your own operating system (I'm assuming Windows) which is probably pirated... :nono:
  4. Go AMD over Intel.
  5. Make sure the processor is compatible with the motherboard.
  6. Other easy stuff like having a strong enough power supply, get a good graphics card, have enough RAM, make sure your motherboard can support a SATA hard disk if you get one, etc.
  7. Steel tower cases are HEAVY. Get aluminium, lol.
  8. Enjoy learning.

It's not a hard thing if you have experience swapping out graphics cards. Have fun!
 
I have to disagree with you on the AMD over Intel. Current Intel conroe chips (dual core) dominate the AMDs. Quad core might be a different game now that Barcelona is out, but OSs like XP aren't programmed to fully utilize quad core anyways.
 
wrong forum... "General FFXI Discussion All FFXI stuff... non-ffxi goes in the Off Topic forum located further down."

moved.
 
I have built numerous systems in the past, and starting on the 24th, will be doing so for a living, as opposed to just repairing laptops and desktops :o

It's not hard, it's not entirely that expensive, you *can* save money over buying a new system by building your own when you get into higher performance parts. Although, it's not always the case.

Be sure what you're buying will fit, is compatible, and these days it really doesn't matter what you buy processor-wise because both are just about as good.

Bear in mind AMD owns ATI now. ATI cards still work on Intel boards and with Intel processors though, and that's the beauty of standards.


Have fun with it, get frustrated the first few times things don't work *exactly* as you hoped, planned, or were promised (;)), but don't give up or destroy your hardware you spent good money on.



I am still running at home on a system I built from scratch almost five years ago. I've never had to rebuild, although I am approaching that mark now.
 
I've been building systems freelance for customers for years now. If you'd like some help, send me a PM.

Otherwise, I have some solid advice for anyone. Building it on your own can be cheaper, if you're delving into higher end stuff. You have to know where you're buying from, and what the general price range for each part is though beforehand. It's a learning process, and a damn fun one at that. The biggest piece of advice I can give you, is never shop locally for individual parts. Doing that ensures you're going to pay 30-50% over what you originally intended on. Only buy parts locally if you just cannot wait, or need an emergency item.

As for an example, just earlier this week, on Tuesday, I built a new PC for myself (high-end, top of the line), and one for a client (mid-grade). The client's PC was roughly $900, for all software, hardware, etc. Now, this is where it gets sticky as to whether or not you're saving money. The reason the client chose me over snagging one of those OEM $400-500 machines (which are actually pretty good deals) is because of the prices I found on larger LCD displays (22" and up). He ended up wanting only a 19" widescreen, but that too was still a better deal than originally. On the flip side, on my system (I just dropped roughly... $2,000, give or take), the market is different. I peruse every corner of freelance sales to find what sells and what doesn't, and for how much. Those higher end systems fly through Ebay, or other more locally maintained markets. Believe it or not, a lot of time, really avid gamers don't really know much about their computer at all, they just want the best out there. This often happens when you get boys with rich folks that want a new system to do whatever they want it to do.

As far as the AMD vs Intel thing, it really doesn't matter. Go with what you prefer. I've built numerous AMD and Intel systems alike in the past, and I can honestly say I like AMD a hell of a lot more. I recently ordered AMD's highest AM2 dual core offered, an eaily overclocked 3.2ghz with a nice Zalman heatsink to dissipate heat.

Another note I'll touch on is ALWAYS be mindful of airflow within your case, if you don't use watercooling. Don't be that idiot that puts 7 fans set up to be intake and wonder why your system is still pretty damn hot. Always set up your internal wirings to be as out of the way of the airflow as possible, or you will most likely have some heat issues if you have a higher end video chip or processor.

I could go on all day, so it'd be easier to send a PM with your specific needs.

-Mistra
 
Mistra is correct.

Conroe drystone/whetstone (MIPS/FLOPS) beats all current AMD products. This is strictly statistical. I do like AMD a lot, nearly a preference, but I can't look away from Intel now that they have taken the competition from AMD serious.
 
Mistra said:
Another note I'll touch on is ALWAYS be mindful of airflow within your case, if you don't use watercooling. Don't be that idiot that puts 7 fans set up to be intake and wonder why your system is still pretty damn hot. Always set up your internal wirings to be as out of the way of the airflow as possible, or you will most likely have some heat issues if you have a higher end video chip or processor.
-Mistra
Click to expand...



I lol'd so hard at this, because it's so true.
 
Acks said:
I have to disagree with you on the AMD over Intel. Current Intel conroe chips (dual core) dominate the AMDs. Quad core might be a different game now that Barcelona is out, but OSs like XP aren't programmed to fully utilize quad core anyways.
Click to expand...

