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Traxless
Premium
join:2005-02-16
USA
 ·AT&T Southwest
 ·Cbeyond
| Can I Build a Computer? Still on the fence as to whether I can build my own new computer or buy from Envision. Over the years, I've replaced one (1) power supply, many video cards, updated CPU's, replaced HDs, installed second HDs, replaced CDs and DVDs, updated and matched RAM, and replaced network and modem cards. I've reformatted many HDs and re-installed Win9x & WinXP many times on our office computers. I've never installed a MOBO or tried to connect or re-connect ribbons or wires from scratch.
I'm looking for a middle of the road computer. I don't play high end games or even push the machine to it's limit. I might watch a DVD movie from time to time if I had a computer that could do that. I like to edit my digital pictures and make those digital "movies" with background music.
So that is my first question ... what do you think my chances are for successfully building a computer?
If I decide to build, I'd like to go with:
- AMD 64 X2 3800+ or 4200+ (Socket AM2) based mostly on this forum's guidance. This processor will give me plenty of computer for years to come and leaves the door open for upgrades.
- Antec case with a power supply. Sonata II seems to be a good choice based on quality and price. And I don't have to struggle with a power supply decision.
Once I get past this point, I would need some guidance on RAM (manufacturer, speed, size), video card, HD manufacturer, and a DVD/CD r/w combination. I think that the MOBO has a built-in sound connection, but not built-in video?
I'd wait until Christmas to ask my wife for a 19" LCD to replace my Dell 17" CRT. Probably install XP Home because it's less expensive than the XP Pro. My crap speakers (8 years old) may have to do for a bit longer.
If I tackle this build-a-computer goal, have I missed something on the components?
Thanks again for any guidance. | |
|  mikehd
What day is it?
Premium
join:2000-07-11
Lebanon, OR
clubs:
·CenturyLink
1 edit | Re: Can I Build a Computer? I think you're ready. I had far less experience when I did my first PC build.
FIRST: ESD protection!!! (But you know this).
The biggest danger when installing a mobo is to get the standoffs in the right spots. A misplaced standoff can result in shorting to the case which will cause you to question your original decision to build your own pc...
Attaching 40pin IDE cables is usually straightforward, just take care to press the connectors together in fashion to not bend over pins. If you do, the needle nose pliers are your friend.
Connecting the case to the mobo can be tricky if you have large hands and if the connector panel diagram in the mobo manual is rotated relative to how you're viewing the mobo itself. For large hands, the needle nose pliers or larger tweezers are helpful. Be sure you have the connector diagram in the same orientation as your mobo to ensure you're connecting the correct front panel switch to the correct mobo header connector. Also, if connecting front panel USB and audio follow the mobo pinouts exactly. You will likely have to change a jumper to enable front panel audio (and this will likely disable rear panel audio). This will be mobo dependent.
The SonataII is an excellent case. However, look at the total power demand of all your components to see if the PSU will be up to the task. Insufficient current on the +12V, +5V, and +3.3V rails can cause issues with stability.
If you want best performance and system flexibility, don't go for integrated video.
Integrated sound will likely be adequate. I would buy better speakers before an add-on sound card.
RAM: many good vendors out there. Crucial has always treated me well. Look for lifetime warranty.
Video card: depends on your budget and intent.
HDD: Seagate has 5 year warranty, quiet and fast.
Optical Drive: Might as well get a DVD+/-R, RW drive as it will burn CDs as well. I think that the majors are all about the same (NEC, Benq, Sony). Don't bother with lightscribe (expensive media, slow label burn rate).
How's that for a start? I need another cuppa coffee! 
--
   | |
| |
Traxless
Premium
join:2005-02-16
USA
·AT&T Southwest
·Cbeyond
1 edit |  Re: Can I Build a Computer?
said by mikehd  :I think you're ready. I had far less experience when I did my first PC build. FIRST: ESD protection!!! (But you know this). The biggest danger when installing a mobo is to get the standoffs in the right spots. A misplaced standoff can result in shorting to the case which will cause you to question your original decision to build your own pc... Question ... are the standoff's the plastic mounting pins? Second question. Do the MOBO's usually have a detailed diagram showing the location of the various connections? | |
| Bob Anderson
join:2001-05-05
Ottawa, ON | Sure you can build a computer. I did my first build last Nov. at the age of 59 and with less than good eyesight.
