Should I Build Or Buy?

Hi All,
I've been computing a year now, and I've been thinking about either building or buying (Custom Build) a new computer...I believe that I could assemble the parts myself, but I'm not up to speed on how to work with the settings on the MB...Can I build a PC without making changes to the MB, or would I have to change some settings in order to match the processor?

Or does it sound like I need to let someone else build it?

So far, I have been able to install memory, and I installed a new internal modem...I have also assisted in adding a HD & CD Rom.

 

James Martin - Sounds like the two of us or about egual in experience (or lack thereof) and I built this one with much reading of the mobo manual and online help. If you are adventurous you can do it. A lot of mobo manuals aren't the greatest unless you are good at reading pidgin english written by a Taiwanese but good enuf to get the job done.

 

James, it sounds to me like you're inches away from:
1. freeing yourself from the "slavery" that accompanies not knowing how to build a computer.
2. being the beneficiary of everything that comes with knowing how to.

As long as you are gentle and methodical and constantly touch the bare metal of your case while working (to prevent electrostatic discharge on your components) you should be okay.

As far as setting all the bios options, 95% of them should be left as default and all the others can be learned. And once you learn them, they don't really change from board to board.

Mainboard manuals serve only as references for the bios options at best and only give a few tips on installing memory and the cpu.

Another danger would be having your screwdriver slip while putting on the heatsink. You need to use the right size screwdriver - but even that can't guarantee no mishaps. And don't forget a tiny bit of Arctic Silver 5 on your cpu core. Some noob mistakes include putting the heatsink on backwards or having it sit on the "ridge" - both of which can cause poor contact resulting in a fried cpu.

I undertook my first build while knowing about the same as you and it worked out well...and I never looked back. I know save mucho dollares on phased upgrades and hand-me-downs for the kids.

 

That will only be effective if the power cord is plugged into a properly wired outlet. Or the case Earth Grounded in some other way.

The clothes that you are wearing.

The covering on floor you are standing on.

The atmospheric conditions of the room at the time.

Or a combination of the above all play a part in Static. So it is best to make sure that both you and the case are earth grounded before touching the components.

BillyBob

 

Hi All,
Thanks for your responses...Would an anti-static wrist band make a big difference, or would I still have to stay in contact with the case?

Sounds like it would be a good idea to turn on the vaporizer too.

The main reason that I wanted to get away from the computer makers was so I would be able to use a genuine OS CD...I hear that some makes of PC's won't load anything but the OS CD that came with it.

One other question...How can you tell a quality MB from an inferior one?

 

I dont know the computer enviroment in your country, but in here NEW ZEALAND its actually cheaper to buy a package at a computer shop, by all means you can alter and customize everything there!

If you think you can buy part cheaper and or like the custom built experience then go ahead, its most safe to get a professional to install the CPU on to the mother board at least, if you did it wrong it can result in permenant damage.



Make sure your mother board supports your processor.


Evrything else is quiet simple.

 

The Wrist band is a very good idea. I have seen many a Tech use them. But, it is still not totaly effective unless the case is earth Grounded.

With the case grounded and a Wrist band it pretty much illiminates the static build up.

Not only the CPU & MB but RAM must match also. Improper RAM can make the best MB/CPU look bad.

BillyBob

 

It's not so much a question of buying an inferior/superior quality board as there are countless mfrs. making quality boards. And you can even get a lemon if you buy an Asus. The bigger problem is buying the wrong type of board. Example: If you bought a board with a KT400 VIA chipset you'd be buying old technology. There's no reason to buy that type when Nforce 2 boards currently blow it away. Chipset choice is also critical to any future upgrades you may eventually need.

My recommendation:

1. Do you want to build an AMD or Intel system? (Of course, you want to build AMD as you don't have money to burn! )

2. Decide on the chipset you want your motherboard to have? You may not want the bleeding edge as it could be too expensive and beyond your needs. Example: the Athlon 64 platform. Do you want the latest from VIA or even better, the latest from Nvidia? You can ask at tech forums what would be a good choice. My current choice: Nforce 2 (supporting the 200/400 FSB).

