Building a computer(a poor man's approach)

S

Schecter

New Member
Okay, I am not sure if this is the right forum, but I want to ask you guys if you would do this.
I don't make a lot of money, and I have bills, so b/s money is hard to come by, but I still want a new computer. I am competent enough to know what I need, and how to do it. What I need from you is a "hell no" or "go for it" from you guys that know more than me. Plus, any advice would be helpful.

Currently I am running an HP a6110n desktop which I can use as a platform. Then replace it part by part until I have a new computer. I'm pretty sure it is new enough to take new parts without much trouble.
For reference my current computer: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/e...3158-12133158-12133158-80230663-80443628.html

It is currently loaded stock except a Nvidia geforce 9800GT 1GB, in a PCI-Express slot.

List of parts I will add:
-Computer Case: http://www.xoxide.com/clearacatxca.html
-RAM: DDR3 the brand really doesnt matter
-Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392
-Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103694
-Power Supply: http://www.xoxide.com/logisys-550w-pcix-clear.html (form over function)
-Windows 7


Parts that will carry over:
-CD/DVD burner with light scribe
-320GB hard drive

Here is how I plan to do it step by step

step 1: replace the case
step 2: replace the power supply and buy those cool LED fans :P
step 3: buy windows 7
step 4: buy 2GB or more DDR3 ram(this will sit around until step 6)
step 5: buy the motherboard and processor

I want to replace it because while the graphics runs great for playing games, games with a heavy engine will crash the computer:
Games that crash:
-fallout 3 and the G.E.C.K. kit
-Call of Duty World at War
-Ghost Recon advanced warfare 2
-the new Wolfenstein
I have no idea why these games fail, however I know for sure it isn't graphics because I can play these without any problems
-Rainbow six Vegas 2
-Resident Evil 5
-Shellshock 2
-Call of Duty Modern warfare

If anyone has actually read all of that, what do you think?
 
Last edited:
Schecter said:
Okay, I am not sure if this is the right forum, but I want to ask you guys if you would do this.
I don't make a lot of money, and I have bills, so b/s money is hard to come by, but I still want a new computer. I am competent enough to know what I need, and how to do it. What I need from you is a "hell no" or "go for it" from you guys that know more than me. Plus, any advice would be helpful.

Currently I am running an HP a6110n desktop which I can use as a platform. Then replace it part by part until I have a new computer. I'm pretty sure it is new enough to take new parts without much trouble.
For reference my current computer: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/e...3158-12133158-12133158-80230663-80443628.html

It is currently loaded stock except a Nvidia geforce 9800GT 1GB, in a PCI-Express slot.

List of parts I will add:
-Computer Case: http://www.xoxide.com/clearacatxca.html
-RAM: DDR3 the brand really doesnt matter
-Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392
-Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103694
-Power Supply: http://www.xoxide.com/logisys-550w-pcix-clear.html (form over function)
-Windows 7


Parts that will carry over:
-CD/DVD burner with light scribe
-320GB hard drive

Here is how I plan to do it step by step

step 1: replace the case
step 2: replace the power supply and buy those cool LED fans :P
step 3: buy windows 7
step 4: buy 2GB or more DDR3 ram(this will sit around until step 6)
step 5: buy the motherboard and processor

I want to replace it because while the graphics runs great for playing games, games with a heavy engine will crash the computer:
Games that crash:
-fallout 3 and the G.E.C.K. kit
-Call of Duty World at War
-Ghost Recon advanced warfare 2
-the new Wolfenstein
I have no idea why these games fail, however I know for sure it isn't graphics because I can play these without any problems
-Rainbow six Vegas 2
-Resident Evil 5
-Shellshock 2
-Call of Duty Modern warfare

If anyone has actually read all of that, what do you think?
Click to expand...

Erm... I've just read it and do not know what to make of it. What is it you're asking? What do you need? Just a new GPU, RAM, and Windows 7?
 
Well your going to want to buy windows 7 after you buy the motherboard. If you don't the windows will be linked to your old motherboard and you will have to buy another OS for your new motherboard. This will take some time but in the end it will be worth it. Although it would be better to save up the money then buy the parts. Prices drop so fast so you would probably get things cheaper if you wait to you have enough for the whole system at once time.
 