My only assembly experience up to that time was swapping RAM and video cards.
-Bob | |
| |
Traxless
Premium
join:2005-02-16
USA
·AT&T Southwest
·Cbeyond
| Re: Can I Build a Computer? I'm 60 years in 2 weeks ... so this might be my special gift to myself. I didn't know what ESD meant, so I did a quick search. Electrostatic discharge. So I will read about those precautions.
That MOBO with all those connections is the part that gives me some chills. But my nerves have settled with these posts. Thank you much. | |
| 
tahoejeff
join:2001-07-01
Wisconsin Dells, WI
clubs:
2 edits | you can do it. if at any time you are in doubt about something, post here, and we'll walk you through it. do you have a digital camera? a picture really is worth a...well, you know.
edit-yes, most mobo manuals will clearly identify every connector. the problem is, the case connectors are sometimes cryptic. but if you're getting a brand name case you should be ok.
have you chosen a mobo yet? we don't really know your price range. the mobo will determine the ram needs.
--
The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth | |
| |
Traxless
Premium
join:2005-02-16
USA
·AT&T Southwest
·Cbeyond
| Re: Can I Build a Computer? said by tahoejeff :Most mobo manuals will clearly identify every connector. The problem is, the case connectors are sometimes cryptic, but if you're getting a brand name case you should be ok. Have you chosen a mobo yet? we don't really know your price range. the mobo will determine the ram needs. I would want to buy a Antec case with a power supply. Sonata II seems to be a good choice based on quality and price. And I don't have to struggle with a power supply decision.
The MOBO is still something that I need to study. The forum on Tom's hardware site has sometimes recommended the Asus M2N-E with audio. I think it will take DDR2-533RAM (533). But it is still days away from the MOBO decision.
I am very grateful for the guidance and especially the encourage to give this project a try. Thank you forum! | |
| | | 
elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO
 ·Mediacom
| Re: Can I Build a Computer? toms isnt the greatest site
www.anandtech.com is better as is www.hardocp.com
imo get DDR2667 ATLEST or better yet 800
533 is very slow for DDR2
as for mobo that depends on what CPU imo any of the nForce 5x0 based mobos are great for newer CPUs | |
| | | | 
signmeuptoo
Folding and Crunching Not just Breakfast
Premium
join:2001-11-22
LOSTinSpace
clubs:
·Future Nine Corpor..
·AT&T Southeast
| Re: Can I Build a Computer? said by elios :toms isnt the greatest site www.anandtech.com is better as is www.hardocp.com imo get DDR2667 ATLEST or better yet 800 533 is very slow for DDR2 as for mobo that depends on what CPU imo any of the nForce 5x0 based mobos are great for newer CPUs I disagree. There have been times, quite a while back though, that I had exception to things that Anand Shampi had on his site. Tom's is both good, and sometimes so-so, same with Anand. Tom was around before Anand, who is a bit younger, IIRC. He was basically a kid when he started the thing, IIRC.
--
Let's be nice to each other, k? Life's too short. | |
| | | | |
elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO | Re: Can I Build a Computer? well toms can be prett bias some time time namly to the intel and ATi camps not sure whats going to happne now that AMD owns ATi heh | |
| | | Gem
Premium
join:2005-09-10
·CableOne
1 edit | Based on what you have done already, building a new computer will be a piece of cake. Here are some different thoughts from those posted previously:
1) Are you a gamer? If so, then go without integrated video.
If not, integrated video may work just fine for you and lower your cost.
2) Consider an Intel board and the new Core2Duo CPU with a motherboard to match. The base model is supposed to be fast, quiet, cooler, and relatively inexpensive.
3) Whatever CPU you decide upon, chose that first. Then get a compatible motherboard. Then decide upon the ram.
4) With regard to the ram, consider not only the speed, but also the CAS latency - lower is better. Be sure the ram is compatible with the CPU and the motherboard.
5) a recommended site from which to buy that has adequate tutorials is Newegg.com.
