Going to start building my dream... I think?

[batgirl6489]

I'm going to "try" and build my own computer. I'm definitely a gamer and all I have right now is a laptop, and I just found out early you can't rebuild a laptop to a gamer laptop.

So where do I begin?

I'm not the smartest when it comes to all the inside stuff. I know the OS will take a big part of my money. And putting it together is going to be a challenge. But I would be happy to try. Always up for a challenge... right?

It will take a good amount of time just to get all the parts, but I want this thing to be AMAZING!

Questions:

1. Do I need a desktop already assembled to replace parts? What I mean is could I get a trashing, but fuctionally, desktop, probably doesn't have much for OS like XP (since I'll be changing that), and start replacing parts (motherboard, Video Card). Or do I just get a case?

2. Where would be a good place to "build" my dream partner? I don't want to go to amazon, and look at every since part that could go in a desktop. Is there somewhere I could see the best parts for a certain game or hobby I want to do? I'm also a AutoCAD builder.

3. I want to have fun. Do I need any special tools (screwdrivers or hammer)?

Thanks
Ashley Winters

 

[ninjabubbles3]

You can build a computer from scratch,you need a screwdriver for the most part.

If you give us a budget, we can put together a list of parts for building a computer.
You need a motherboard, CPU, RAM, Video Card, Power Supply, Case, Hard Drives, and possibly Fans.

NeweggTV has a good video on how to build a computer

 

[C4C]

It would be a waste to try and upgrade an old computer. Around here we use PCPartPicker.com to create compatible lists.

I belive in your previous thread, you said that $600 could be a goal?

Here's one AMD build for ~$550 after rebates: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/83ggK8

Here's one Intel build for ~$610 after rebates: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QkWhdC

As usual, you can always swap the RAM to a lower speed, or PSU to a less expensive EVGA. It's all dependent on 1) cost, and 2) efficiency, and 3) longevity/upgrade ability.

The Intel does work on a socket that can be upgraded through the newest i7 processors so I do recommend it.

Edit:I do not recommend making a choice yet.

 

[tylerjrb]

If your building your dream you want to decide on a resolution for CAD and gaming and other usages. I.e 1080p. You then want to design and build around that and your budget to give you the best you can for your needs and your budget.

It would be best to buy parts individually and from sites such as newegg, ive used amazon and had some pretty good deals for parts there.

you should only really need a good screwdriver, phillips drive to screw all screws to standoff's, secure hard drives etc, adjustable spanner (or correct size) for stand off's if there are some missing or loose on the motherboard tray.

like ninja has said above, give us a resolution and budget to work to and someone will pick you out all the parts to get the best for your budget.