Dual core Monster!-Help!

[Kaoshan]

Hey everyone im currently going to school and am limited on money, should i build my own pc? Im 17 years old and have no damn clue how to do so but by the looks it really cant be that hard, it would be nice to get some feedback from all of you because itd be nice for second opinions, but im pretty sure im gonan build one from the ground up beacuse its cheaper and doesent have the extra crap on it factory comps do.

[Empyreal Rhapsody]

It's very easy if you get a motherboard with a decent manual.

[Kaoshan]

Oh? How easy and what motherboard do you suggest for gaming?

[Stoney]

This site, http://www.mysuperpc.com/, is a great resource for a first time PC builder. You dont have to use the components he uses, not sure when he last updated it. Basically your best bet is to just do research, read reviews on products and decide which ones you like. Before I built my first PC I researched everything for about a month until I found exactly what I wanted.

You will get alot of different answers from different people when you ask for suggestions about PC parts, some are AMD fans and others are Intel fans. I have personally had good luck with Intel, but have never used AMD so I cant really say either way. Intels new Core 2 Duos are great CPU's for gaming and seem to have the upper hand on the AMD's at the moment but that tends to change from time to time. Same goes for video cards, Nvidia and ATI both make quality cards so just find the one you like. I have used Nvidia and never had a problem.

Just whatever you do make sure all of the components are compatible with each other. There are quite a few people on this forum that can help if you have questions, but my advice to you would be to do some research and then come back and ask for their opinions on what you finally decide.

[Kaoshan]

Ya ive been searching around for about 2 months now only thing is now buying and putting together, thanks for the link too.

[Mark]

After I get done fixing Chu's computer (which will probably take me a while), I'll be free for another custom job. Let me know if you're interested.

[Kaoshan]

Definately. Thanks.

[Chu]

Here's a tip:

If you're planning on building your own computer and don't know much about how to do it, I suggest you pick your own parts out (make sure they're compatible). Pick something that you think you might be comfortable with fixing-- since no warranty comes on home built computers, you WILL be doing the majority of the repair work, so I also suggest you get to know your parts well.

If you have at least some experience with computers (installing simple things like harddrives, CD-ROMS, etc) and just need advice, go ahead and ask someone for ideas, but in order to get the performance you want out of your computer, only you can really decide.

Honestly, if you know absolutely nothing about the inside of your computer, I wouldn't advise you to build one unless you know someone who does. The first computer you build is almost always a b*tch, and I can't imagine how it would be for someone who doesn't know anything at all about installing hardware. Simply put, the actual task of putting it together is very easy; but there are some very small, easy to miss mistakes that could cause you to fry your computer up. How to handle your parts, and working with thermal compound, being good examples.

(I'm not going to sit back and go "omg if you touch one of the pins it will DIE" because it's not true. I've managed to drop a motherboard or two and it still worked afterwards. Like I told Mark, I'm not nice to my parts XD But you still have to keep in mind that it's just a matter of too much friction between you and a carpetted surface and your PC goes boom).

Last tidbit: Give everyone a set amount you're willing to pay for a computer instead of just asking for a budget rig.

[FeyraN]

what's your budget?

[Kaoshan]

my budget is 1500, but chu has a point ive never built a comp before, Yes i know my parts and etc.... but never built one, also worried about the friction stuff, but ya i got 1500$

[Zinrae]

Ok, have any parts you might be able to reuse, or do you need everything?

[Kaoshan]

Well i need everything but i was considering because i need a new monitor id buy a gateway Fx the 1499.99 one umm ill link it http://gateway.com/products/GConfig/...x530xmb&seg=sb