Fatback said:
Well your going to want to buy windows 7 after you buy the motherboard. If you don't the windows will be linked to your old motherboard and you will have to buy another OS for your new motherboard. This will take some time but in the end it will be worth it. Although it would be better to save up the money then buy the parts. Prices drop so fast so you would probably get things cheaper if you wait to you have enough for the whole system at once time.
Click to expand...

Very True :D +1
 
Fatback said:
Well your going to want to buy windows 7 after you buy the motherboard. If you don't the windows will be linked to your old motherboard and you will have to buy another OS for your new motherboard.
Click to expand...

I would sure like to see where this is stated in the license. I have done several motherboard upgrades and never had a problem. Worst case scenario, you have to call them during activation and tell them it is the same computer and you upgraded your motherboard and they give you the authorization code dealy.
 
Fatback said:
Well your going to want to buy windows 7 after you buy the motherboard. If you don't the windows will be linked to your old motherboard and you will have to buy another OS for your new motherboard. This will take some time but in the end it will be worth it. Although it would be better to save up the money then buy the parts. Prices drop so fast so you would probably get things cheaper if you wait to you have enough for the whole system at once time.
Click to expand...

This is what I was looking for. Tips like these. While I like the idea of saving up, I feel this would be a better idea, otherwise I may lose interest in it or get derailed and spend it on something else and have nothing to show. Plus, as is the parts are cheap enough(the processor is only $90, the motherboard is $80) and if it goes down all the better.
With this my computer is getting better, and it isn't a "new computer" as it is a base slowly replaced.
 
dgrevillius said:
I would sure like to see where this is stated in the license. I have done several motherboard upgrades and never had a problem. Worst case scenario, you have to call them during activation and tell them it is the same computer and you upgraded your motherboard and they give you the authorization code dealy.
Click to expand...

I'm not entirely sure how windows keeps track of keeping more than one computer from using the same OS disk. Maybe it's just that two computers with the same serial number can't be connected to the internet at once or Bill Gates brings down maxwell's silver hammer. Linking an OS to the board would require rewriting the disk to only work on that computer.
Using a boot disk for the stock computer you may run into problems because it is used to see a certain motherboard, however me and my sister have the same model computer and can use each others boot disks.
 
Schecter said:
Okay, I am not sure if this is the right forum, but I want to ask you guys if you would do this.
I don't make a lot of money, and I have bills, so b/s money is hard to come by, but I still want a new computer. I am competent enough to know what I need, and how to do it. What I need from you is a "hell no" or "go for it" from you guys that know more than me. Plus, any advice would be helpful.

Currently I am running an HP a6110n desktop which I can use as a platform. Then replace it part by part until I have a new computer. I'm pretty sure it is new enough to take new parts without much trouble.
For reference my current computer: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/e...3158-12133158-12133158-80230663-80443628.html

It is currently loaded stock except a Nvidia geforce 9800GT 1GB, in a PCI-Express slot.

List of parts I will add:
-Computer Case: http://www.xoxide.com/clearacatxca.html
-RAM: DDR3 the brand really doesnt matter
-Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392
-Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103694
-Power Supply: http://www.xoxide.com/logisys-550w-pcix-clear.html (form over function)
-Windows 7


Parts that will carry over:
-CD/DVD burner with light scribe
-320GB hard drive

Here is how I plan to do it step by step

step 1: replace the case
step 2: replace the power supply and buy those cool LED fans :P
step 3: buy windows 7
step 4: buy 2GB or more DDR3 ram(this will sit around until step 6)
step 5: buy the motherboard and processor

I want to replace it because while the graphics runs great for playing games, games with a heavy engine will crash the computer:
Games that crash:
-fallout 3 and the G.E.C.K. kit
-Call of Duty World at War
-Ghost Recon advanced warfare 2
-the new Wolfenstein
I have no idea why these games fail, however I know for sure it isn't graphics because I can play these without any problems
-Rainbow six Vegas 2
-Resident Evil 5
-Shellshock 2
-Call of Duty Modern warfare

If anyone has actually read all of that, what do you think?
Click to expand...
PSU is crappy, very very prone to failure and low quality.

Case- No idea why you would want one of those acrylic cases...they collect dust, poor airflow, and crazy cable management.
 
dgrevillius said:
I would sure like to see where this is stated in the license. I have done several motherboard upgrades and never had a problem. Worst case scenario, you have to call them during activation and tell them it is the same computer and you upgraded your motherboard and they give you the authorization code dealy.
Click to expand...

