Help me Build A Computer

Hello,

I am not sure if this is the right section or not. If there is a better section to post this please let me know!

I'm bascially building a computer for my parents. My dad just loads the computer with a bunch of applications and usually takes up a ton of HD space with pictures, music, videos, ect. The current PC he has is a dell and has 2 GB of memory which can't be expanded so afer all these applications he's installed, it's really really slow.

The aim here is to build a PC that's inexpensive to build but will last longer than the Dell or other PC's you can buy in stores. It might also be used as a Media PC. It really just depends.

I was wondering if you guys could help me find deals and find the right parts. I'm in no rush to build the PC so as good deals come up.

I included a SSD because I figured it can be used just for loading the OS. This should speed up the boot up process.

Parts List:

• Processor - Here [newegg.com] - $247 after tax
• SSD Drive -
• Hard Drive-
• Memory (8 GB) -
• Graphics Card -
• Mother Board -
• DVD Burner -
• Power Supply - Purchased 600W Powersuppy ($20)
• TV Tuner -
• Case -
• Key Board -
• Mouse -

If I've missed anything please let me know. I already have a monitor so I left that out.

If you want it to last as long or longer than the Dell you have, you'd better buy another Dell.
They're rock solid and cost the same or less than a "build it yourself" machine.

Quote from RockySosua : If you want it to last as long or longer than the Dell you have, you'd better buy another Dell. They're rock solid and cost the same or less than a "build it yourself" machine.

Wow I have never heard of anyone advocating for big box vs diy for either cost or longevity. I will give you that dell provides the tech support that diy lacks.

since the purpose of the computer is uncertain. I would set deal alerts and find all the cheapest parts with good user rating from tech deal websites like Sickdeals or fatwallet and go ahead and build the basic working computer with i3, 8gb ram, 128GB SSD along with the other components and start upgrading from there. Once your dad is feeling comfortable with normal use of the computer (web browsing, checking e-mails) if he wants to use it as a media PC then consider the TV tuner later.

A pre-built PC is not that more expensive than the DIY ones nowadays and you have better warranty but you do want to make sure the model has standard components (ex. motherboard, wiring, etc) in it and enough upgrade potential before the purchase in case you want to upgrade in the future.

If you want people to do your work and fill in the parts list, the least you can do is to specify your budget for each components.

Processor - I would look at a intel processor here. I believe the sweet spot would be a core i3 ivy bridge (3xxx series). This will give a nice bang for the buck, includes decent enough integrate graphics multimedia consumption and fast enough for everything but heavy photo/video editing.

SSD Drive - Unless you are willing to pay for a big enough drive for all your stuff or support your father in a two drive setup, one for boot and the other for storage, I would recommend sticking to a normal hard drive. From my experience people do not seamlessly transfer from using a single drive to a boot drive setup like that.

Hard Drive- see above but I would shoot for 1tb or more and 7200rpm drives (no green drives)

Memory (8 GB) - I would go for a single stick. Sure you can not run dual channel but the upgradeability path of the future is better than that for your situation.

Graphics Card - Might not be necessary I need more info on what your dad runs

Mother Board - This also depends on the applications your dad uses and whether you have a discrete gpu. There are many good options. Also does size of computer matter?

DVD Burner - any will work just find the cheapest

Power Supply - Purchased 600W Powersuppy ($20) (Considering that price and wattage I would warn against that psu unless it is a trusted brand)

TV Tuner - Does your dad have Comcast/Verizon/Timewarner? If so he should shoot for a cable card tuner, if not an atsc/ntsc tuner will work. Much more discussion can happen over this depending on how much you want to spend and how much recording will be done.

Case - Flashy or subtle? Big or small?

Key Board - Find your Dad's preference

Mouse - Find your Dad's preference

Sorry I dont have a ton of concrete answers for you right now but with a little more information I can start making recommendations

Quote from teetee1 : since the purpose of the computer is uncertain. I would set deal alerts and find all the cheapest parts with good user rating from tech deal websites like Sickdeals or fatwallet and go ahead and build the basic working computer with i3, 8gb ram, 128GB SSD along with the other components and start upgrading from there. Once your dad is feeling comfortable with normal use of the computer (web browsing, checking e-mails) if he wants to use it as a media PC then consider the TV tuner later. A pre-built PC is not that more expensive than the DIY ones nowadays and you have better warranty but you do want to make sure the model has standard components (ex. motherboard, wiring, etc) in it and enough upgrade potential before the purchase in case you want to upgrade in the future. If you want people to do your work and fill in the parts list, the least you can do is to specify your budget for each components.

