BYOPC (Build Your Own PC)

[DoTheFandango]

Ok, so for next school year I need a Windows desktop to work on. I know the nerd in me wants to build it myself, but for the price of the stuff I have to buy, I could easily buy a Dell PC that comes with a Warranty.

Now, first off: I know I would be shopping from www.NewEgg.com. The worst part is, I am relatively clueless from that point on. I know I need a case, and I know I need a motherboard. But really, I have no clue about the difference in them.

Here's what I want the computer do be about to do:

Run
I want a AMD board that is capable of running Vista when it comes out, so I guess that means 64bit?
Be able to play decent games (i.e. Quake4, new gen PC games) at a decent FPS.
Have ethernet 10/100

The rest is really in the air.

The first question I guess... what would be the smarter choice:

Buy a Pre-Built PC
Make a DIY PC

[Richard Creager]

Get a Nintendo Ultra 64bit Entertainment System.

I believe it has Quake2 on it, which is all that matters for me for "high end pc gaming", but it has fucking hexen anyways, so I'm down for that anyday.

Oh plus the rest of the 64 library, without having to set up a metal tower. Though they're great to lay foundations for self built walls on, those motherboard holders.

Other than that I don't know shit about 64bit processing, so, bye-bye.

[DoTheFandango]

Not that 64bit, but thanks Creag. I already have one, and play it almost every day.

[Subjugation]

First off, if you build your own PC, the individual parts will still be under a warranty from that particular manufacturer. As long as you don't overclock or mistreat your shit, you can request an RMA from Newegg, or in some cases, will have to deal directly with the manufacturer. But Newegg has a much better customer service reputation than Dell does.

As far as Homebuilt vs Prefab goes, it really depends on how picky you are about your hardware. My short answer is if you are looking for a system where every detail is tailored to your personal preferences, has higher performance, will be upgradeable to future standards, and you can afford to spend between 10%-20% extra, then I would go the homebuilt route. If you want a PC where you don't care how quick or slow it is as long as it gets the job done, don't really care what kind of I/O connectors it has or where they are located, don't care how upgradeable it will be down the road, and don't feel like doing any research about compatibility issues, drivers or bugs, and you want the convenience of having someone else do the assembly...buy a prefab system.

Another thing to consider---this year, there's a lot of big releases being made---MS with their new OS (Vista), AMD is launching their M2 platform, and I think Intel is coming out with their next generation of processors, also. This is relevant because prices for the previous standard of hardware usually fall, which creates opportunity for the value-driven consumer. However, if you can't wait until these companies launch their products, then it's kind of a moot point.

To answer your question more directly, I would build it myself. The most difficult part about it is just doing the research, because every piece of hardware requires careful consideration. But once you have picked the correct parts, it's as easy as putting together Legos. Also, when you do your own work, it becomes much easier and more affordable to do your own upgrades and troubleshoot any potential hardware problems down the road.

PS: From what I've read, Vista will not be exclusively 64-bit. They will reportedly launch a 32-bit as well as a 64-bit, just like they did with XP.

[Edify]

well well, let's see.

in layman's terms:
a motherboard is the thing where you plug everything into (aka a structural support in a building)

a case houses it all.

[tahkis]

This is something I have been planning on buying soon, comments are appreciated:

Motherboard (buy motherboard with passive cooling unless you don't care about extra noise):
- Abit KN8 / AN8

CPU (always buy a low-end model of that core, no need to pay extra from factory overclocking):
- AMD 64 3700+
- AMD 64 X2 3800+

Memory (motherboard with nForce avoid Kingston)
- 2x1GB DDR400

GFX:
- GeForce 7800GT

HDD (motherboard with nForce avoid Maxtor...and maxtor sucks anyways so avoid it with any MB):
- Western Digital Caviar SE SATA II 250GB

Case:
- Antec P150/180
- Antec Sonata II
- Antec Sonata Piano Black

[Subjugation]

This is something I have been planning on buying soon, comments are appreciated:

Motherboard (buy motherboard with passive cooling unless you don't care about extra noise):
- Abit KN8 / AN8

CPU (always buy a low-end model of that core, no need to pay extra from factory overclocking):
- AMD 64 3700+
- AMD 64 X2 3800+

Memory (motherboard with nForce avoid Kingston)
- 2x1GB DDR400

GFX:
- GeForce 7800GT

HDD (motherboard with nForce avoid Maxtor...and maxtor sucks anyways so avoid it with any MB):
- Western Digital Caviar SE SATA II 250GB

Case:
- Antec P150/180
- Antec Sonata II
- Antec Sonata Piano Black

I almost bought an Abit AN8, but instead bought an ASUS A8N. They have similar features like the NF4 chipset with the passive heatpipe, but I have an older printer. I went ahead with the ASUS board because the Abit doesn't have a parallel port for the I/O's. Also the floppy drive connector is out of the way at the very bottom of the board, so it's obviously supposed to be a pure gamer.

