Want to build my first computer

[Pigslilspaz]

Hey, wanted to build a machine, but have never really done it before. What prior knowledge should I have before even buying anything?

[Chalenge]

The first thing you have to know is how much you can afford.
Then you have to know what you can recycle (if you want to recycle).
Then you have to know what will work together well so you dont create a problem for yourself.

If you can screw in a light bulb you can probably put a computer together. If you break a lot of bulbs then you dont want to try this.

[kilo2]

I built one with no real prior knowledge. I found some videos on the net asked people here and asked my friends and was able to do it. You can find package deals on newegg for mother board and cpus. I also spent time before hand gaining an idea of what I should look for and look out for. So I would say no prior knowledge is needed.

I will say after you build your own you feel a great sense of accomplishment. I will never buy a prepackaged desktop again.

Good luck.

[Plazus]

I agree to both previous posts. I built a machine myself, and am proud of it. Granted, it isnt a top end computer, but it meets my expectations. Once you build your first computer, its hard not to ever want to build another one. I love homebuilt computers and feel they are worth the money and the experience. I feel that a homebuilt computer is far superior to a prepackaged one as long as it is built correctly.

It was easy for me to build one, given that I had several computer classes in college beforehand. But no real education/experience is needed though. Just some common sense.

Check this site out:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-tech/build-a-computer.htm

Basically sums up everything there is to building a computer.

[Pigslilspaz]

how much should i expect to pay?

[Plazus]

how much should i expect to pay?

It really depends on what kind of system youre looking for...

Cheap build - looking around to about $300 as a full system.
Middle of the road build - anywhere from $400-700
Top of the line build - as low as $700 to as high as $3000

Are you looking for a top of the line gaming computer? A multi-purpose machine that can run most games without too much trouble? Or are you looking for a cheap computer that is good for browsing the internet and checking email?

[guncrasher]

how much should i expect to pay?

do you want the latest processors (i7)? or will you settle for something along the lines of the e8400.  which is what i have and can play with fr at 2400 (or whatever).  it really depends on how much money you can afford.  i7 will probably be around 1k e8400 about 2 or 300 less.

semp

[kilo2]

I spent 1300 and it plays any game out there fine at max graphics.

[Pigslilspaz]

something that will play this and Fallout 3 at max prettyness settings

[Dragon]

something that will play this and Fallout 3 at max prettyness settings

Think around 1 grand.  But be prepared to move up or down a bit from there.  If getting a new monitor, keyboard, etc., the price goes up accordingly.

[cattb]

plan on getting a decent case also if you don't hve one, something that will last many years to come.

[Pigslilspaz]

Think around 1 grand.  But be prepared to move up or down a bit from there.  If getting a new monitor, keyboard, etc., the price goes up accordingly.

I know of keyboards that cost way more, lol
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/keyboards-mice/9836/

plan on getting a decent case also if you don't hve one, something that will last many years to come.

my friend who builds his own machines and is a metal worker was gonna help me convert either an old military radio or 1-2 WWII ammo cans

[230G]

  I just built a system for around $650. Including all new components and an operating system. Easily runs this game with graphics maxed out. Also runs COD World at War with amazing graphics. Newegg.com should be your new best friend.
  230G

[mbailey]

Heres a silly question, once he has all the componants together and turns it on, what then? Will it ask you to load the OS (xp vista ect) Will he have to load all the drivers for all the componants? Does it do these things automatic? Will the computer walk him thru what to upload and in what order? This is the single biggest hesitation i have in building one as i am far from computer literate. I know i could assemble it, but getting it to work once i turn it on is another thing

[230G]

Heres a silly question, once he has all the componants together and turns it on, what then? Will it ask you to load the OS (xp vista ect) Will he have to load all the drivers for all the componants? Does it do these things automatic? Will the computer walk him thru what to upload and in what order? This is the single biggest hesitation i have in building one as i am far from computer literate. I know i could assemble it, but getting it to work once i turn it on is another thing

 I was VERY hesitant to build my own system, but it's really quite simple. After you turn it on, you just pop in your operating system install disk, answer a few questions, then kick back and let it install. Once the OS is installed, you can install drivers for things like printers, joystocks, etc. in any order you like.
  230G