You make some great points here and the standard parts in pre builts is very important to consider

Quote from jamesbodden : Processor - I would look at a intel processor here. I believe the sweet spot would be a core i3 ivy bridge (3xxx series). This will give a nice bang for the buck, includes decent enough integrate graphics multimedia consumption and fast enough for everything but heavy photo/video editing. SSD Drive - Unless you are willing to pay for a big enough drive for all your stuff or support your father in a two drive setup, one for boot and the other for storage, I would recommend sticking to a normal hard drive. From my experience people do not seamlessly transfer from using a single drive to a boot drive setup like that. Hard Drive- see above but I would shoot for 1tb or more and 7200rpm drives (no green drives) Memory (8 GB) - I would go for a single stick. Sure you can not run dual channel but the upgradeability path of the future is better than that for your situation. Graphics Card - Might not be necessary I need more info on what your dad runs Mother Board - This also depends on the applications your dad uses and whether you have a discrete gpu. There are many good options. Also does size of computer matter? DVD Burner - any will work just find the cheapest Power Supply - Purchased 600W Powersuppy ($20) (Considering that price and wattage I would warn against that psu unless it is a trusted brand) TV Tuner - Does your dad have Comcast/Verizon/Timewarner? If so he should shoot for a cable card tuner, if not an atsc/ntsc tuner will work. Much more discussion can happen over this depending on how much you want to spend and how much recording will be done. Case - Flashy or subtle? Big or small? Key Board - Find your Dad's preference Mouse - Find your Dad's preference Sorry I dont have a ton of concrete answers for you right now but with a little more information I can start making recommendations

A Quality PSU costs more than $20. The OP does not need anywhere near 600W either. 350W will run the system you propose with such ease. There is no big CPU or GPU on this build. Quality CPU's are worth the money and are key to reliability. Since OP mentions photos and wanting the computer to last a while, I might suggest an i5 over the i3 for a little extra power.


I would say this. If the OP is not willing or able to provide support to his parents then he should look at getting his parents a Dell. I am all for DIY Computer, but only when the person using it has access to someone who can fix it when stuff goes wrong.

RockySosua - I don't disagree that they're good computer. The current one is just a bit out dated and from previous experience it seems as if custom made computers last longer.

teetee1 - I am looking around on sites as well. I also have deal alerts set up with various sites as well. In terms of purpose of this computer, it's going to be mostly for various applications that involve recording videos, editing pictures, DVD burning software, heavy web browsing(flash/picture heavy pages), emails, multiple users, media PC.

He's not bad with his normal computer now. I am also helping him as questions arise. The main complaint he has now is mainly speed, which I know can be caused by various things.
I am not looking for people to fill in parts for me. I'm just trying to get a price range of what these parts are going for now a days. The other reason for this thread is so I can make a list of everything I buy and keep track of prices . I haven't specified a budget because I wasn't sure exactly what these types of PC's will run me. I guess the goal would be to keep it under $700?

jamesbodden -

Processor - You wouldn't recommend AMD processors? If I was to go with an intel processor I was thinking maybe an i5? He would probably do some video editing/picture editing. It would also be used to steam a lot of videos. I was also trying to find a bundled deal here. (Motherboard + Processor) I think that's the best route to take in that sense? Correct me if I'm wrong?

SSD Drive - I will support him in dealing with two drives. I am setting everything up and will show him how to manage them. I think he should be able to handle this piece just fine.

Hard Drive - I was already aiming for a 1TB. What would be a good price range for these hard drive now a days?

Memory (8 GB) - Single stick? I found a deal for a double. (2X 4GB) for $40. Thoughts? I have usually try to get a pair in terms on memory. Big difference between going with a single stick or a double stick? (http://www.buy.com/prod/crucial-8...=222328180)

Graphics Card - Okay fair enough. I figured just a basic one couldn't hurt. I already have an old one that should work.

Mother Board - The size of the computer I am looking for is a mid-tower. If I need it to be a full tower that is also possible but I would like to stick with mid. I was leaning towards ATX motherboards. The goal here was to get a mother board + Processor combo.

DVD Burner - Okay will do. Thank you.