6) If you are retired and have time to read about it first, an excellent test is by a writer name Mueller. Check his 17th edition out on Amazon:
Upgrading and Repairing PCs (17th Edition) (Hardcover)
by Scott Mueller
»www.amazon.com/gp/product/078973···&s=books
7) The Antec case and PSU should be a good choice. I just bought one today.
Good luck, have fun, take your time and take it slow the first time around.
P.S. The standoffs are metal. Usually look like little brass posts. They hold the motherboard tray up off the side of the case. They need to all match up with the mounting holes in the motherboard, with no extra ones poking the motherboard where there are not mounting holes - those can cause short-outs. | |
| | | | Tom517
join:2006-07-13
Greenville, SC | Re: Can I Build a Computer? Plus, to add to all that excellent advice, even when the standoffs are nylon, there is usually at least one brass one that is used to ground the system board to prevent "noise". (Not noise that you hear, but noise as in data crosstalk.) | |
| 
CylonRed
Premium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County | Anyone can do it anymore- it is essentially plug and play and the manuals for major board makers have great maps for the connectors but they are generally made so you can't put them in wrong (unless you force the issue and break it)... | |
| dangme
join:2001-09-15
San Francisco, CA
1 edit | traxless,
I'm in the process of building my own machine. Things went well until it came time to turn it on. The lights and fan would start up, but crap out after a second or two.
I checked everything I could think of: connectors, seating of the heatsink and other components.
I was at wit's end, so I called a local repair shop.
It turned out I had bought an ancient graphics card, since like you, my graphics needs were modest. The card was so ancient, in fact, that it used an AGP socket, and stupid me, I plopped it into my PCI Express slot.
My 2 cents: check and double check that the components you buy are compatible with your system. Then, if during the build you run into problems, seek help here. If your problems persist, go to a trustworthy repair shop.
The repair shop was also able to figure out that one of the two DDR2 sticks I installed was bad. It probably would have taken me a lot of time and frustration before I was able to figure this out.
I'm on pins and needles to find out if I inflicted permanent damage on my mobo by forcing the AGP card in it. We'll find out in a little while when we put a compatible graphics card in and turn it on.
Good luck. | |
| | |
elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO
·Mediacom
| Re: Can I Build a Computer? said by Mark910 : I too have learned how to build my own computers , strictly from the information in these great forums. The scariest part of the whole project is THE FIRST TIME YOU START THE NEW COMPUTER. What a great feeling when it works!!!!!!! built my first PC when i was 12 half my family bet it wouldn't start the first try and it DID lol
i think i surprised every one | |
| JimmySask
join:2004-06-24
Regina, SK
| #1 - Given what you said you have already done, you absolutely CAN build your computer. There is only a few odds and ends that you haven't done yet that are involved with a new build, most of which involves plugging in connectors that only fit one way.
#2 - Your hardware choices - I have used the Sonata II case for 3 separate builds now. I have not encountered a single thing to complain about with it, and intend to use it again in the future. As far as guidance for other choices - what will it be used for?
My own personal build, 3 months old now:
Antec Sonata II case (comes w/ 450W PSU)
Asus A8N-E Motherboard (if I remember the model number correctly)
2x1 GB OCZ PC3200 DDR RAM
Nvidia 7600GT video card
Seagate 250 GB SATAII HDD
LG DVD drive
I also picked up a $30 set of Creative Labs 2.1 (Model SBS350) for my machine. They are not spectacular, as they are low power (30W ???) but they continually amaze me for the price tag. I've heard $150 speakers that sound worse.
I really like the SATA/SATAII drives, regardless of the performance benefits, simply because it makes keeping the cabling neat much easier. | |
| 
Ryan
Premium
join:2001-03-03
Attleboro, MA
| The only difficult part of building a computer was choosing the right parts and the actual heatsink installation. With the old socket A chips there was no heatspreader and on top of that the heatsinks were a pain to get on. I never did it but using too much force would sometimes crack the fragile cores. Now with socket 754 and 939 and the heatspreaders and better heatsink clamps its an easy task. Also remember the arctic silver | |
| 
marti
Color outside the lines
Premium,MVM
join:2001-12-14
Houston, TX
clubs:
| I built my first computer this year, with lots of help on what to buy and had a techie buddy here during the actual "putting the puzzle together." I hate hardware but have learned to love it a little. Before I did the build it yourself route, I also added things and upgraded things on my old seven-year old Dell, which is still running.
