I want to save money by building my own computer - how hard will it be?
139519
Depends on if you know what you're doing.\nI have 3 in my living room I built, saved over $1,000 on each. I can put them together in about an hour, but it depends on if you know how. \nIn my opinion it's alot better (cheaper) to do it, and get exactly what you want. I shop for my parts either at Fry's computer store or online at http://newegg.com/
246619
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
78812
I wouldn't you can find a lot of free material on the internet that can show you how to build a computer.
591958
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....
190548
I would build my own.  Reasons to build your own: potential lower cost, higher quality components and absolutely you will have a better power supply than an off the shelf PC.  But, if you don't want to do that, go with a dual core AMD (for reasons explained here, http://xgatech.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1554 Intel sucks).  I can suggest an off the shelf PC you can buy but number one, you're going to be lucky if you get a 300W power supply and two, you aren't going to get a graphics card with it, that you will have to buy and install separately.\n\nHere are three computers to pick from and you will be able to get the graphics card without going over your budget:\n\nhttp://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Acer-Aspire-trade-Desktop-PC-ASE360UD3800-/sem/rpsm/oid/141419/catOid/-12962/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do\nhttp://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Pavilion-Desktop-PC-A1350N-/sem/rpsm/oid/142126/catOid/-12962/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do\nhttp://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Pavilion-Media-Center-TV-PC-M7330N-/sem/rpsm/oid/142369/catOid/-12962/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do\n\nAnd now the graphics card, since all those computers have a PCIe slot here are some suggestions for you...\n\nThe first rule is I wouldn't get anything less than a Radeon X800XL and that is a good place to start your search.  I like the X800XL, X800GTO and X850XT and a number of these cards have rebates on them, http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?ATTR6=2010380048+1068309611&N=2010380048+1068309611+1069609641&Submit=ENE&ATTR11=2010380048+1069609641&Subcategory=48\n\nIf you want a nVidia card then I will suggest the 7800GT, http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+1068309611+1069609641+1067917485&Subcategory=48&description=&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&ATTR1=&ATTR2=&ATTR3=&ATTR4=2010380048+1068309611+1069609641+1067917485&ATTR5=&ATTR6=&ATTR7=&ATTR8=&ATTR9=&ATTR10=&ATTR11=&ATTR12=&ATTR13=&ATTR14=&ATTR15=&ATTR16=&ATTR17= but that one will be pushing the limits of your budget, if not go over if you get the most expensive computer here.\n\nYou might want to check out the 6800GS, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125010 as well or the Radeon X1600XT, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814121548 (this one is passively cooled so there is no fan, meaning it will not add to the noise produced by your PC).  Also, the nVidia Geforce 7600GT isn't a bad value at all, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130283 but I could go on and on all day about graphics cards.  Any of these will suit your needs and there are many, many more to choose from... just stay away from the X300, X1300, 6200, 6500 or any card that says HyperMemory or Turbochache, DO NOT buy any of those cards, they suck.\n\nI'd get into benchmarks as well but I do that with my friends and they all get glassy eyed so I won't bore you with that.  Just know all of these cards will be sufficiently fast when combined with a dual core processor, they are unstoppable.  I would also say that you should upgrade the power supply in the PC you purchase because some of these cards will require a connection (via a molex connector) to the power supply or they will not run.  For a cheap and good power supply check out this 500W DynaPower Power supply, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817255010 it has plenty of power (provides 28A on the 12V rail - this is very good and is hard to beat... even in the more expensive power supplies) and I have found it to be very reliable.  Just make sure that the PC uses a standard ATX motherboard because if it doesn't an ATX standard power supply will fry it.
862574
Holidays and back to school.  Dude just build one yourself.  When you buy a computer from some hack company you mostly just pay for the name.  Look on the web, its pretty easy to do it yourself, better components for half the cost.
514627
Find one on eBay! You'll probably want a branded one if you are not much of a computer person. They also come with technical support and really they are quite cheaper than if you had someone build you one from scratch. This is because a giant like Dell gets their parts in huge quantities and therfore pays MUCH less than a small computer shop would. The savings is passed on to you. And, if you ever decide to sell your PC and get a newer one, you'll find it easier to sell a branded and modeled unit versus a no-namer.
444660
Start by figuring out your estimated budget, then make a COMPLETE list of all the parts you need.  Then shop around.  Ordering online is affordable.  For example, let's say my budget is $5,000.00.\n\nI would write a list of all the parts I need.\nCase (form factor I will decide later)\nCooling (type will decide later)\nPSU (wattage to be determined)\nMotherboard (to be determined)\nProcessor (depends on motherboard)\nheatshink (later)\nRAM (type)\nHDDs (size and speed tbd)\noptical drives (tbd)\nsound card (if not integrated tbd)\nvideo (if not integrated tbd)\netc etc, you get the idea.  I know i left out some things.  \n\nAnyway, then I would prioritize this list into what is most important based on my needs.  I would say the motherboard is top priority since almost everything gets built around it.  Therefore, I would find what I want and subtract the price of it from my average budget.  Then keep moving down the list until I run out of money.  If my budget depletes before I've finished, then I would have to make some sacrifices on earlier choices and go with something cheaper.  However, more affordable does not always mean less performance.  Usually - but not always.\n\nAnyway, sorry for the long-windedness of the answer, but this is how I do it when I order - just thought it might help give you an idea.