Power Supply - Purchased 600W Powersuppy ($20) - What's wrong with this power supply?

TV Tuner - He has Dish but will probably make the switch to Comcast within the near future. If he was to stay with Dish, there will be a lot of recording done.

Case - Suitable. A mid tower case is what i'm looking for here. Any ideas of price range?

Key Board - Will do. Just something simple.

Mouse - Same as above.

I hope that was a bit more explanation?

I am plan on using the computer/providing support for it which is why I decided to build one rather than purchasing another Dell.

Quote from jamesbodden : Wow I have never heard of anyone advocating for big box vs diy for either cost or longevity. I will give you that dell provides the tech support that diy lacks.

Every time that I buy a PC for myself (I build and repair PC's, day in day out), I find better deals with the prebuilt Dell PC's, than I can, building them myself.
On top of that, where I live, in the land of bad electricity, the PC's that I and others build, never last as long as the Dells and the HP's.
There's something about them that is tougher than what we buy in our builds, presumably the motherboards and/or power supplies.
Naturally, one can buy a better quality durable PSU for one's build, but that can be quite expensive and that raises the total price of the build, and that's why I keep going back to buying the Dell box, then I add in a thing or two, like my present XPS has an extra 2 tb storage drive, along with 2 SSD's and a decent graphics card (5770) and wifi, that didn't come with the purchase.

Now, for the cons.
Gamers who want to go nuts and install liquid cooling systems, or overclock, or have 8 internal drives, etc, will never buy a prebuilt PC.

The Pros.
Almost always cheaper.
Excellent quality components.
More durable.
Comes with OS and guarantee.

I'd be proud to say that I build better machines that the prebuilt ones, but unfortunately, that is NOT the case.

This is an expired deal from a few weeks ago for $680, but it can serve to establish how much value you get with a Dell PC, vs a DIY box.

These are the specs.
3rd Generation Intel Core i7 3770 Ivy Bridge Processor 3.40GHz
8GB DDR3 1600
2TB 7200RPM HDD
AMD Radeon HD 7570 1GB
16X DVD+/-RW
Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth v4.0+LE
Windows 8

In order to compare the value, you'd need to buy the following for your DIY PC.
Mobo,
Same CPU with heatsink and fan.
Medium powered high quality PSU.
One 2tb 7200 RPM hard drive.
8 gigs of ram.
One AMD Radeon HD 7570 1GB
One DVD player/burner.
One wifi.
One Bluetooth.
One case with fans.
An operating system.

I'd be really surprised if you can buy all that for $680 and match the Dell's price.
______________________________

Quote from indian90 : RockySosua - I don't disagree that they're good computer. The current one is just a bit out dated and from previous experience it seems as if custom made computers last longer. .

When you say "custom computers", do you mean prebuilt or DIY PC?
If you're saying that the home built lasts longer, I would say the exact opposite, but your experiences may have shown you something different than I have seen.

Quote from LiquidRetro : A Quality PSU costs more than $20. The OP does not need anywhere near 600W either. 350W will run the system you propose with such ease. There is no big CPU or GPU on this build. Quality CPU's are worth the money and are key to reliability. Since OP mentions photos and wanting the computer to last a while, I might suggest an i5 over the i3 for a little extra power. I would say this. If the OP is not willing or able to provide support to his parents then he should look at getting his parents a Dell. I am all for DIY Computer, but only when the person using it has access to someone who can fix it when stuff goes wrong.

Believe me I understand the op does not need a 600w but I figured I might give him the benefit of the doubt that he got some amazing deal on a antec earthwatts or something.

I would shoot for the corsair 430w that goes on sale for 20ar for the op. Great psu that is cool and quiet and 80 plus certified.

I disagree on the i5 because there is probably only multimedia consumption going on not manipulation. If he springs for the i5 though I would fully support it I mean its a great line.

