My dad had a bad experience building his own computer and now he's trying to keep me from building my own. What should I do? Should I listen to him?\n\nHere's the setup I want to do:\nSAMSUNG 17" LCD Monitor\nKeytronic USB Keyboard\nEverCase Black/Silver Computer Case\nASUS Combo Drive\nSeagate Barracuda 7200.9 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive\nSENNHEISER PX100 3.5mm Headphone\nASUS A8N5X ATX AMD Motherboard\nG.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) System Memory\nAMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 1GHz HT 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor\neVGA Geforce 7800GT CO SE Video Card\nAntec SmartPower 2.0 500W Power Supply\nSILVERSTONE FN121 120mm Case Cooling Fan\nSILVERSTONE FN121 120mm Case Cooling Fan\nAOC BOX-G5-BK Storage Drawer for Standard 5.25" Expansion Bay\nCreative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS\nWACOM Graphire4 USB Tablet\nLogitech Desktop Microphone\n\nIt would cost me about $1300.\n\nI would also appreciate any advice or suggestions on the build.
120606
I'll Do it, Go to Pc Guide for a manual to build ure pc. its pretty simple..like lego's (heck i built my first pc when i was 11 so..you should be able to)
171117
My advise is avoid all the big brands.\nEverything is built in to the motherboard.\nGo to a local small shop retailer.\nTell them what you want to do on the PC.\nThe great thing is if something goes wrong you'll not be on the Tech support premium rate number for hours on end trying to sort it. You just need to take it back to the shop.\n\nIf you want let me know what you plan to do on the PC.\nI'll tell you the Spec. you will need.\n\nHop his helps
101194
Actually, it is simply buying your own components and slapping them together... it's a bit more complicated but it is basically that easy.  First, you need to buy a case that is compatible with ATX motherboards then find a motherboard that will fit the case (there are various ATX sizes) but the size the case supports and the size of the motherboard will be listed.  Then, you need an ATX power supply (anything above 500W and that has 28A on the 12V rail - see power supply specs if you are building a gaming system).\n\nThen you'll need a hard drive (or two), optical drives, graphics card and memory.  Make sure you buy memory that is compatible with the motherboard.  All the hardware you need will be included with the case.  The hardest thing you are going to do is line up the motherboard with the holes in the case but don't put the motherboard right in, place standoffs in the holes first (included with the case).  Then put the motherboard in.\n\nI like to install the CPU and memory before putting the motherboard in.  But it doesn't really matter.  Connect the case wires to the motherboard (power, usb, audio, reset and so on).  Now, it's your choice at this point but if you want, install the graphics card and you can test boot the system now if you want.  Just to see if everything works.  If it does, turn it off and continue with installing stuff.  If it does not boot, you probably have the case wires connected wrong so consult your motherboard and case manual to see how to make the connections then correct it.  These are low voltage wires so you really can't cause any harm to the system if you get them wrong.\n\nOnce you know it turns on and boots (this proves all the components work), sometimes you will get a DOA part... but that's okay, if you purchased from a reputable store (like Newegg), returning and exchaging it will be as easy as pie.  \n\nNow, install the optical drives and hard drives (I like to set the jumpers to cable select) that way you don't have to worry about setting master and slave.  Black is master and slave is grey on your IDE cables.  You now have a blank hard drive and optical drives installed.  Make sure the BIOS is set to boot from the optical drive first consult motherboard manual for settings.\n\nPut in your Windows XP disc (or whatever OS you are going to use), boot from the disc, format the drive NTFS or NTFS quick, copy installation files, let the CD work it's magic... boot into the Windows installation and... begin installation.  I installed Windows XP in under 30 minutes on my system though... it's quite a mark above your average system.  Let the install finish.  Install the drivers included with your motherboard for the onboard audio/video solutions if you have those.\n\nIf you have extra PCI, AGP or PCIe devices you want to install do them one at a time.  Meaning, install one, shut down, install the next one, shut down and so on until all the devices are installed.  The last thing to do, at least I did it last is run Windows Update until all the security updates are installed.  You are done.  Enjoy.\n\nA couple warnings, if you have an AMD processor... make darn well sure you have the CPU fan connected to its power source before booting.  If you don't you might be okay because most modern motherboards have temperature sensors (mine reports the system temp, CPU temp, GPU temp, fan settings, fan speeds and reports fan malfunctions and will sound a warning at 60C).  So, even if you don't have it connected, it will shut down before it fries.\n\nBut, make sure all the fans are working while you still have the system open, if they aren't, make sure they are connected to the power supply (or motherboard).\n\nIf you want some more tips feel free to contact me.  I've rebuilt one system and built one.  I've learned quite a bit and it comes much easier now, though... I was always adept at hardware.\n\nIf you want to know what I got:\n\nAMD Athlon