My next build will be more of me doing the work, but I think I will invite a techie friend over to do the standoffs.
You will know that you are a computer geekette (me) or computer geek when you wake up and the motherboard manual is still in your bed because you fell asleep reading it.
I am still under 60 years old, but I am not that many years away from that age. I am also 100% female and would rather bring my computer system to the point that I can't boot because I messed with the software and then figure out how to get it back, than mess with hardware.
If I can learn to love hardware, you can. Go for it!
--
Team Discovery | |
| | whymeintrouble
Premium
join:2001-06-20
Woodridge, IL
·AT&T Midwest
| I would say yes, but here are the things I do to make sure I have everything I need :
1. make a list of all the components you already have and plan to move to the next computer (if none it will be a short list )
2. make a list of everything you will need :
a. fans are always a forgetful option
b. rounded cables - if budget is real tight forget about this.
c. Motherboard, CPU/HSF(retail packaged processors include HSF), case, psu, Memory, Video card, sound card, DVD-ROM(optional), DVD burner, HD(s), Floppy drive(again, optional), card reader, PCI modem, legit copy of WinXP, and anything else I'm forgetting
3. check list above one more time.
4. post list on this site, and ask if you are fogetting anything for a complete build. you will probably get a lot of people saying 'if you spend more you can get xxxxx', but just say thanks but no thanks.
5. check any additional recommendations from step 4.
6. check around the web to make sure that the mobo you choose and the ram you choose doesn't have any compatibility problems. you can also check the manufacturers recommendations as well.
7. buy your stuff.
8. once everything is bought DO NOT LOOK FOR OTHER PRICING! most likely you will just drive yourself crazy
9. set out a day where you can have at least 6 hours just you and the computer chilin. now, I say 6hrs because sometimes things don't go smooth. my last build took me almost 2hrs. that is because in the stupid Antec P180 series, the damn PSU was so tight I had to move the fan that was there to make everything work, and let me tell you, it is a tight fit!
10. enjoy your new beast!
so many of us forget that part of the reason to build a computer is for the sheer enjoyment of saying 'I built this!'. now it may have similiar specs to what you can buy in the stores now-a-days, but this is your baby. you put your sweat into it(hopefully no blood or tears).
One last thing, come here if you have any questions, most of the stuff should go together fairly easily. the AM2 socket was tougher than my 939 build, but I usually use aftermarket heatsinks which usually make it a little easier.
couple last things , as mentioned before ESD, static is bad. whether you do it the old fashioned way, grounding yourself on the side of the case before reaching for a part, or using a strap make sure you are careful. straps are like $5-$9 or so, and are worth the investment. When it comes to push that power button for the first time, make sure you have the case at or near eye level with the door/cover off and one hand on the power cord in case you need to pull it. you want to verify that everything (especially fans) are plugged in and functioning properly. if for some reason you push the button and no fans start up , yank that power cord without a second thought. That may save your processor from toasting itself.
one last thing, I was by my local best buy tonight and saw they have the LG super DVD burner there for $39.99 plus tax. that is a full retail version of that drive and comes with a bit of software to start your new machine out with. should be a real good deal, as I don't think you will find much cheaper. plus it has Lightscribe if you would ever like to try out that feature, go to »www.lightscribe.com for more info | |
| | | jebba2005
join:2005-01-13
Portland, ME | Mechanical pencil works great to straighten pins. Go for it. | |
|
signmeuptoo
Folding and Crunching Not just Breakfast
Premium
join:2001-11-22
LOSTinSpace
clubs:
·Future Nine Corpor..
·AT&T Southeast
| traxless:
We all started out not a knowing thing on how to assemble a PC once.
Some suggestions I have:
Keep another computer that can go online so you can ask questions, get drivers and burn them to CD, USB drive, or Floppy, and to follow tutorials. Also use the computer to reference to a checklist, one that you have made before you build so you are sure you have not forgotten anything.
