http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/se...41-_-components

i'm entirely capable of putting together a computer. i'm fairly computer knowledgeable and this looks like it'll fit what i need. just wondering before i spend the $ if anyone sees anything wrong with this package deal. components that i should avoid/replace, that kind of thing.

let me know! thanks

 

I don't know, but that sounds like a good deal. I'm kind of wishing I didn't click the link because I want it now. I don't know anything about Asus motherboards.

 

Get anything other than a WD hard drive. Although at that price, you could chuck it out the window and buy a different one.

 

^ noted. id probably get a 2nd one regardless.

 

follow up question,

anything in here i'll actually need?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/se...=31719&csid=_33

i have a few obvious tools... but i've never built an entire computer before so not sure what it takes tool-wise.

 

last time i built one all i needed was a phillips head screwdriver.

 

I would take the contrary view on the WD HDD. I have WD (and Maxtor) drives and have never had a problem. I will say though that depending on the model, that particular HDD might have some service bulletins on it much the same way the last-gen Seagate Barracudas did. But I doubt you'll have a problem with it. Come to think of it, I've never had a single HDD of mine ever tank. The only one that did was partially messed up to begin with, and I knew this going in.

The only component I would caution you on is the power supply. I have had PSs go out on me, and have since become a big believer that the more you spend on this item, the better off you'll be. It's telling that Antec's TruePower PSs at the same wattage still go for $80-100. I have been using Antec's PSs for several years now with zero issues. I'm not sure what kind of computing you'll be doing, but if it's not terribly extensive, than this ULTRA unit is probably OK. If you're gaming though, or have a lot of components to add, I'd splurge; it'll be worth it.

 

That should be beyond plenty. I have a shitbox mini set of tools I got at Fry's Electronics like 10 years ago to work on PCs, and it more than fits my bill.

 

All you will need is a phillips-head.

I've had WD and Seagate drives die. New WD drives seem to get ludicrously hot. Personally I'm a fan of Hitachi drives now. I wouldn't worry about the drive though.

The PSU is probably a giant piece of garbage, but whatever.

 

k i had another friend tell me all i need is a screwdriver, so i'm not gonna waste money on a toolset/paperweight.

think i'm gonna pull the trigger on it... on a 10 scale how worried should i be about the power supply?