Quote from RockySosua : This is an expired deal from a few weeks ago for $680, but it can serve to establish how much value you get with a Dell PC, vs a DIY box. These are the specs. 3rd Generation Intel Core i7 3770 Ivy Bridge Processor 3.40GHz 8GB DDR3 1600 2TB 7200RPM HDD AMD Radeon HD 7570 1GB 16X DVD+/-RW Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n Bluetooth v4.0+LE Windows 8 In order to compare the value, you'd need to buy the following for your DIY PC. Mobo, Same CPU with heatsink and fan. Medium powered high quality PSU. One 2tb 7200 RPM hard drive. 8 gigs of ram. One AMD Radeon HD 7570 1GB One DVD player/burner. One wifi. One Bluetooth. One case with fans. An operating system. I'd be really surprised if you can buy all that for $680 and match the Dell's price. ______________________________ When you say "custom computers", do you mean prebuilt or DIY PC? If you're saying that the home built lasts longer, I would say the exact opposite, but your experiences may have shown you something different than I have seen.

I think the comparison is a little unfair. Just as you would wait for a dell pc to go on sale like the above example you would have to wait for the diy parts to go on sale. In addition the heads up comparison is sometimes hard because there might be better value to people in terms of things like a gui bios, wider selection of video cards and standard fitting components for upgradability. Also I am not sure about you but I get charged 7.5% tax at dell and not at newegg so that is another 50 bucks at dell for me.

To each his own though and I do believe there are positives to both sides as well as negatives. I am happy you atleast are singing the praises of dell and not compaq or someone lol. I have had great experience with dell laptops not so much with compaq

Quote from indian90 : jamesbodden - Processor - You wouldn't recommend AMD processors? If I was to go with an intel processor I was thinking maybe an i5? He would probably do some video editing/picture editing. It would also be used to steam a lot of videos. I was also trying to find a bundled deal here. (Motherboard + Processor) I think that's the best route to take in that sense? Correct me if I'm wrong? SSD Drive - I will support him in dealing with two drives. I am setting everything up and will show him how to manage them. I think he should be able to handle this piece just fine. Hard Drive - I was already aiming for a 1TB. What would be a good price range for these hard drive now a days? Memory (8 GB) - Single stick? I found a deal for a double. (2X 4GB) for $40. Thoughts? I have usually try to get a pair in terms on memory. Big difference between going with a single stick or a double stick? (http://www.buy.com/prod/crucial-8...=222328180) Graphics Card - Okay fair enough. I figured just a basic one couldn't hurt. I already have an old one that should work. Mother Board - The size of the computer I am looking for is a mid-tower. If I need it to be a full tower that is also possible but I would like to stick with mid. I was leaning towards ATX motherboards. The goal here was to get a mother board + Processor combo. DVD Burner - Okay will do. Thank you. Power Supply - Purchased 600W Powersuppy ($20) - What's wrong with this power supply? TV Tuner - He has Dish but will probably make the switch to Comcast within the near future. If he was to stay with Dish, there will be a lot of recording done. Case - Suitable. A mid tower case is what i'm looking for here. Any ideas of price range? Key Board - Will do. Just something simple. Mouse - Same as above. I hope that was a bit more explanation? I am plan on using the computer/providing support for it which is why I decided to build one rather than purchasing another Dell.

Processor- If he plans to manipulate video go full speed ahead on the i5 its a great line. I suggest looking for the ivy bridge ones though. More bang for your buck on stock clocks. As far as combo goes unless you are near a Frys/Microcenter the combos online are not that great.

SSD- If he is cool with the two drives then I suggest either a samsung 830/840 or a Crucial M4. These are drives I have had great experiece with. Others may not like the lower read speeds. Its up to you but be sure to read lots of reviews if you deviate.

HDD- Man these are still not pre flood prices so your looking in the 70s. Anything under 60 is a steal but I can remember when 1tb was less than 50.

RAM- Difference is you lose dual channel but gain upgradability by having an additional slot. If you go two sticks no worries though 8 is good for a while. I have seen 2x4gb around 34 or less so wait for a newegg sale.

Motherboard. See cpu combo above. If near MC/FRY take what you can get. If not shop for features.

PSU- Manufacturers cut costs on psu by using lower quality parts that run hot and lack power protections. I have heard of many horror stories with poorly made power supplies. Shop quality not wattage here. As time goes on computers are using so little power that a 350w quality psu can power a quad core mid range cpu with integrated graphics without breaking a sweat.

TV Tuner- With dish it gets a little more complicated and involves using a cable box from them that is connected to the tuner and has to have a ir flasher change the channel on the box to change the channel on the computer. This requires much more setup than this thread is targeted for. You may want to hold off on this until you complete the computer

Perhaps consider tomshardware.com's System Builder series. They spec, build and test 3 or 4 systems every quarter based on different budgets.