458689
Honestly bro, you should probably get yourself a new custom computer, you can get one for a decent price I recommend getting an AMDX2 computer at ibuypower.com or cyberpowerpc.com, both places have good prices, or if you trust HP or Compaq you can find computers there. I'm not to sure about what's causing your problem, but I would recommend buying a new one, of course I build my own and would recommend you check out that option as it's even cheaper
95329
Covering the basics you will need an ATX case, Power Supply then the motherboard, processor and well, everything else you listed.  I'll get to the memory and Tuner Card in a second.  You didn't say what type of processor you wanted AMD or Intel, either way I recommend an Athlon 64 at least 3200+ or better which would require a Socket 939 motherboard.  Since I too am building a system I will give you the components I selected (I already have a GPU and memory so those are not in the list).\n\nCase, Thermaltake V7000C, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133134\nProcessor, AMD Athlon 64 3700+, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103539\nPower Supply, 500W DynaPower, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817255010\nMotherboard, Gigabyte GA-K8U, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128307\n\nSince the motherboard I have selected does not have an integrated graphics chip you will either need a GPU or a GPU/TV-Tuner card combo and since you aren't playing games you don't need to spend too much in this area.  I would go with a cheap GPU and a TV-Tuner card, you will need that to connect your VCR or at the very least a capture card.\n\nInstead of having one 500GB hard drive, I would go with two 250GB drives as that offers you some redundancy and you can use one for backups if you so choose.  As far as the CD and DVD drives go, get one that's cheap, reliable and will match the case and since black will suit that blue case nicely... get black drives.\n\nI think you are going to spend A LOT on memory as you will need to buy either PC2700 or PC3200 in 1GB sticks and that will not be cheap.  I don't know why you want 4GB of memory as that is overkill for even the most dedicated gamer and you aren't even going to play games but to each his own.\n\nFrom the parts I listed and you can find everything else you need there too, just sort by price for each thing you want and make sure the item has favorable reviews.  Also, if you have ANY problems at all, such as a DOA (dead on arrival part) as happens sometimes, Newegg will send you out a new part usually within 24 hours.  That's why I buy from Newegg, second to none customer service.
240168
Build your own because it is simple and to help here is a link to a step by step guide to build your own pc http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/\nIf you follow the guide you will get the pc that you want.
275306
I think an assembled pc will always be better. You can change things as you want, you can upgrade as needed, warranty is per part and not per entire product, etc.
16286
Good one.  I realize that not all people have much (if any) experience with computers but my answer is, myself.  If you build your own PC, you know what is in it, you know what can go wrong and if something does go wrong you can fix it, sometimes in minutes, depending on the severity.  I have built two desktops so far and not one of them has had a problem yet.  I also ordered one from Dell, don't know why, it was a good price at the time and cheaper than one I could have built (irony...), anyway, I had a few problems with it but I fixed them all myself.  So I can't comment either on quality or value or even customer support because I do it all myself.\n\nI also have three laptops which have had hard drive failures and the like but I fixed those too, so again, can't comment on support there either.  The only thing I can't fix is a broken LCD display.\n\nBut if you want a chart on who is best read this article, http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,123409,pg,1,00.asp from PC World.  The comparison chart is here, http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,123409,pg,8,00.asp\n\nIf you want it done right (provided you know what you are doing), do it yourself.  Computers are the only thing I know when it comes to cars (turn key car comes on is all I know), plumbing or electrical, I am completely clueless.
188996
In an age when building your own computer is more expensive than going out to buy one, building a server will be even more expensive.\n\nIf you're not computer savvy, I would recommend going with the 20 bucks a year deal. It isn't that expensive.\n\nHowever, if you still wish to persist in building a server, keep in mind this takes time and dedication. Visit this site for instructions: http://www.pcmech.com/byos/
49347
When you find your best deals, list them all and show them to a computer knowledgable person at a computer shop (hopefully where you are buying some stuff from - I would recommend the case, because then you can always go back there and ask how to hook something up and they should be familiar with it) and ask what they think and if everything is compatible. They should offer suggestions or let you know that you are doing good. If they don't, go to another one.
