First Build Recommendations

C

cmd

New Member
First I want to make sure that I'm doing the right thing by choosing to build my own. My budget is only around $500 - $600, will I actually be saving that much by avoiding Dell/HP? Also, how hard/risky is it for someone who knows nothing about computer hardware to put one together?

Now, the main question is what the best build for around $500 or $600 would be. I don't need a monitor or keyboard+mouse, but I would want to have Windows 7 (I'm a student, so I think there's a discount). The main use would be for multimedia (music, movies, photos, internet, etc.) and probably little to no gaming.

Thanks for any help.
 
well, can I ask you a question?
do you want to build a pc b/c you would like to build one ~ or ~ do you want to build a pc to save money?
if it is the second reason...buy a prebuilt pc, if it is the first...welcome aboard
all of us here started at the beginning just like you are now.
have a well lit work area, allow plenty of time to complete the task. Don't panic if something goes wrong....walk away do something else then come back to it. The manuals you get with the processor and motherboard have detailed info..if you have a question you can ask here possibly with a picture of what you are looking at. They way I look at spending money for something that I have never done , in your case a new pc build ...is paying for training. So think of it as a weekend bootcamp on building a pc that costs $500..only you get to keep the pc at the end. You should also spend a few days reading through your manuals looking at your case and components before going ahead.
All my PC's have ASUS mainboards, I usually choose Intel processors.
probably a core2-duo would be good for your first build, AMD's are slightly cheaper. Good luck..keep us updated
 
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The money saved is definitely one of the major reasons, but some of the other reasons are not having all the pre-installed software that comes with retail PCs, and being able to upgrade it or fix it if something goes wrong instead of relying on spotty technical service.
 
there is already a sticky thread on how to assemby a computer on your own.
It isnt so hard.Make sure you are static free...
You could get:

Asus P5KPL-AM SE (s775, DDR2, VGA, G31)
Intel Dual Core at 2,6GHz
Kingston Value RAM 2GB (one module)
TwinTech GT 210 SVGA (PCI-Express, HDMI, 512MB)
L&C 600W (the power supply)
Nexus FLC-3000 Cpu Cooler
Western Digital 640GB HDD (16MB Cache, 7200 rpm, Sata, WD6400AAKS)
Sony AD5240S/BL DVDRW +/- Sata Black Bulk
Asus TA-891 Black (Case)

I dont know what are the prices in your country, but i have posted the most cheapest + good parts.....
 
but some of the other reasons are not having all the pre-installed software that comes with retail PCs
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pre-installed software? most pre-installed software is full version that only last for 90 days or so.
 
cmd said:
The money saved is definitely one of the major reasons, but some of the other reasons are not having all the pre-installed software that comes with retail PCs, and being able to upgrade it or fix it if something goes wrong instead of relying on spotty technical service.
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All good reasons.

I wanted to save money on a build too. Ended up building a higher end PC than I would have bought - but it does everythign I want it to do - and I know why - and when it doesn't - I'll know what to upgrade and when / why to do it.:good:

Along with the sticky thread - here's another DIY PC guide with good photos and descriptions of what to do

http://techreport.com/articles.x/13671/1
 
Jamin43 said:
All good reasons.

I wanted to save money on a build too. Ended up building a higher end PC than I would have bought - but it does everythign I want it to do - and I know why - and when it doesn't - I'll know what to upgrade and when / why to do it.:good:

Along with the sticky thread - here's another DIY PC guide with good photos and descriptions of what to do

http://techreport.com/articles.x/13671/1
Click to expand...

The tech report link you gave doesn't work.
 
bluecraze said:
The tech report link you gave doesn't work.
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Looks like the entire Tech Report is down. I'm sure they will back up. I try and read their site daily - and this is the first time I haven't been able to log on.

Try back later - it was working when I posted it - and I've had that saved in my favorite places for a long time.

The link is working again :good:
 
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Is there any guide on compatibility? All of the guides I've looked at so far do a good job with the actual assembly, but don't really describe how to pick out the parts themselves.
 
cmd said:
Is there any guide on compatibility? All of the guides I've looked at so far do a good job with the actual assembly, but don't really describe how to pick out the parts themselves.
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Start with Budget - what you want your PC to do for you.

Then pick out a CPU

The CPU socket will determine what MOBO you are limited to.

Your MOBO will determine what RAM ( DDR2, DDR3 ) you need.

Hard Drive / DVD-burner - any one will do - Stick with Seagate or Western Digital for HDD quality drives - and pick a CD / DVD Burner drive with good reviews on Newegg ( BLu Ray if you want it ). Choose SATA over IDE model

Video card - choose the games you want first / do you want dual monitors or single - then a budget and ask questions on this board. If you plan to game - this --- Guide--- is helpful to get started.

Power Supply / Monitors / Case - I have a general idea - but I'll let others give you better advice. I just started with reliable brands and chose a price point with minimum requirements for monitor size / power needed / case room / etc.

If you want to get technical on any parts / performance You can go to ---Toms Hardware--- and search their Articles Tab - or Charts tab for lots of graphics of benchmarks on various games or productivity functions.
 
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Before I search NewEgg for parts, should I consider waiting a little while for USB 3.0 and Intel's new chip updates? I'd like this computer to last me a while and I'd hate to spend a lot on something that won't be compatible with the next generation of technology.
 
cmd said:
Before I search NewEgg for parts, should I consider waiting a little while for USB 3.0 and Intel's new chip updates? I'd like this computer to last me a while and I'd hate to spend a lot on something that won't be compatible with the next generation of technology.
Click to expand...

Tech is constantly changing. I wouldn't wait for anything.
 
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