Total Novice to build a Desktop?

R

remember

New Member
Hi,

Im quite new to this- actually totally new. Not to the idea of computers in general but to building one as I have never done this before or anything related to it.
Once I opened a laptop to install some more RAM, but found that the little indentation on the RAM module didn't match the RAM already installed and thats about as far as my knowledge/experience of computer assemly/configuring goes.

Despite all this, I would still like to learn about computers and I would very much like to build my first computer.

I have read from few sources detailing this subject and thus have tried to absorb opinions from various sources not always consistent with each other, but still eyeopening nonetheless.

I have my mind fixed on installing the best CPU that currently exists which as far as I have been told is the Core 2 Duo, however the Xeon seems to be raising my interest. I have read in some places that the Xeon is for Servers, which I think is not for my purpose, as it will probably just be used for myself or at the very most added to my mom's small business which has 7 or 8 Dell Optiplex GX270 Pentium 4,2.8Ghz, but then I see that Dell also sells some "Wokstation" model PC's, which seem to me to be individual user computers but have the option to configure them with the Xeon processor. So that is just another issue I dont understand. If the 1366FSB of a Xeon is however faster than the 1066FSB of a Core 2, than can I assemble my computer with this faster Xeon CPU?

Bottom line, I would like to install the best components for the money I have, and with the total lack of any foresight on where the technology in this industry is headed to also use the best CPU that will last as long as this technology can last, before it becomes an aging lagger, hopefully later than sooner.

My knowledge of the major components required to build this are the Barebone Case, CPU, motherboard?, Memory modules, Hard drive, the optical drive(s) or DVD/CD reader/writer(s), the cards and ports and of course the monitor. Thats about all I know. And how to assemble it, I have no Idea.

If anybody thinks that assembling a computer should be fun, or should be learned by anyone who wants to try or can give some good links to some places where to read up on some basic pre-requisite knowledge before starting to build a computer, please let me know. I hope that me being able to build a computer is possible, as I would like to think that I am a fast learner, when Im interested, and someone who likes to teach is able to to give me a good start. I hope to hear whatever good positive information I can get. Thanks to anyone willing to help.
 
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theyre stickeys on this forum for building a comp 101 or something

u also need a graphics card if oyu plan on gaming bc integrated sucks

power supply might be helpful
 
For a CPU....a few things. First, to buy the best processor currently available to the average user would be several thousand dollars. Since I doubt you have that much to pour into a CPU and into the parts to make it use the full potential of the CPU, I would reccomend a Core 2 Duo. The Xenon line are indeed server CPU's, and aren't really meant for home uses.

If you gave us a budget, it would help us a lot more.


And as for assembly, it's so incredibly easy you'll wonder why you were worried.
 
Give us a budget, then we can tell you what you should buy. Here's what you need:
Processor
Motherboard
Memory
Hard drive
Graphics card
Optical Drive/s
Power supply
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Operating System (ie. Windows XP)

Optional:
Sound card
 
computermaineack said:
For a CPU....a few things. First, to buy the best processor currently available to the average user would be several thousand dollars. Since I doubt you have that much to pour into a CPU and into the parts to make it use the full potential of the CPU, I would reccomend a Core 2 Duo. The Xenon line are indeed server CPU's, and aren't really meant for home uses.

If you gave us a budget, it would help us a lot more.


And as for assembly, it's so incredibly easy you'll wonder why you were worried.
Click to expand...


Dear computermaineack,

I was about to start by saying, "how the hell did you know you could doubt me having thousands of dollars to pour into this"?, but now that you say its so easy to build a computer- I might just be tempted to try this multi-thousand dollar best computer construction job in the world- but unfortunately for myself, I have to say you're right; I dont have that kind of money.

I have a little over $1,200- but thats insurance money from the last computer that was stolen and even though I could spend a few hundred dollars more of my own money- essentially, I have no idea how much faster all these different levels of CPU's et al can go in proportion to the cost.

For example. I noticed that the Intel Core 2-2.13Ghz is about $230, and the 2.4GHz is about $320, but the 2.66Ghz is over $500. Is the very slightly more than 10% increase in CPU speed justifiable for a 65% increase in price? This is just another issue which confuses me. It doesn't make sense to pay so much more for just another 10% faster speed- if the Ghz number is actually a direct indication of computer speed.

Anyway, I hope you will tell me what my options are and of course how to do this, and bottom line, I have to spend at least, exactly $1,224, otherwise the insurance company wont pay- so hopefully I'll be happy enough with what I could get if I just spend the 1,224 but I'd also like to know how much better it could be if I spend X amount more.
 
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Jet said:
Give us a budget, then we can tell you what you should buy. Here's what you need:
Processor
Motherboard
Memory
Hard drive
Graphics card
Optical Drive/s
Power supply
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Operating System (ie. Windows XP)

Optional:
Sound card
Click to expand...

I dont know if the graphics card is super essential; again I dont know anything about computers- but computermaineack has now made me determined to build one. I dont play video games- but I do sometimes like to watch short videos on the internet- other than that- I think most of what I use the computer for is just internet, email, researching/crossreferencing- and most recently, Im trying to construct a website to sell some products I'm starting to import from China.- But no- I don't play any video games- my eyeballs can barely stay open as it is.
 