479677
Firstly, nice hardware setup - It really does sound like a top notch machine.\n\nSecondly, don't try to upgrade your bios. I've known many people destroy their motherboards trying this (you can send it to the manufacturer to get fixed but it's not really worth it).\n\nIf I were you, I would simply make do with what you have. Trying to upgrade your bios might be the end of your supreme machine for a while until you can get a new board or get the current one remastered.\n\nYour machine is obviously a very high spec machine so I would suggest you stay happy with it to be honest.\n\nJ
262097
Your choice of PC is directly dependant on the projected use and if you desire to upgrade/expand the unit later.\n\nWhen selecting a PC ask yourself: 1) What am i going to use it for, 2) do i have space constraints, 3) do i need to add other cards and like to the system,  4) and the least, but often considered the most important do i like the 'look' or 'cool' factor of it( of course this in only important in the eye of the beholder )\n\nNow the Shuttle XPC is a sharp small stylish unit.  It's prospects are limited by shear size.  Although it does have LAN/Video/Audio on board and there is no need for cards / upgrades in this area.  Those items maybe a desired upgrade in the future.\n\nAnother thing to consider is the cost of the cute little cube.  In the electronics world the smaller usally mean more $$$$$.\n\nI guess that it is a personal factor choice.  I have several computers, ranging from the sexy Ultra Slim  EVO desktop, to a Monster Home Build Full Tower (not pretty but very useful and powerful) p.s. i use the monster the most.\n\nCompare and shop is my best answer. But know what features you desire, and know what it should cost before you go to the store.  Salesmen can be a drag. Don't settle for anything other than what you want, after all you have to pay for it.
227026
You should build the computer yourself. You can get many parts that you need from garage sales and the like. The parts that I would still buy would be: ATX Case w/power supply (nothing fancy now, just a case w/400 watt power supply), a CPU, a Motherboard, a SATA 250GB-300GB HDD for security reasons, a OEM copy of Windows XP Pro ($140). Unfortunately, CPUs are expensive! You'll have to save your pennies for that!  DVD/CD drives can be found on most recent computers at garage sales. Just ask them if the CD or DVD drives are working. Strip the memory out of the old ones too, it may work in your build. There is usually a sticker on the memory that gives the info on it for that stick. If you put it yours just make sure that it is the right type for the mobo and CPU. This could become a family project, have the kids help you out! They have lots of friends looking to rid themselves of old computers. You can make use of those parts! Go to the library and borrow books on how to build computers. There are a lot of them out there! Shop at Newegg.com on the weekends for parts, they have weekend sales on new parts every weekend. This isn't going to be a $200 computer, but it WILL be what you want! You also can buy parts as you can afford them, and there's no finance charges on cash!
259959
thats a very ambitious project! even for a simple CPU. I cant really help design one, but the manufacturers usually can sell you the rights to use one they have had done. they arent cheap, but if you use it in volume it "may" be worth it. if its just for a learning experience, "Good Luck"!
488275
It is not bad, however since I can tell you are looking at Dells I would suggest the E521 instead, it will give you more for your money and the AMD Athlon X2s in it are faster than Pentium Ds.  As to what alchemist said, that computer he recommended is $800 with shipping, but it is not the same as what you listed.  You would have to add 1GB RAM for about $125, the 19 inch LCD for about $200, Works Suite for $100, and the video card for $50, which would bring the total to $1275.  Not a very good recommendation if you ask me.
280831
Gotta agree w/ The Expert for the most part, except...\n\nAs a system builder and semi-high end user, I always recommend that a buyer go w/ "custom" built system assembeled by a local trustworthy shop...The reason for this is you will get pretty much exactly what you want for your specific needs, will easily be upgradable in the future, service will get done quicker, and you're putting $$ in the pocket of a local merchant instead of a corporate entity...\n\nThat being said, think about this...Spend most of your money on the things you're going to keep over the long haul...Like a monitor, speakers, etc...A monitor is like a TV when you buy it...You're going to be keeping it for a LONG time... Same thing goes w/ speakers...\n\nJust remember, a Brand Name system has built-in obsolensece, which is fine if you're just gonna surf the Web and read e-mail like yer Grandma does, whereas a "built" system can be upgraded many times for a LOT less than what you'll spend for a new system down the road...I have a system case that  I've had for over 7 years, and have upgraded 4 times....  \n\nWhile you might pay a little more for a "built" unit, just remember that things like your video card, sound card, network card, CD/DVD, and Hard Drives won't need to be replaced, so that all you have to do is just get a new mobo/CPU, and RAM, and yer good to go....
19837
Tigerdirect is good for barebones systems to start with or go with maybe buy.com... They usually have good deals. Make sure the board is PCI-E capable for the latest graphics cards... AGP is going away.