Plan your build, thinking it out from which step in what order. Have a large, clear work space that is as safe from static electricity as possible (don't sweat that too much, but IF you can get a wrist strap/gator clip lead for static grounding, it sure won't hurt.
Choose a really good case, because cheap cases make assembling a system a real misery often. Get something very roomy, so when shopping online for cases, take note on paper or whatever on the dimensions: you want one plenty deep enough and long enough for a full size video card AND hard drives. You want one tall enough for good air circulation and room for any aftermarket/oversize CPU HS/F you choose (heat sink + fan assembly). Get a case with at least 2 fans and try hard to get one with 2 or more 120mm fans or places for them, because believe it or not, 120mm fans are EASIER on the ears, being, in effect, often more quiet than many smaller fans.
That brings up another topic. Do a little reading on fans in the silent pc forum here at DSLR. Vantec Stealth fans are great and very quiet, but they don't move much air, so don't use them if you don't have many fans.
As far as CPUs, since by the time you build AMD AM2 CPUs may still be less expensive enough, though it is indeed true that the new Intel "Conroe" (Core *2* Duo) are more desirable now. IF you don't plan on doing anything processing heavy such as video ripping, crunching for Teams Discover/Helix/etcetera (which actually runs in the background and mostly when the CPU isn't doing other work, but), playing video games more recent then the latest, oh, 12 months ago, or any other heavy, dynamic processing, you don't have to get the more expensive CPUs in a given product line. The price to performance to value graph of ANY given recent CPU line is NOT linear, rather, it is curved where prices go up a bit more steeply as their given value/performance goes up. Buying a mid range CPU is often where the best value is.
Also, as far as CPUs go, I suggest getting a dual core CPU (one that is actually TWO processors on the one die/chip, as are some of the AMD socket 939, AM2 (*new* socket 940), Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo, Extreme (?) etc. I suggest it because I am guessing that you probably aren't a gamer but that you may want to upgrade to WinVista at some point and that you might even end up with computer habits where you have 2 or more dynamic computing processes going on at one time. What is that, you ask? Well, web browsing isn't too dynamic, you type in a link, a burst of a process occurs, and then you are static again. OTOH, ripping, video conversion, number crunching, Peer to Peer activity, and a number of other things are somewhat dynamic, they apply a continuous load on the CPU. Listening to music is an example, watching video is one, playing a game is one, too.
As far as RAM, OVERCLOCKERS worry about brand, model, CAS etcetera latency, speed, and more. The non performance/ non enthusiast can be just fine with a lower priced decent brand named RAM stick.
As far as Hard Drives go, Seagate now has a new technology that handles how the data goes on the disks in a new way, so they are pretty desirable if you get one of those new ones. If you want to have safer data, you can choose to set up a redundant RAID array of hard drives using the SATA connectors of a given motherboard, but you should get SATA hard drives then so you won't have to buy separate adaptors.
NOW:
Some comments on the connectors:
Motherboards have Power headers which are usually white and a rectangle of squares with female connectors in them totalling either 20 OR 24 pin connectors. (MAKE SURE that you get a power supply that can work with either, some power supplies today have special convertible 20+4 connectors, if you need a picture of one, I can try and find you an example.) The motherboard will ALSO have a 4 female pin OR 8 female pin CPU POWER HEADER that looks like the other one I just described, elsewhere on the motherboard. Watch out, because IF your motherboard is one of the unusual ones to require an 8 pin connector (usually Dual CPU boards, IIRC), you will need a supply that has another convertible 4+4 pin feed connector.
Now, motherboards today are either AGP video OR PCI-Express video (though there are one or two or so that have both, but I wouldn't chose them). Be aware of which the motherboard has that you choose BEFORE ordering a video card. That leads to the next thing: Video. As some have said, on board video may be adequate, but just be aware that you won't have much if any 3d acceleration or any visual effects, and one example is with the new WinVista, which offers an optional windows interface style that uses effects that likes a passably good video accelerator. Now, if you can, try hard to get a motherboard that uses PCI-Express, because AGP is just about obsolete now.