Why go through all the trouble it would be eaiser to just get the OS last? Also it is a known fact that the product key is linked to you motherboard.

Schecter said:
I'm not entirely sure how windows keeps track of keeping more than one computer from using the same OS disk. Maybe it's just that two computers with the same serial number can't be connected to the internet at once or Bill Gates brings down maxwell's silver hammer. Linking an OS to the board would require rewriting the disk to only work on that computer.
Using a boot disk for the stock computer you may run into problems because it is used to see a certain motherboard, however me and my sister have the same model computer and can use each others boot disks.
Click to expand...

You can use the disk on any computer it is the product key that will only work on one computer. The product key will be linked to you motherboard and when you switch motherboard you windows will no longer be activated.

bomberboysk said:
PSU is crappy, very very prone to failure and low quality.

Case- No idea why you would want one of those acrylic cases...they collect dust, poor airflow, and crazy cable management.
Click to expand...

+1
 
bomberboysk said:
PSU is crappy, very very prone to failure and low quality.

Case- No idea why you would want one of those acrylic cases...they collect dust, poor airflow, and crazy cable management.
Click to expand...

form over function.

Any ideas about an acrylic or better looking PSU? I am shooting in the dark here. But remember, keep it cheap, only need just over 400w.
As far as poor airflow, you can say that about any case, and with 5 fans, plus a video card with it's own fan, an non overclocked CPU with it's own fan, and a power supply with it's own fan it's going to be cool enough. It's not the super computer that some people have.
 
Fatback said:
Why go through all the trouble it would be eaiser to just get the OS last? Also it is a known fact that the product key is linked to you motherboard
Click to expand...

Fatback...where is your proof of this? I just read through both the XP Home and Vista Home Premium EULAs and I never saw ANYTHING in there to say that I can not upgrade my motherboard. Please, enlighten me. Where is this knowledge?
 
dgrevillius said:
Fatback...where is your proof of this? I just read through both the XP Home and Vista Home Premium EULAs and I never saw ANYTHING in there to say that I can not upgrade my motherboard. Please, enlighten me. Where is this knowledge?
Click to expand...
Any acrylic power supply is crappy as they are only made by a few manufacturers. The wattage means nothing, its the quality of the units manufacture and wattage on the rails.
Schecter said:
form over function.

Any ideas about an acrylic or better looking PSU? I am shooting in the dark here. But remember, keep it cheap, only need just over 400w.
As far as poor airflow, you can say that about any case, and with 5 fans, plus a video card with it's own fan, an non overclocked CPU with it's own fan, and a power supply with it's own fan it's going to be cool enough. It's not the super computer that some people have.
Click to expand...
OEM= Tied to motherboard.
 
dgrevillius said:
Okay, I just checked the EULA and you are right. So, OEM is tied, retail is not. Makes sense.
Click to expand...

The EULA on OEM installs pertains not just to the internal hardware but to the entire unit. There is, if I recall, a limit on the number of times you can re-install the software in a given time period with that key. You can change the MB, redetect the hardware and it will validate and authenticate with an OEM key (and I don't think MS is too sticky over this unless you make a habit of changing hardware all the time) but technically you are not supposed to do it. Basically (without going into the legal-ease) the OEM EULA is based on licensing for the entire unit. It does however allow changes in drives, memory, video and such.

As others have said, retail is another ball of wax since it is not tied to the unit per se' only that there is one instance of that key running on one computer at one time.
 
bomberboysk said:
Any acrylic power supply is crappy as they are only made by a few manufacturers. The wattage means nothing, its the quality of the units manufacture and wattage on the rails.
Click to expand...

So, is the strategy to guess and check or are you going to be helpful and recommend something in the same price range. i.e. not a $200 1600w power supplies.
under $50, ~500w
 
Schecter said:
So, is the strategy to guess and check or are you going to be helpful and recommend something in the same price range. i.e. not a $200 1600w power supplies.
under $50, ~500w
Click to expand...

I already know what power supply he will tell you to get. The Xclio Stablepower 500w it's one of the best budget power supplies out. It can easily power a 4870 or GTX 260.
 
Schecter said:
not too bad

can someone tell me what the difference between these two are?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189005

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189014
Click to expand...

The stablepower is better quality and has more Amps on the +12V rails. The stablepower is also has 80% efficiency where the goodpower is only 70%. I'm sure bomber will explain more about the difference between the two to you he knows a lot about power supplies.
 
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