Help me Build A Computer

Memory and power supplies vary more in quality than any other computer components.

Get one of the power supply brands recommended by JonnyGuru.com or HardwareSecrets.com, like Corsair, Antec, or Seasonic. A $20 power supply is junk, unless offered during the best sale of the year, as TigerDirect and NewEgg did last holiday season for some 430W - 600W Corsair Builder's Series models. A junk power supply won't be able to put out its rated power and may damage the computer. Cables that are "modular" or sleeved have nothing to do with quality.

Most memory is substandard quality, made of no-name chips or chips run faster than recommended by their manufacturers, and heatsinks cover up this fact. Heatsinks aren't helpful for DDR3 memory performance or reliability and are actually just marketing gimmicks, . The only way to be guaranteed of not getting junk is by choosing either Samsung memory or no-heatsink Crucial. Memory defects can be very hard to find with diagnostics, and even the best diagnostics will miss some bad bits.

Make sure the motherboard's CPU power rating is higher than your CPU's, especially because some motherboards aren't exactly overbuilt in this respect. If you plan to overclock, you want the motherboard's power rating to be at least 50% higher Also look for a motherboard whose capacitors are only solid polymer (all silver colored) or at least only Japanese. Many motherboards use 3 different quality grades of capacitors -- that's how much manufacturers try to shave costs. I believe Gigabyte always uses only quality capacitors.

Quote from RockySosua : That goes without saying, if not, the DIY would be almost double the price.

I wouldnt say double that would be nearly 1400 dollars thats a lot of diy parts lol. As I was pricing it out with non sale prices I came in around 800.

Quote from indian90 : 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 - 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.

What's your budget? How big is the space where the computer will be stored (i.e., if the computer will be stored in a compartment of a computer desk [for case size])? If he won't be doing any gaming or heavy video editing, then there really is no true need for a video card but it's always nice to have one to be able to do more without upgrading in the future. I'll just suggest some parts and see what you think:

($229.99 + FS = $229.99) Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K [newegg.com] This should be plenty of processing power and then some.
($79.99 + FS = $79.99) SSD: Crucial M4 64GB [newegg.com] Good, solid SSD with enough room for the OS and some primary programs like Office, etc.
($104.99 + FS = $104.99) HDD: Western Digital WD Black 1 TB [newegg.com] Plenty of storage for anything from documents, music, videos, etc.
($46.99 + FS = $46.99) Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) [newegg.com] Fast and cheap memory
($89.99 + $6.98 Shipping = $96.97) Graphics Card: [OPTIONAL] HIS H675F1GD Radeon HD 6750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 [newegg.com] This would be something nice to have just to allow the computer a boost in the graphics department. Although, it is unnecessary since the motherboard has VGA, DVI, and HDMI built in via the onboard graphics.
($139.99 - $15 Rebate + FS = $124.99) Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK [newegg.com] Seems like a stable motherboard. I've used Asus on multiple computer builds and they have yet to fail me on performance/quality.
($19.99 + FS = $19.99) DVD Burner: ASUS 24X DVD Burner [newegg.com] A basic DVD burner. Fast and cheap.
($89.99 - $20 Rebate + FS = $69.99) Power Supply: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W [newegg.com] Corsair is one of the leading manufacturer's of PSU's and they have treated me well in the past. This should be a great and stable PSU. It's likely that it has a surplus of features like built-in surge protection, depending on what components are inside of the PSU.
TV Tuner: Note sure of what's good as I have never owned one. Best thing to do is shop around. I'd start here [newegg.com].
($49.99 + $2.99 Shipping = $52.98) Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER [newegg.com] Looks great and the quality is there. Add additional fans if you'd like to increase airflow in the case. Reviews seem overall positive.
($16.99 + $2.99 Shipping = $19.98) Keyboard + Mouse: Logitech MK120 Black USB Wired Slim Desktop [newegg.com] Basic keyboard and mouse. Quality seems there and reviews are overall positive.