As far as drives go, the motherboard you choose will have parallel, or PATA/EIDE hard drive connectors. Some boards today only have one (two drives per connector). Most new boards today also have Serial, or SATA, drive connectors, for THAT type of hard drive connection. When you choose your power supply, hard drives, and motherboard, be aware of how many SATA drive you plan on or might even add later, and have the right stuff!
NOTE: SATA hard drives use a different type of power AND a different type of motherboard/controller connector. You CAN get adaptors, BTW, but it is best to start out with the right parts.
Now, something else: Most new motherboards have PCI-Express WITH different buss size PCI-Express connectors, because there are x1, x2, x4, x8, and x16. Most boards will have one (or two (if the board is SLI or Crossfire, boards for gamers)) x16 connector, for video. Most will have at least one x1 or x2 and maybe even a x4 connector. There aren't too many products out using these PCI-Express connectors except the video cards, and I don't know if anyone here has any idea when stuff will start to come out...
Fans: Try and have a 120mm fan blowing out of the case from the rear to exhaust GPU and CPU heat, at least one 120mm fan in front of your hard drives (it is a REAL good idea to cool the hard drives by blowing air over them through the front of a modern case, it is the best way to assure no hard drive failure. If you can get a case with a fan that mounts in the side panel blowing in over the GPU/CPU, even better, and some cases have top blow holes which are nice but not too necessary, since the Power Supply is an exhaust as well.
There is no need for 2 optical drives UNLESS you plan on doing DIRECT DISK TO DISK copying, or want a plain DVD ROM (non-burner) for non burning use, to reduce wear and tear on the burner, but there really is no need. Someone mentioned BenQ, NEC, Sony. They are great. Even better is Plextor which is top of the line.
Get yourself a magnetic Philips screw driver for installing the motherboard and hard drives. It will greatly reduce install misery, BELIEVE ME! Have a needle nose like someone said, handy, and/or tweezers.
A note on sound cards: Most of today's latest motherboards have pretty good sound, although they are very driver dependant and sound just won't work without a working driver installed manually AFTER the Windows OS install. This is one advantage of an aftermarket sound card from a company such as Creative. Another is if you get a top end card from Creative, such as the best couple of X-Fi models: »creative.com/products/welcome.asp?category=1 the card will alleviate the CPU of a lot of work cycles AND give you much enhanced sound and additional features and connections, but at a substantial price. The good news is a sound card will hold its' usefulness over a period of perhaps 3 computer builds before you feel the need to replace it with a newer model.
Speakers: No substitute for higher end speakers, although, I have the Creative P7800's, a 7.1 set that blew me away because I only paid 50 for them shipped and they are VERY good for being so cheap, just not audio phile grade. 7.1 is totally not necessary, 5.1 is fine, BTW, because only games and a rare few movies actually use 7.1 at this point.
Whew! I am tired after all of this typing so I will stop here and hope you have read this. I pledge my support to you, and there are wonderful people in this forum that will help also.
HTH,
Bucky
--
Let's be nice to each other, k? Life's too short. | |
| | Gem
Premium
join:2005-09-10
·CableOne
| Re: Can I Build a Computer? Outstanding information, signmeuptoo .
Would you tell a little more about the new Seagate hard drive technology? How and why it is desirable? With perhaps a link? | |
| | | | | JimmySask
join:2004-06-24
Regina, SK
| Good recommendations on the various power connectors - one point worth noting - The Antec Sonata II case you are looking for DOES have a 24 pin connector for the motherboard, which is actually a 20 pin and 4 pin connector clipped together, which you can separate should you only need the 20 pin. It also has the newer style connectors that you need for power to a SATA hard drive, and the ones you need to power some PCI-Express video cards. There again, was something I found I really liked about the case - plenty of power connectors, of pretty well every sort you could home to need. I also find it to be very quiet. | |
| | | | 
NerdOne
A Girl Geek
join:2005-02-10
Topeka, KS
| That's what I ask myself all the time, "Can I build a PC?" Because the computer I'm using now is three years old and getting kind of slow, it's a Dell Dimension 2350. The only thing that I did to this computer two months ago was to upgrade the RAM to 512MB. I decided not to put anymore
money in this computer and just go to vocational training classes to learn how to build one. The only thing that I did to my PCs over the last six years was to upgrade the RAM, video card, and HDD so building one should be a piece of cake for me. I'm very sick and tired of what I'm getting for a PC. I don't want to buy one off the shelf anymore, I want a PC I can control and upgrade when I have the money,
and I won't have to upgrade every three years like an OEM
machine. So, that's why I'm going to build one with the hardware and specs I dream of, if I had to put money in the bank.
