When I had an ex-bf from college look at my computer, he also showed me the web site for the store he used to build his computer. It was interesting.

He was showing me a bit about building my own and I realized you don't have to be a computer guru to building your own computer. That I could do it.

And it turned out not to be as costly as I would have thought. A part a pay check wouldn't be too bad. A few items might have to be one a month. But in a matter of months, I could build my OWN gaming computer. A system I had control over.

So I think that I'm going to build my next computer. He said he would help me out with how to go about doing it and assembling it. Kinda walk me through it, so that I'll have a better understanding of it. That way, I can do it again anytime I need to upgrade and stuff.

I kinda think this is going to be fun and interesting.

Good Luck!

Everything is pretty straight forward. All you need to know is compatible parts(Video cards, right type of memory, cpu w/ the right socket type), a decent power supply, a case, and you're good. You can build a decent, easily upgradeable gaming machine for a few hundred less than from dell and the like. Its also fun to build your own, because when things go wrong, you know how to take things apart and check em, etc etc. I've only bought 1 computer from compaq, it was for 220 bucks on a refurb, for a 600 dollar box, so it was well worth it. Other than that, I've built well over 25 computers for myself in the past 20 years, and prolly over 200 for friends, family, and ex g/fs.

Yeah, that was another reason to do this. It will help me learn more about the hardware. In a way that isn't boring. And because I'm controlling what goes on it, I won't have so many mystery processes running when I turn on the computer.

www.newegg.com

you can buy all the parts u need there.. that is where i get my stuff!!

Ummm, you'll always have mystery processes running, its just what happens. But you won't have all the spyware and useless programs installed, like most big box computers.

a good point.. however, windows does come with its own firewall, and if you run through a router that gives you protection to.. there are free spyware programs.. also its not like a spyware program is that expensive. 20-50$

This is true, and I realize that. But I also have noticed that a boxed computer has all sorts of mystery stuff and then you get a computer expert looking at it who says, don't need this, and this and this......

And the ones you really need aren't really all that mysterious. They do kinda stand out. Or maybe it is just I learned something after all these years of looking at the processes screen anytime I started to have a problem, looking for things that shouldn't be there.

i got a degree in that kinda stuff so get at me if you have any problems

Good for you!

For a high end performance machine you can save some money... and yes. It ain't rocket science.

There are plenty of resources on the net that you can access for information too... in order to choose components that play well together with the chosen Operating System and software.

Have fun!

just a reminder.. Build a computer that suits you..
1. Gaming
2. Pictures/video stuff/recording
3. School/E-mails/Papers
4. Movie Watching

Find out what you want the computer to do first!! Then go from there!!
Also.. Don’t spend big money on a CPU, if you do not have the ram to use it..

Gumby

I bet when you built you 1st computer in the 80's installing the OS and understanding it was a chore. Unless I guess you are a programmer.. To bad you did buy Microsoft in 88 when it was 68 cents a share.. Take Care..Miles

I agree with Zewi, newegg has the best prices I have seen so far and I compare several sites. Also as has been stated just make sure that your motherboard supports all that you want to put into the computer. The motherboard will tell you what socket processor you can use and what type of memory you can use. One suggestion is make sure you get plenty of memory. Most pre-built systems have the minimum amount of memory in them. For a good gaming computer I would not go less than 2 GB of memory. Memory for DDR2 which is what most new motherboards are supporting is only about $20.00 or so a GB never hurts to have as much memory as your motherboard will take.

Building your own computer (provided you know how to do it) can be an incredible value, and it can give you the skills you'll need to be able to troubleshoot problems if and when they occur.

The best part to building your own computer is that YOU decide what you want in it, NOT some company who's sole aim is to move product at the lowest possible cost overhead.

The only problem with building your own system is that you have to keep up with the latest computer trends to make sure you don't end up buying already-out-of-date parts. But this can be remedied by reading computer mags like Maximum PC, which live and breathe new tech.

There are a lot of great sights that will help. One of my favorites is Sharkeyextreme and Andantech. This will help you keep up with CPU's.MoBo's, Memory, Video Cards, etc...

I've built my last two computers and I'll never buy a pre-assembled piece again.

I've been building my own since 1990 and my advice is to take your time & really shop before you buy. Then you can have a machine that's much nicer than could come from a box and is distinctly yours.

Uhh still though i wouldnt suggest building one unless you are rather computer savy, Thermal paste, and heat are 2 big issues that get over looked when building a computer, yea you can build one, but a stable Gamming PC? requires some research im afraid

Sigh im being mean =(, ok im sorry.

Its a fun expereicne to build a computer, you learn so much, heres what i know.

Harddrives 160 and under use 1 disk in the HD therefore give off less heat keeping it cooler, So bigger is also hotter =)
Just becasue vid card says 512mb doesnt mean it will out perform a 256meg, depends on the model, a good idea is to check reviews on these. Buying ram? 2gb min, and keep the sticks of ram the same it helps out, MAKE SURE YOUR MOTHERBOARD IS DUAL-Channel. im trying to get 4gb but its a little over my cheap budget atm. Intergreated Video sucks for gamming =). I Suggest a video card that supports dual monitor and is dual DVI vga inputs are becoming outdated and you can for 5$ get a dvi-vga connector, DVI picture is much clearer and dual monitors are very fun to have, just a good idea to keep that open.

you're right about the thermal paste and stuff.

as far as the hard drives go... it's not only size, but the speed the platters spin at, too. there are some gamer-oriented HDDs that will spin up to 10,000RPM which will generate a LOT of heat.

The best PC is a custom built one, good luck!