Total: $749.89 (Without graphics card/TV Tuner) or $846.86 (With Graphics Card/ Without TV Tuner)

Overall, not a bad price for a decently powered PC with plenty of options and features. If you bought a Power Supply Unit for $20, I can almost guarantee you that it will end up failing within the first year. It might also end up frying all of your new computer components in the end. I say it's not worth it to cheap out on a PSU ever. It's one of the most important aspects of a new build. I can't stress that enough.

I hope you found this helpful.

Quote from jamesbodden : I wouldnt say double that would be nearly 1400 dollars thats a lot of diy parts lol. As I was pricing it out with non sale prices I came in around 800.

The post below, illustrates the better value of the ready built PC example I used.
The DIY PC below includes an $80 SSD but has an inferior GPU and no operating system (call it a wash) and still comes out at $167 more than the Dell.

Quote from bszelda : What's your budget? How big is the space where the computer will be stored (i.e., if the computer will be stored in a compartment of a computer desk [for case size])? If he won't be doing any gaming or heavy video editing, then there really is no true need for a video card but it's always nice to have one to be able to do more without upgrading in the future. I'll just suggest some parts and see what you think: ($229.99 + FS = $229.99) Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K [newegg.com] This should be plenty of processing power and then some. ($79.99 + FS = $79.99) SSD: Crucial M4 64GB [newegg.com] Good, solid SSD with enough room for the OS and some primary programs like Office, etc. ($104.99 + FS = $104.99) HDD: Western Digital WD Black 1 TB [newegg.com] Plenty of storage for anything from documents, music, videos, etc. ($46.99 + FS = $46.99) Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) [newegg.com] Fast and cheap memory ($89.99 + $6.98 Shipping = $96.97) Graphics Card: [OPTIONAL] HIS H675F1GD Radeon HD 6750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 [newegg.com] This would be something nice to have just to allow the computer a boost in the graphics department. Although, it is unnecessary since the motherboard has VGA, DVI, and HDMI built in via the onboard graphics. ($139.99 - $15 Rebate + FS = $124.99) Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK [newegg.com] Seems like a stable motherboard. I've used Asus on multiple computer builds and they have yet to fail me on performance/quality. ($19.99 + FS = $19.99) DVD Burner: ASUS 24X DVD Burner [newegg.com] A basic DVD burner. Fast and cheap. ($89.99 - $20 Rebate + FS = $69.99) Power Supply: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W [newegg.com] Corsair is one of the leading manufacturer's of PSU's and they have treated me well in the past. This should be a great and stable PSU. It's likely that it has a surplus of features like built-in surge protection, depending on what components are inside of the PSU. TV Tuner: Note sure of what's good as I have never owned one. Best thing to do is shop around. I'd start here [newegg.com]. ($49.99 + $2.99 Shipping = $52.98) Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER [newegg.com] Looks great and the quality is there. Add additional fans if you'd like to increase airflow in the case. Reviews seem overall positive. ($16.99 + $2.99 Shipping = $19.98) Keyboard + Mouse: Logitech MK120 Black USB Wired Slim Desktop [newegg.com] Basic keyboard and mouse. Quality seems there and reviews are overall positive. Total: $749.89 (Without graphics card/TV Tuner) or $846.86 (With Graphics Card/ Without TV Tuner) Overall, not a bad price for a decently powered PC with plenty of options and features. If you bought a Power Supply Unit for $20, I can almost guarantee you that it will end up failing within the first year. It might also end up frying all of your new computer components in the end. I say it's not worth it to cheap out on a PSU ever. It's one of the most important aspects of a new build. I can't stress that enough. I hope you found this helpful.