Agreed, I have been building my own machines as AMD since the K6III 450, running dual core althlon 64 now. If I was to build a machine today, I would be making the switch back to Intel.
 
www.pricewatch.com this place will save you a fuckton of money when buying components.

www.tomshardware.com a ton of great reviews on hardware.

i recently just built a new PC for 2,500 dollars with top end parts

gigabyte motherboard, p35 chipset with 2 PCIe 16X slots
intel core2duo e6750 ( i loled out loud when i read someone recomending AMD)
4 gigs of kingston ram clocked at 1066
nvidia geforce8800
thermaltake 750 watt power supply

those are my meat and potatoes pieces. the other things are just details, rounded cables, raid2 data stripped array, etc
 
Mistra said:
The biggest piece of advice I can give you, is never shop locally for individual parts. Doing that ensures you're going to pay 30-50% over what you originally intended on. Only buy parts locally if you just cannot wait, or need an emergency item.
Click to expand...

I get the best of both worlds. Scan are probably the best UK site for price/reliability etc (at least in my opinion) and their warehouse/store is just down the road from me. Nice cheap internet prices and I don't have to wait for delivery :D
 
Tankt said:
www.pricewatch.com this place will save you a fuckton of money when buying components.

www.tomshardware.com a ton of great reviews on hardware.

i recently just built a new PC for 2,500 dollars with top end parts

gigabyte motherboard, p35 chipset with 2 PCIe 16X slots
intel core2duo e6750 ( i loled out loud when i read someone recomending AMD)
4 gigs of kingston ram clocked at 1066
nvidia geforce8800
thermaltake 750 watt power supply

those are my meat and potatoes pieces. the other things are just details, rounded cables, raid2 data stripped array, etc
Click to expand...

I'm guessing you got a 64bit OS /jealous.
 
Tankt said:
( i loled out loud when i read someone recomending AMD)
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Seriously. The 2.3GHz Dual Core Pentium is dirt cheap and with good cooling it's been overclocked reliabily to 100%. With stock cooling and the right motherboard you can get it to at least 3.0GHz.

Intel is just as reliable as AMD. I've used both. Fanboys need to go back to their caves. >>
 
*Cough*

========== CPUID Info ==========

Processor 0:

Brand = Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz

Family = 6

Model = 15

Stepping = 6



L1 Instr Cache Size = 0

L1 Data Cache Size = 0

L2 Cache Size = 4194304

L3 Cache Size = 0
========== Operating System Information ==========

Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)

========== Motherboard Information ==========

Motherboard Vendor: NVIDIA
Motherboard Version: 2.0
Motherboard Model: C55M55XECRB

========== DirectX version Information ==========

DirectX 9.0c (5.3.2600.2180)

========== Driver Version Information ==========

Audio Driver Not reported
GART Driver Not reported
Graphics Driver 62.18 (6.14.11.6218)
Ethernet Driver 60.24 (1.00.01.06024)
IDE Driver Not reported
nTune 5.05.38

========== Processor, Bus, and Memory Speed Information ==========

CPU Speed = 3474.510
CPU Multiplier = 9.000
FSB Frequency = 386
Memory Frequency = 1122.909
PCIE Frequency = 2500
tRas = 21
tRcd = 8
tRp = 8
tRc = 31
tWr = 6
tRrd = 5
tRwt = 6
tWtr = 11
tWrrd = 0
tWrwr = 2
tRdrd = 3
tRef = 0

========== GPU's Core and Memory Speed Information ==========


GPU Core Speed = 626
GPU Memory Speed = 1000

========== System Voltage Information ==========

CPU Voltage = 1.450 v
Core Voltage = 1.500 v
AGP Voltage = 1.500 v
Aux Voltage = 1.500 v
Memory Voltage = 2.300 v

========== Processor and System's Temperature Information ==========

CPU Temperature = 36 C
Second CPU Temperature = Not Reported
System Temperature = 43 C
GPU 0 Temperature = 65 C

Picture009.jpg


Fitting it broke the board...sorry lol
 
has nothing to do with being an intel fanboy. i've had 2 AMD systems.

why do i prefer intel? simple. why pay damn the near the same price for amd when you can get far superior performance ( easily proven fact ) and less power consumption/heat production.

don't get me wrong. AMD is a solid company and i love that they are around because competition pushes technology up and prices down.
 
Depends on your budget and use. Buying the best parts isn't necessary considering how quickly prices fall and parts are outdated. Try http://www.newegg.com , look for OEM parts where retail isn't needed (OEM - no boxes or acc come with). Don't worry about the Intel vs amd thing, both are good, one costs more. If you plan to over clock the CPU, ram or video card that could also save $$. Buying a retail PC or e-machine could be cheaper, but "you get what you pay for".
 
wolfskymoon said:
Thinking about putting together a new one because my current is giving me problems, and i don't feel like buying a brand name again. I had few questions so i was wondering if anyone here is experience enough to know few key things.
Click to expand...

Didn't you put in like 4 gigs of ram last time you built one?
 
lol if you're building a new sys, don't do that ^ again. 32-bit OS only recognize up to 3GB of memory. Now if you move to a 64-bit, you'll be okay.
 
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