n00b Builds Own PC; Needs Input Along the Way:

[Angborn]

I'm going to build my own computer, and even though I am relatively new to computer tinkering, I won't be stopped.

I thought this might be helpful for others interested in doing like I'm doing, but with no prior technical experience, just like myself. I'm coming here to get help, from A to Z.

The PC I'll be building will be centered on gaming performance, and so certain parts I'll be able to decide upon for myself. Top-of-the-line (at this point) video card, for instance. As well as a Pentium 4 3.2 GHz Processor, a faster-than-normal hard drive, Audigy Platinum sound card, top notch stuff, ya dig.

(Sorry I'm at work, and can't remember the exact pieces, but, suffice it to say it will be basically the best available stuff at this time, except peripherals: keyboard/mouse/monitor, which will be good enough by far, but nothing overboard like flat panel monitor or gaming mouse/pad... nothing so flashy. Just regular peripherals. As soon as I can I'll come back with exact part names, to assist you in assisting me on the first step of the process.)

So, let's start with the most basic basic. The case. I read an article in "PC Upgrade" about building a PC for gaming, and in their 'super gaming computer' model, they used a Full Tower Antec case, w/ a 430W power supply with its own fan, two rear fans, a side fan, and a front intake fan for cooling. However, I'm not so sure a Full Tower is really necessary for a top-line gaming comp, except insofar as it would provide lots of room for air flow over all the parts. Another thing I'm not so sure about is the power supply. Is 430W really enough to run such a beast?? What brand names are recommended? What site is the best for a deal on a case/power supply? Should I be looking for something with a little more juice, like 500W+?

So, let's focus on the Tower and Power, first off... Please reply with VERY SPECIFIC DETAILS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (everything from the number of bays in the tower to the dimmensions of the power supply that goes in said tower, whatever it may be, etc etc... VERY specific, if you would.)

All ideas welcome. Let's do it!

[brad]

You probably won't like my reply because you want details.
I'd suggest 500 watts min.
For a case I'd suggest a Tower so expansion and Air flow is maximised.
Details........Sky's the limit and personal pref. prevails.......
brad

[liljim]

The "Full Tower Antec case" would be a pretty good choice,using one myself.The amount of room for cooling and upgrading is exceptional.The only warning i can give you on it is to make sure you buy long IDE or any other cables.I have 18" cables but when running several drives as master/slave setups its just barely long enough.Currently i cant use my highest drive bay because of it.You will be better to buy 24" cables.Another downside is "lan partys".Belive me,its no pleasure to pack around a 50lbs tower that measures 18"x22"x8".If you buy the right cables and dont mind or plan on carrying the "awkward load" around much,it is a great tower.As far as Power supply,im with brad.500 watts minimum, is one of my favorite places to start part hunting.

[Angborn]

That shows the tower I went with.

The grand total, after shipping, was about $109. I'll have to replace that 350W power supply, not a big deal, and probably get some more cooling fans for it, also not a big deal.

I'm going to wait until I get it in my home and can look at it up close before I go buying other parts (for dimmension considerations mainly).

So... Part one, The Case, has begun.

[brad]

In case you need more help with the rest of your system don't forget use here at the mother of all boards.
lol.......brad

[Angborn]

I plan to make this thread last the whole time I'm building my computer, from A to Z, like I said.

Wait a minute... the only reason you posted that was for that cheesey joke wasn't it? LOL

But, yeah, hehe... the case is just the beginning.

[Angborn]

Here is the center piece for this whole adventure of mine:



YEAH BABY!! Man that thing is gonna fly!

Only $410 total through Pricewatch.com

[badpolarbear]

Ok who is going to take in a collection for a fire extinguisher for Angborn?

[Angborn]

[Angborn]

I could get either CPU... It will be a 3.2GHz CPU, whichever way I go...

But, I need input. What do readers here prefer, and why? Is one easier to use for the ameture builder than the other? Or are they 'six of one, half dozen of another'?

HELP!

[badpolarbear]

Im not sure if it is so much easier or harder. Its more likely $$$$$$ means quality such as video, sound, motherboard etc. When you buy make sure you have specs for everything you have to make sure its all compatible. Daniel

[Angborn]

FYI, for those following along (if anyone is, hehe), I found some help on this site:



Including a checklist, here:



This is exactly what I needed, hehe... breaks it down for the novice like me. <grin>

However, if any of you 'gurus' are curious if I found reliable help, feel free to visit the links here and tell me if they're giving any bogus info (besides the likelihood that they'll have some outdated examples).

Thanks!

[Angborn]

Ordered the CPU and the mobo

Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz (800 FSB) Upgraded CPU Fan/Heatsink (70mm) @ $322

Abit IC7-MAX3 i875P P4 (800FSB) Skt478 DDR ATX Motherboard w Audio, Gigabit LAN & Dual RAID @ $192

Running total so far:

$1033

Not too bad for having some of the big purchases out of the way.

Suggestions for RAM?? I want 1GB (or two 512MB), and I'm not really sure what to get to maximize the use of this i875 chipset. (Doesn't the i875P read two 512MB sticks as a pair, creating a 128-bit memory bus and 1GB+ RAM? Or am I mistaken?)

Another concern is knowing that the memory I buy will be compatible with my mobo... I read reviews of certain mobos (not the one I bought) where peeps had trouble with compatibility issues... is there no other way than to wait and read the paperwork when the mobo arrives?

[badpolarbear]

to me it might be a wise idea to have two 512's instead of one 1G stick. With two sticks if one burns out you will still be able to carry on some form of work on the system and not be totally down. Just the way I think I guess. Daniel

[liljim]

When you start memory shopping try or .Both sites have a memory selector to guarantee compatibility.