Quote from bszelda : What's your budget? How big is the space where the computer will be stored (i.e., if the computer will be stored in a compartment of a computer desk [for case size])? If he won't be doing any gaming or heavy video editing, then there really is no true need for a video card but it's always nice to have one to be able to do more without upgrading in the future. I'll just suggest some parts and see what you think: ($229.99 + FS = $229.99) Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K [newegg.com] This should be plenty of processing power and then some. ($79.99 + FS = $79.99) SSD: Crucial M4 64GB [newegg.com] Good, solid SSD with enough room for the OS and some primary programs like Office, etc. ($104.99 + FS = $104.99) HDD: Western Digital WD Black 1 TB [newegg.com] Plenty of storage for anything from documents, music, videos, etc. ($46.99 + FS = $46.99) Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) [newegg.com] Fast and cheap memory ($89.99 + $6.98 Shipping = $96.97) Graphics Card: [OPTIONAL] HIS H675F1GD Radeon HD 6750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 [newegg.com] This would be something nice to have just to allow the computer a boost in the graphics department. Although, it is unnecessary since the motherboard has VGA, DVI, and HDMI built in via the onboard graphics. ($139.99 - $15 Rebate + FS = $124.99) Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK [newegg.com] Seems like a stable motherboard. I've used Asus on multiple computer builds and they have yet to fail me on performance/quality. ($19.99 + FS = $19.99) DVD Burner: ASUS 24X DVD Burner [newegg.com] A basic DVD burner. Fast and cheap. ($89.99 - $20 Rebate + FS = $69.99) Power Supply: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W [newegg.com] Corsair is one of the leading manufacturer's of PSU's and they have treated me well in the past. This should be a great and stable PSU. It's likely that it has a surplus of features like built-in surge protection, depending on what components are inside of the PSU. TV Tuner: Note sure of what's good as I have never owned one. Best thing to do is shop around. I'd start here [newegg.com]. ($49.99 + $2.99 Shipping = $52.98) Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER [newegg.com] Looks great and the quality is there. Add additional fans if you'd like to increase airflow in the case. Reviews seem overall positive. ($16.99 + $2.99 Shipping = $19.98) Keyboard + Mouse: Logitech MK120 Black USB Wired Slim Desktop [newegg.com] Basic keyboard and mouse. Quality seems there and reviews are overall positive. Total: $749.89 (Without graphics card/TV Tuner) or $846.86 (With Graphics Card/ Without TV Tuner) Overall, not a bad price for a decently powered PC with plenty of options and features. If you bought a Power Supply Unit for $20, I can almost guarantee you that it will end up failing within the first year. It might also end up frying all of your new computer components in the end. I say it's not worth it to cheap out on a PSU ever. It's one of the most important aspects of a new build. I can't stress that enough. I hope you found this helpful.

Wow that was an awesome post. Are these the average prices ranges for these various items? Should I keep an eye of the items you listed and just watch out for deals on various items? Which items are most likely to go on sale in order for me to decrease the price of the PC build?

The PSU I bought was from OEM. Any good or should I return it?

For example, I saw (2x4GB) curcial for $40 + FS the other day. I heard they were one of the best people for Memory.

I'm going to use this as a reference as I shop around. Thank you so much for the post

I'll keep the thread updated if I find deals or if I have more questions. You guys are awesome!

Quote from indian90 : Wow that was an awesome post. Are these the average prices ranges for these various items? Should I keep an eye of the items you listed and just watch out for deals on various items? Which items are most likely to go on sale in order for me to decrease the price of the PC build? The PSU I bought was from OEM. Any good or should I return it? For example, I saw (2x4GB) curcial for $40 + FS the other day. I heard they were one of the best people for Memory. I'm going to use this as a reference as I shop around. Thank you so much for the post I'll keep the thread updated if I find deals or if I have more questions. You guys are awesome!

No prob! Yea those prices are pretty much average atm except for some deals like current rebates going on, etc. Prices for the exact items may be lower on sites like Amazon, Tigerdirect, etc. so shopping around may get you a lower price on some parts. As for the memory, as long as it's from a good manufacturer like Crucial, G.Skill, Corsair, etc. then it should be good. Just make sure you get memory that matches the motherboard well. I would get a dual channel kit of 2 x 4GB 1600 RAM. I personally use G.Skill and it works good for me. Also make sure the RAM that you buy has the usual lifetime warranty that good RAM offers.