The cool thing about Abit is they have great support at their forums. there you will be able to get some good feedback from the mods and members and do research regarding hardware and driver compatibility, and any potential quirks.

http://forum.abit-usa.com/

As far as the CPU goes, I have an AMD64+3200, and I'm happy with it, so I'm sure the +3700 would be a bit better. I have no first hand experience with the Dual Core x2's, so I really can't say---I've heard most people love them, but some people say they are more for multi tasking, than gaming. But I would do your own research about that.

Right on with the 7800GT, hopefully I'll be able to afford one soon. That card is definitely on my wishlist.

Definitely get the 2x1gb of memory...but make sure you stay away from value ram if you're getting the Abit. I have heard a lot of people complain about wierd problems when using cheap PSU's and cheap memory.

Which brings me to the case. I generally stay away from cases with the PSU included, but Antec PSU's are pretty solid. However, if you decide to use the SLI down the road...I am skeptical those particular PSU's will provide enough 12v juice to power dual 7800GT's, plus everything else. You might have to upgrade your power supply if you buy another card. But in the meantime, since the Sonata is only $91 bucks at Newegg, it sounds like a good way to trim costs for your current choices.

And I'm a fan of WD HDD's, so thumbs up to that.

[tahkis]

I almost bought an Abit AN8, but instead bought an ASUS A8N. They have similar features like the NF4 chipset with the passive heatpipe, but I have an older printer. ...so it's(abit) obviously supposed to be a pure gamer.

Hmm, I thought all Asus mb's have fan instead passive system. Which model you have? Tho all I do with computer is play, surf on the net and edit pictures - perhaps sometimes write something.

As far as the CPU goes, I have an AMD64+3200, and I'm happy with it, so I'm sure the +3700 would be a bit better. I have no first hand experience with the Dual Core x2's, so I really can't say---I've heard most people love them, but some people say they are more for multi tasking, than gaming. But I would do your own research about that.

I haven't read too many messages either about X2 so I don't have much of an opinion about it. But I also read what you stated that they are more ment for multi-tasking. Don't really know if I need one, especially when the X2 costs almost 100€ more. I could buy better cooler for cpu with that price (and it would still leave me some extra). And if needed, I can always update to dual core cpu later.

Right on with the 7800GT, hopefully I'll be able to afford one soon. That card is definitely on my wishlist. .....dual 7800GT's

I'm not going to buy 2x7800GT's. I would rather spend the cash to single good GFX card (like GF7800GTX 512mb or Radeon X1900XT(X)).

I generally stay away from cases with the PSU included, but Antec PSU's are pretty solid.

One Finnish computer magazine tested 12 PSU's and 430W Antec Neo HE won it. The P150 case is sold with it. And as I have read, some quality 300-350W can be even better than some shit 450W.

[Emaho]

Whats the thing about SATA harddrives really?

[DoTheFandango]

Bump, and I need your help.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103572

Can anyone tell me if that comes with some sort of cooling fan?

[Benno]

it says it comes with a kingwin heatsink and fan right on the page... Or am I missing something?

[DoTheFandango]

I see where it says that it uses a Heatsink and Fan to cool, but I don't see where it is included.

[Benno]

from the comments:

"Pros: NEWEGG is the BEST, UPS 3Day right on time from CA to PA! This Bad Boy is Up to 2.7Ghz!!! That's right on stock voltage, Stock cooler (33o idle without 'cool & quiet'-haven't pushed too hard yet) 100%..."

"Cons: Seems some 3200+ models have some funky clips for the heat sink, mine was fine, but one my brother got was a little hard to work with."

You might want to consider dropping $10-$30 on a quiet fan too. Noise sucks


edit: ok so after re-reading those comments it doesn't necessarily mean it has a fan or heat sink. But if it doesn't I would be supprised.

[tahkis]

Bump, and I need your help.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103572

Can anyone tell me if that comes with some sort of cooling fan?

At least if you select search option "heatsink and fan" it gives that product. And you can also find that from comments.

You might want to consider dropping $10-$30 on a quiet fan too. Noise sucks

I doubt you get much better fan with that price. Here's one solid one.. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118223

[404 Not Found]

Get at least a 450 W Power Supply.

Keep in mind that the Intel 64 systems have a difficult time reading 32 bit programs.

We cannot use the Intel 64 at work due to plotter and software drivers not being compatible. I am sure that there are other drivers and hardware that still do not have the updates so that they run on a 64 system as of yet.

AMD 64 will run the 32's w/o problems.

I have been on a Micro ATX system kick lately. Have been making systems for work using the Aspire X-QPACK Gaming 1.0 mm Aluminum MicroATX Computer Cube Case with Front Dual USB 2.0, Dual Audio, IEEE1394 Firewire, Rear 120mm Fan, Front Temperature LCD Display, 420W Power Supply.

These are being used for work due to the size...avoiding the big & mid towers for space reasons.

Western Dig HD's are fine, but I prefer Seagate Barracuda SATA HD's.