728262
Let us know what the closest main city is for help.  I find local computer places are much better than the big box stores.  Especially price-wise.  Look in your yellow pages for a store that services computers and sells re-furbished ones.  They're the ones that will use the parts they have on hand instead of trying to sell you special order stuff, or a whole new computer for that matter.
357999
That's a hard one. The specs of the site are what define the time and, therefore, the cost. With so many pre-made systems out there ready to go, you could definitely have something up and running with very little effort within a couple of day. The only charge would be the time you spent on doing it.
116615
First and foremost you need to have your license.\nCalculate your personal expenses for two years and try to save that money, just in case you start your business and no money comes in for the first or two years.\nStart your business at home, that way you have less expenses. You will also need to find out how much it will cost to buy a computer and software (usually around $10,000).\n\nThen try to make friends with Architecs and Surveyors.\nUsually they will refere you to jobs.\nThat's how my friend got started and now he is really busy with a lot of work.
290229
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)
761153
If you r not a pro user and need the computer for basic stuff like email, web, music, films etc. you can buy one for as little as $300-400 depending on what deal u land. The specs you can expect will be something like this: Celeron-M or Core Solo cpu 1.4-1.66Ghz, 256-512mb ram, CD-RW/DVD drive, 40-60gb HDD, wi-fi wireless. If you want to go even cheaper, get one with an AMD cpu (like Sempron) instead of those intel chips. Check the weekly ads for big stores. This week both Office Depot and Walmart had sub $400 notebooks.
435276
If your home/office use is nothing more than surfing the internet and using office applications, then more or less any pc made within the last 4/5 years will be able to do that. You do not need to spend large amounts of money unless you plan to do photo/video editing, gaming, multimedia tasks, or lots of things at once.\nIf you need to carry the computer about, a laptop is recommended.\nA good basic spec is a desktop processor of 2.5ghz or more, or a mobile processor of 1.5ghz or more. 256mb RAM is a good idea, and a hard drive of 40gb is probably the minimum.\nOther components can be whatever you like
436336
As far as I know, and I've had quite a bit of experience with computers, \n-the first thing you should look for is a motherboard. The motherboard is the main part of the computer (the part that all the other devices are connected with, which means that the motherboard (hence its name) connects, and makes all components that a computer requires to boot work together.)\nAfter choosing your motherboard, you go after a processor. -Some motherboards come with a built in processor, and maybe additional components as well. However, I would buy all components separately, since it is more likely that the quality will be better.\n-After that, you look for a fan, and the electricity/power device.\n-Physical RAM memory.\n-You'll also need a graphics card (and by the way, you've gotta check for compatibility with the motherboard before purchasing the components.)\n-Sound card.\n-cd/dvd drive\n-network card, or a modem\n-you might also find USB ports useful\n-the keyboard and mouse ports usually come with the motherboard, but you still have to check on that first.\n-and a case for the main unit\n\nNow that you're done with the main unit, you can go pick a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. And you're done.\nOf course, it is not as simple as it sounds, but I'm sure all the components that you will buy come with instructions, and if you have the time and nerve to go through them, I'm sure you'll be able to get it up and running successfully.\n\nI hope you find this info useful.\nGood luck
443913
Well if you have all the money, buy the best computer in the world!\n\nSeriously, This depends on what you want to do. If you are just editing 2 minute home videos with no titles or transitions, then you can do it on a pentium 2 with 96MB of ram. (I have a vaio that does that.)\n\nfor 3d modeling, I would recomend a high end gaming computer, equivalent to what you would get from Alienware or one of the other custom computer manufacturers out there. The more memory, higher the processor speed, and faster the video card, the quicker the render time that will be involved in producing the video.\n\nFor straightforward video with simple transitions and if you don't mind waiting a few minutes to render, I would recomend a pentium 4 processor over 3 gig speed, 1 gb of memory, two hard drives, one operating drive one for video. At least 80 gigs of video space. (Make sure the drive is 7200 rpm.) Get a video card with two monitor support or widescreen monitor, this makes keeping track of windows much easier. Make sure it has firewire, and a DVD burner is a nice option to have.\n\nIn a Mac get a dual processor 2.5 Gb, with 1 gb of memory, a 300 gb Lacie external Harddrive, Two button mouse, Final Cut Pro with Motion and purchase Photoshop elements.(At least) THis is alot more money than the PC, but it is a much more powerful system, with many features that will allow you to work professionally for years without upgrading. (Provided you move on to HDV and not something else like film or holographic projection when they start to make an appearance in the next few years.)\n\nHope this helps,\nTony
167040
It depends. First of all, how much are you willing to spend? How many people on each floor? whats the distance from where you plan on installing hubs/switches to where you plan to install the farthest computer?\n\nget this info and send me an email: charlygt@yahoo.com