Ok well I need to get a new PC and want to build it because it will be cheaper. I am a mac guy but i need a pc for a few things. Besides the basic computer things I will be playing a few computer games and maybe editing video and pics. I just bought a new G5 mac so I will not need a crazy video editing system. What I guess I'm asking is 1 where to buy the stuff? Is it cheaper online or should I go to Fry's electronics(A hugh electrictronics store here)? 2 what to get. The last PC I owned was a Gateway with a AMD Athlon 1 ghz cpu, and I really like the AMD processor. I am not really sure what to get(specific brands) and that could be some help. Thanks.


Kevin

 

http://www.anandtech.com

The link above is a site that reviews a wide variety of computer hardware.

You can learn a lot from this site and you can also find products to fit your needs. They don't really sell anything but you can get an idea on the parts that you need/want. Take note though, a lot of the hardware bits that they do review on the front page/new release section are quite pricey.

Cheers,

Bryan

 

Well, I have built computers before they have gotten incredibly cheap to just buy the built computer. Also, you don't have to deal with incompatibility issues with hardwares.

 

Disclaimer: If you haven't built a computer from scratch, just be careful and don't get in over your head (I have no idea what you background is). Some people find it daunting looking at a black screen with text that says no OS is installed, and don't know where to start.

For good starting information, look at www.anandtech.com The site offers pretty good CPU/Memory/MB/Video price comparisons, and great product evaluations and comparisons. The price guides will show you who the cheap vendors are. Shop around, but consider buying everything from the same vendor, as many of them profit from exhorbitant shipping. If you can get everything at the same place, you can save money overall, even if some individual prices are higher. I would not recommend shopping anywhere locally, retail costs are simply too high. I used to work in an electronics store, and even with an employee discount, I purchased my computer parts online.

I've built many computers for myself and others, and here's how I always do it. First, find the sweet spot for CPU cost/value. There's usually very little price difference between the bottom end CPUs, then you'll notice bigger price gaps as the speeds increase. The sweet spot is just before the HUGE gap up to the latest greatest thing since slided bread. This is where the best CPU/$ can be found.

Once you've picked your CPU and speed, find a motherboard that supports that type. Pay attention to the front-side-bus speed and get one that matches your processor. Pay extra to get faster ATA controllers (133, 166, I dont even know what they're up to these days), but only if it makes $$ sense to buy the faster hard drive to take advantage of it. Memory needs will be dictated by the motherboard selection, just look for the cheapest supplier.

Video cards I've always found the sweet spot to be around $150 for something that's new and fast. You can go older, but you won't save much money (not enough to justify it). If you want to go faster, you have to spend $400 for the latest greatest thing since slided bread (notice a theme here?). Another obvious point, get the fastest AGP speed that your motherboard supports.

For sound, get a Sound Blaster. It's the standard, and it works, so keep it simple.

If you need to buy Windows, look for a seller who offers an OEM version, since you're buying all of the components together. These are often 1/2 the price of retail.

Get a case with lots of bays, front USB slots (firewire if you need it) and don't forget the fans. Lots of fans, especially with the AMD chips.

Good luck, hope that helps.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2KYSK
[B]Well, I have built computers before they have gotten incredibly cheap to just buy the built computer.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jeffbrig
[B]

Yes, but by building it myself, I can control the quality of components being used.

 

you could always.. just get a Mac sorry had to say that

 

Here's a quick parts list

Case
Motherboard
CPU
Power Supply
Memory
Hard Drive
CD-R/DVD-R
CD/DVD Drive
Graphics Card
Sound Card
CPU Fan
Case Fans
Floppy Drive
Network Card
Keyboard
Mouse/Trackball
Modem
Cables

also, go to www.pricewatch.com for the best prices.

The most important piece of advice I can give you is, "Buy your RAM at Fry's". RAM is very finicky, and doesn't always work with every motherboard. If you buy it at Fry's, you may spend an extra $10 or so a chip, but you can return it if it doesn't work, no problem.

Good luck!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Elements
[B]Ok well I need to get a new PC and want to build it because it will be cheaper.

 

Thanks for the replys everyone. I will read into it some more and then go ahead and build one myself, well with a friend.

S2KYSK: I see your point, but I've had trouble "upgrading" my pre-built computer. It seems like some parts are not compatable with my gateway and some are.

jeffbrig: thanks for the post. I will have my friend help me put it together. He has alot of experience putting systems together.

MrForgetable: Look at my first post. I all ready have a 2 macs(G4 cube and a Powerbook) and have just put my order in for a new duel 2 gig G5 . I just need a PC to do some little things.

DJ Qube: Thanks for the RAM advice. I will definitly do that.

Thanks again guys for your posts. Keep them coming.



Kevin