Tips for putting together a computer

[FoxPacific]

Hi All,

I'm planning on putting a computer together from scratch for the first time. I've been installing and removing hardward and configuring stuff for a couple years now but have never built a system from ground up. Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks in advance.

Aloha,

James

 

[edfair]

Buy a big enough power supply. Follow good static control procedures. Use the right screws. Don't force power connectors. Use the shortest signal cables you can to avoid blocking air flow. Ed Fair
efair@atlnet.com

Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply.

Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[Eguy]

Hi James;

Buy the best and cry only once.

Ed Please let me know if the sugestion(s) I provide are helpful to you.
Sometimes your the windshield... Sometimes your the bug.

 

[dakota81]

Like the last guy said, don't go with any cheap names just to save a few bucks; you'll be happier buying only the best components. I say this especially with the CDRom or DVD drive - buy Toshiba or Pioneer, nothing else. Harddrives - Seagate, IBM, or Maxtor, never Western Digital (I don't know of their current record, but their drives three year ago and previous to that, they would go bad so often it was rediculous). One of the previous posts spoke of a big enough power supply. I've been putting together computers with 250watt power supplies and they have never given me any trouble. The case & power supply I get, I've gotten ones with stickers saying they're approved by both AMD and Intel, and that's good enough for me.

And also, I make it a point to never use the drivers supplied with the hardware, I always use the latest drivers from the internet.

 

[kelsen]

These guys have a pretty good set of recommendations. You might also want to do some research (in forums like this one)with respect to specific hardware combinations. The selection of sound and video cards in combination with each other and certain motherboards gives home system builders fits. Find a combination of quality pieces that you have some evidence play together nicely, and you'll save yourself much headache.

RFT!!!
Dave Kelsen.
C: the power of assembler with the flexibility of assembler.

 

[blavergne]

When I build computers these are the steps I take...
.Find out when/where a computer show will take place near you (Prices at stores are rediculous).
.Consider what the PC will be used for, for example, if you want a gaming PC, go to different gaming sites and see what hardware they recommend (GeForce, NIC Card, etc.). (Get fans!)
.Goto pricewatch.com and browse through their price list. This way you can get a pretty good idea of what you plan to spend, but always bring a little extra cash!
.Heres the important part...
MAKE SURE ITS ALL COMPATIBLE!! You dont want to get RAMBUS and find out you need DDR. Its VERY important to ask questions to avoid frustration (ESPECIALLY when getting the RAM). (oh, get fans!)
.*If you went to a computer show* Ask where their office is located. You dont want to be in New York City, and have to goto New Jersey for part exchanges.
.I'm sure you know this, but when installing, take your time. It really is the greatest part of owning a PC. Check your wiring, make sure theres airflow and such. (You'll need some fans.)
.When the parts are in there, go directly into the BIOS, do NOT pass GO, do NOT collect $200. Make sure everything is configured properly (refer to the manual as neccesary.
.Lets the PC boot up, put yer OS, and be happy.

-Barry