3. So, as an example, you adhere to my boundless wisdom and decide on an AMD Nforce 2 platform because it's modern, reliable and has actually dropped in price as it's not brand new. What manufacturer? There are many, many mainboard makers that make excellent boards! Asus, Abit, Epox, MSI, Shuttle, Chaintech, Gigabyte, Soltek, Biostar. My 2nd tier makers are Soyo, Tyan, Iwill, FIC, ECS, DFI. They make fine boards too but most people choose from my first group. Ask at tech forums such as www.amdforums.com what would be a good board for the chipset you've chosen that fits your budget. You also need to see if a board has too many/too few features for your needs. Also, read reviews of mainboards.

qzha017, there are a few online vendors that can sell you a nice customized package that are good companies to deal with. But they are few and far between. In the U.S., the typical PC store will completely rip you off if you have them assemble a PC for you.

James, until you get to be more experienced (or lazy like myself) you should stick to BillyBob's advice and stay off carpet, use a wrist strap and keep your power supply plugged in to the wall (but NOT to the mainboard - do that LAST!) Of course, when you get to my level of experience you can simply do as I do: get on your knees, lay the PC down on the carpet and do your upgrades there!

 

Do it James!

It is much easier than you think and very satisfying!
Look at this site for advice before starting:
www.pcmech.com/byopc/

 

Sites like that are great for new builders. One thing to keep in mind is that they tend to be a bit behind in technology. For example, they have a section on configuring the jumpers on your mainboard. I doubt there's a current-model mainboard out there today that has more than a CMOS-clear jumper. So don't let that confuse you - you most likely won't have to set any jumpers.

Uh...I don't think so.

Interestingly, in it's section on "grounding ", it said to simply touch a metal filing cabinet or the bare metal of your case with both hands before working with components.

 

James Martin,

My vote is for "Build it yourself ".........There are plenty of sites with detailed step by step instructions. Check these out:

http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20020904/index.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20020918/diy_2-01.html

Hope this helps.

 

James
I have just recently taken my knowlege of computers that one step further by building my own (with the help of this board) and it runs a dream. I left all the defaults on the motherboard and let it do its own thing when booting up and installing the OS. The parts i used were recomended by this board (Pete C) and some of them came from my old computer. ie floppy , HDD, CD Rom. I took the list of items recomended pulled up the specs on them and sat and studdied why they fit togeather before i bought them. I can send you the list if you want to have a look. The comp i built was only for the children but it still had to handle the games that are out on sale at the moment. As for building it well i took my time, made sure the kids were in bed (no interuptions) plugged in the power supply (not turned on) fastened on my wrist strap and set to work. I would recommend getting a book on building your own pc just for reference preferably one with lots of coloured pictures for you to go by. Always a big help when trying to figure out where this bit or that bit goes. Good Luck have fun
Stitch

 

Thanks for all the great responses...I was thinking I might have to buy a new case (ATX), but I think I already have one...At least the MB says something about ATX on the edge of it...I also found out that my power supply is rated at 235 watts...Does that sound like I have enough?...Or how does a person go about determining power supply needs?...Are the power supply boxes all the same (W "x H ") ?

 

James - Here is a good online tutorial that should be a help. As to power supply I think 300W is considered the minimum these days. Try a search in these forums for "Power supply requirements" or the like. I believe someone posted a calculator at one time.

The tutorial is here:
http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

 

Your in America i believe so im not sure what kind of power supply you have out there. wether its the same as here in the UK. I have a 300W in the kids comp but it was a 250W before i replaced it. Keep coming back to the board if you need more help or info
Stitch

 

Well Stich, now that you've built your first(?) rig, it's time for you to earn your stripes. You need to:

- convert the rig to water-cooling
- set up a cathode light and LED fans
- wire in a fan bay bus controller (to adjust fan speeds and report on temps
- overclock the living snot out of your cpu
- air brush a pic of your girlfriend (or wife or significant other) on your case

Got any plans for this weekend?

Gary

 

Gary
If I knew what the heck you were talking about I would be sure to give it a go. As my husband will atest to, If there is something I cant do I will stay at it until I can..
ps dont need water cooling (ha ha) its practicaly frozen over here anyway. and have a pic of the hubby (as i like to see him) as my desk top.
Stitch

 

Uh...nevermind Stitch, it wasn't important.

Gary