--
"Luke, I am your father" - Darth Vader | |
| |
Traxless
Premium
join:2005-02-16
USA
·AT&T Southwest
·Cbeyond
2 edits | Re: Can I Build a Computer? I am simply overwhelmed with the help and thoughtfulness of those who have taken so much time to offer their guidance and experience. This reinforces for me the value of this site and especially some of the very special forums on this BBR site, which are full of kind and knowledgeable people.
I've bookmarked and printed this entire tread (17 pages). I plan to follow-up on the links as advised. Thank you so much Computer Hardware Discussion/ Reviews people.
PS - Special public thanks to signmeupto for an especially thoughtful post. I never seen a response like that before. | |
| | | 
Maggs
Premium
join:2002-11-29
Woodside, NY
·RCN CABLE
| Re: Can I Build a Computer? "I've bookmarked and printed this entire tread (17 pages)"
Hey if you need help choosing a laser printer, you know where to come
I like the Brother HL 2070N, since it's network, with parallel, and USB, but the PITA is that is curls the pages when they come out.
--
When the lights go out, just draw a KMAP, and all is good. | |
|
signmeuptoo
Folding and Crunching Not just Breakfast
Premium
join:2001-11-22
LOSTinSpace
clubs:
·Future Nine Corpor..
·AT&T Southeast
| traxless:
Some other things to look for:
The really great cases have removable/slide out motherboard backplanes, which can be nice. Also, look for cases with front connectors rated for USB 2.0, the latest firewire spec, and mic and headphone/speaker, because that way you won't have to use up as many rear card slot spaces for the connectors that come with the motherboard (you see, Some of the USB and firewire connectors are on the "riser", which is the piece attached on the rear end (as installed) of the motherboard where you plug in all external devices. However, NOT ALL USB/Firewire/etc. devices are on that riser, some are only pin/connector headers on the motherboard internally and you have to use the adaptors that come with the motherboard to connect them from the rear as well, but that takes up some of the card slot spaces. The alternative is to get a case that will handle as many additional USB/Firewire header connections as are available on the motherboard. Here is an example, look at this motherboard on newegg:
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···13136168
»www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage···D+Retail
»www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage···D+Retail
In the first page you will see that it says, under the specs, about the "rear panel ports" (which is the riser), that there are 4 USB and 1 firewire connectors. However, if you read further, you will see that more USB and firewire are available ON THE Motherboard SURFACE on headers that you use connectors for. The second two pages show the images so you can see them.
With that particular motherboard, an ideal case would include 4 front USB outputs and 1 firewire output, as well as mic and speaker/headphone. You should also note, from the 3rd link, that the CPU header has 8 pin female adapter and the motherboard main power header has a 24 pin connector. That means you would want a power supply that supports such a motherboard. That wouldn't be a bad motherboard, BTW, I don't think, DFI boards are some of the best.
Or you could chill and wait to see what else comes out!
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Let's be nice to each other, k? Life's too short. | |
| grandpinaple
join:2006-01-03
New York, NY | Just to add you might want to look out for motherboards that support up to as much as 16GB of ram since Vista will probably come out during the course of you using this computer and all. Just something to think about. | |
| | beefcake122
join:2001-03-24
Tucson, AZ
| Agreed:
Been building for 10 years (over 100+ computers). Go to newegg and look at the motherboards. Depending on what you want pick a mobo in the price range you want. It is always a good idea to purchase a motherboard that a lot of people have bought and have a 4-5 star rating. This insures its a good reliable motherboard, and likely has a good manual. A good manual is critical on your 1st build. Don't skimp by getting a no-name un-popular motherboard.
Its really rather easy. I don't even read the manual anymore, just put it together, and press the power button. If it doesn't work, then I rip out the manual (like men usually do ). | |
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