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Jet said:
The key is a well rounded system. I'll quickly give you some links:

INtel Core 2 Duo E6300 Processor
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 Motherboard
Corsari 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 800 Memory
Seagate Barracuda 320GB (7200RPM/16MB Cache/SATAII) Hard drive
Saphire ATI X1950XT Graphics card
LITE-ON 16X DVD Burner
Hiper 530 watt Power Supply
Acer 19" LCD (5ms/DVI) Monitor
Microsoft Keyboard & Mouse Combo
Windows XP Home

I probably blew your budget :(

EDIT: Not too bad :D Only $1392 after a $40 Mail in Rebate :)
Click to expand...

Dear Jet,

Thanks for your earnest time consuming help, but Im not sure what the graphics card is for-especially at $280.. I dont play any video games, so are there cheaper graphics cards, if I need one at all? I thought the CPU was supposed to be the most expensive component. I should probably also say I just bought a Fujitsu T4215 Tablet PC with Core 2 2.0Ghz- so unless the Desktop CPU's operate differently than their mobile counterpart CPU's, I would like to get at least as fast as a CPU as that laptop. Of course- this is because I believe that the CPU is the heart and the speed determinant of the computer- but please let me know otherwise if im wrong.

And also, I would like to use one of the many Windows Xp CD's my mom has in her office, if I suspect this is possible, to save another $90. I think hers is the Professional version.
 
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remember said:
Dear Jet,

Thanks for your earnest time consuming help, but Im not sure what the graphics card is for-especially at $280.. I dont play any video games, so are there cheaper graphics cards, if I need one at all? .
Click to expand...

If you want a good and cheaper video card then get one of these

7600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130062

7900GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130056

7900GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130033

Any one of these ^^ will play new games at high setting

If you want to play latest games at medium setting then get this
7600GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143054

If you don't play games at all then get one of these cards
7300GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814121014

7300LE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145138
 
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remember said:
Dear Jet,

Thanks for your earnest time consuming help, but Im not sure what the graphics card is for-especially at $280.. I dont play any video games, so are there cheaper graphics cards, if I need one at all? I thought the CPU was supposed to be the most expensive component. I should probably also say I just bought a Fujitsu T4215 Tablet PC with Core 2 2.0Ghz- so unless the Desktop CPU's operate differently than their mobile counterpart CPU's, I would like to get at least as fast as a CPU as that laptop. Of course- this is because I believe that the CPU is the heart and the speed determinant of the computer- but please let me know otherwise if im wrong.

And also, I would like to use one of the many Windows Xp CD's my mom has in her office, if I suspect this is possible, to save another $90. I think hers is the Professional version.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I didn't realize that you didn't play any games. Do you play any games at all? If so, go with the 7600GS like maroon1 said. Even if you don't game, I would still recommend it, as Windows Vista will require a significant amount of graphics power, even not playing any games, as well as having a 19" monitor uses more graphics power as well. With the graphics card less expensive now, you can get a better processor (I would recommend the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600), and maybe get a better Keyboard/Mouse set.

It used to be that the CPU was the main component of the computer, however, now the goal is to get a well rounded computer.
 
 
Dear Maroon 1,

Thanks for your suggestions. Im probably just going to get the cheapest one. Only $38 with the rebate. Again since I dont play any video games and dont know anything about computers, I just want to get the minimum necessary, but the speed is my primary concern for downloading and of course for the future.

I ll have to ask more questions later, since my space bar on this computer is getting stuck. Thanks for your help.
 
Dear Jet,

Thanks for your support again. I have heard quite a bit about this Microsoft Vista, which doesnt really make sense to me since my XP version seems to work fine. But since everyone is probably going to have it within the next 12 months, I cant see any reason how I can avoid it. I only remember hearing that this new Vista version will improve "security" and change the layout, which to me is stupid, since Im alreay familiar with the XP version and it doesn't do anything I can think of. I've never really had a problem with a "security" issue with any of my computers (knock on wood), but I guess if the XP version is getting too easy for anyone to crack into and destroy, then I guess Microsoft will be selling me this new version again. Thats all I know about the Vista program, but please send me any further good info on it.

I will probably just go with your 7600 GS backing, but as to your indication of the 19" screen, I dont understand. Are saying that if I wanted to get a 22" screen I would have to get a more expensive graphics card? Because I have had my mind set on a Samsung 22" screen that I have seen on and off for $300- of course thats the super sale price- so I dont know if I'll actually get it if I have to buy it at its normal price of $400. But let me know, because I still would really like to get a slightly bigger screen than the usual 17 or 19" inch mainstream large size. Thanks again for all your time and suggestions.
 
Dear Bramp,

Thanks for the link on the case. But that is just way too expensive for me. Im not really into looks or at least I dont want to be but I followed this link http://www.xoxide.com/ and to me- probably because I can tell everyone- "I built this entire computer myself, everything you see"- but I think it also looks better and I've never seen a see through computer case before either. But I suspect you're going to tell me that see through cases have many drawbacks- like certain types of light might destroy the components inside or who knows what else- but I hope you will tell me what the drawbacks are on it. Plus its only $53 and the cheapest one I saw at Fry's ( the biggest computer/electronics store in my area) was about the same price.

Again I have to say I know nothing about computers, but admittedly some of the less expensive cases at Fry's had very very cheap looking fans. Aside from the fans and the wiring, the outside look of the case just isnt that important to me- at least not for the extra money. As long as it doesn't break or cause the components to break any easier than the more expensive ones, thats about the most Im looking for. Although the fans on yours look much better- I expect that the ones in the clear case will do what their supposed to do sufficiently, I hope. Anyway, bottom line, thanks, but $150 is just too expensive for a case for me. If the clear case was $150 I wouldn't even consider getting it either. I just can't really imagine what else the case is for besides storing/protecting the components and providing good air circulation, atleast regarding the functionality and safety of the computer? But hopefully you will tell me what else I could consider regarding the case, I have no other ideas, but I enjoyed thinking about all this. thanks for your help and recommendation.
 
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First off, to reply to your original response to my first post, I was pretty sure you didn't have thousands of dollars to spend on a blazing fast state-of-the-art computer, because if you had that kind of money, you wouldn't mind spending a extra few bucks on having it built professionally :P.


Secondly, no, having a bigger screen does not require a better graphics card. The graphics card simply processes images to display on the screen. Okay, it's a bit more complex then that, but that's the basic idea. I would strongy recomend a 7600GS for your build...that's what I have, and I do moderate gaming, and it's great. You generally will need some type of graphics card, unless you get a motherboard with integrated graphics, but even then I would get a graphics card, simply because integrated graphics is so crappy, even if you don't plan on gaming. Like I said, go with the 7600GS.

And to address your question regarding laptops and desktops, they are slightly different. The processor in your lappy most likely isn't a Core 2 Duo...maybe a Core Duo or something similar. The reason mainly because of battery- a Core 2 Duo on a laptop wouldn't last long in battery mode, unless the battery was half of the computer, which isn't practical for a laptop. Anyway, an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 ghz would perform better than a Core Duo 2.0 ghz. The E6600 is a pretty solid choice- I'd probably go with that.

Lastly, you seem to be regarding the processor as if it is solely what determines how the computer runs, etc. While this is true in some ways, it is by no means the only thing that determines the performance of the computer. If you spend $1,000 on a top-line CPU, and the rest of the parts are cheap (especially RAM), you most defineately won't see the performance you should out of a $1k processor. The key thing in computing, as in life, is moderation. Everything needs to be in moderation in your computer...an E6600 with some nice DDR2 1gb or 2gb RAM, with a semi-decent gfx card (a 7600GS for you would be fine, as stated), and a nice ASUS or DFI motherboard, and you're good.
Let's see if I can make a good analogy. The CPU is sort of like your heart. Sure, it's important, but the heart can't function without the lungs. Same principle with computers. Just as everything in your body clicks to keep you alive and well, everything in your computer needs to click (not literally :P) to produce a good end result.


Anyway, my spiel is over.


EDIT: "remember", you made a triple post...as a new member, we can over look it this once, but don't make a habit of it. There's an "edit" button at the bottom of your post- use it. If you need to make an addition to your post, edit it in, don't make a new post. Additionally, don't make several posts to respond to several people, it's okay to put more than one quote/response in your post.

EDIT2: as for a case, I'd recomend any of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...escription=centurion+5&Submit=ENE&N=0&Ntk=all. They are the Cooler Master Centurion 5 series, and are really excellent. Any of those are fine- they're all the same case, but different colors, and some have a side window. If you just want to have a case, and nothing special, get the silver one, as it's currently only $30 (after MIR).
 
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Learning is good.

The 22" Samsung will have a higher resolution and require more power to run at that resolution. But if you don't game the 7600GS or most any graphics card that isn't an onboard card will be fine. I have the 22" Chimei I got from newegg.com and I love it.

Vista will just have a lot of cool new features and such. Some will not seem cool at first to you or you may love them all. But in time it will become the standard for programs and among computers just as XP eventually did.

Also when you reply to other members you do not need to reply in different windows. Just put thier name in front of your specific reply otherwise you are double posting. While it can happen on accident otherwise it is poor forum etiquette. No harm no foul just letting you know. :D
 
Computermaineack,

I'm not only doing this because of the money, but also because I am interested in learning about computers. But if it was actually more expensive to build a computer like this than to just buy one- I probably wouldn't have so much energy to try building one. Also because I bought a very expensive 4 year warranty from Dell- which expires next year and they wont send me a replacement for a mouse that has a broken right button. After all the questions and time wasted with them- I dont want to buy from Dell ever again.

But I hope you're wrong because I have a receipt for the Fujitsu T4215, and it says "CORE 2 Duo", not Core Duo, so if its not when I get it next week, Im going to be pretty pissed, to say the least.- check it out. http://configtool.fujitsupc.com/s...ats the deal?- you say yes, maineack says no.
 
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