Stuff often goes on sale for like $10 off or 10% off on some items. The SSD that I linked to is basically retail price right now and there have been some deals in the past for $60 instead of the $80 it's at right now. I've owned 2 M4 SSD's personally and they are great overall.

If the PSU doesn't have a specific brand printed on it (like Corsair, etc.) then I probably wouldn't use it if I were building the computer. I've heard of many times where a cheaper PSU has ended up frying the motherboard/CPU/HDD's due to poorly made components within the PSU itself. Also, I have a feeling that that PSU lacks any kind of electrical surge protection along with the other protection that higher quality PSU's tend to have. Technically, you wouldn't even need a power surger plug in unit with the PSU that I linked but I still use one on my computers for the added safety. Anyway, it's really up to you if you would like to use it. Some of the cheaper PSU's can end up working just fine over the life of the computer.

Quote from RockySosua : The post below, illustrates the better value of the ready built PC example I used. The DIY PC below includes an $80 SSD but has an inferior GPU and no operating system (call it a wash) and still comes out at $167 more than the Dell.

Its hard for me to accept that comparison because I dont know all of the specs of the dell. For example the diy build has a asus z77 motherboard. Thats a pretty expensive motherboard. The dell maybe using a an h61 which would warrant nearly 60 dollar price difference. Same with hdd. Does the dell have a wd black instead of the more common blue? On slickdeals one can get a windows 8 license for much less than the ssd so that is not a fair comparison also. Finally the 6750 is not an inferior gpu but the same price as a 7570 with about twice as much power. I am not sure on that recommendation period.

In the end I believe what drives the price up for many people in the diy mindset is that they want to pick and choose all of these nice add on features like overclocking ability (z77), lots of sata ports, dual dvi, high wattage psu,name brand ram. Little things that can nickel and dime a build up. On the other hand when people go to a bigbox retailer like dell they dont make or break the deal on whether the ram is g skill or pny or what wattage the psu is, chipset of the motherboard.

Quote from indian90 : The PSU I bought was from OEM. Any good or should I return it? For example, I saw (2x4GB) curcial for $40 + FS the other day. I heard they were one of the best people for Memory.

Corsairs are very good power supplies.

Crucial is the best, unless it has heatsinks on it, in which case you want to avoid it because 1) heatsinks are unnecessary and not at all helpful; 2) heatsinked memory is made from either reject chips (not the case with Crucial) or chips run faster than recommended by the chip manufacturer (a major reason why it often has a higher than normal recommended voltage, like 1.65V instead of the usual 1.50V for DDR3). So Crucial is fine unless it's one of their Ballistix models -- avoid, even if it's 1.50V Ballistix. Another good brand is Samsung, and it's 1.35V memory is compatible with motherboards that require 1.50V, and it can withstand the same maximum voltage as regular DDR3, meaning it's OK to run at 1.65V for overclocking. Unfortunately Samsung DDR3 RAM in short supply, and its price has increased to about $42-47 per 2x4GB and may be cheaper if bought one stick at a time.

Quote from RockySosua : The post below, illustrates the better value of the ready built PC example I used. The DIY PC below includes an $80 SSD but has an inferior GPU and no operating system (call it a wash) and still comes out at $167 more than the Dell.

Agree. Though I normally recommend building it yourself, some pre-built machines come well configured and are priced very well.

Quote from indian90 : The PSU I bought was from OEM. Any good or should I return it? For example, I saw (2x4GB) curcial for $40 + FS the other day. I heard they were one of the best people for Memory. I'm going to use this as a reference as I shop around. Thank you so much for the post I'll keep the thread updated if I find deals or if I have more questions. You guys are awesome!

Ram is ram. You should be fine with that, though I'd recommend samsungs [newegg.com] ram, when in stock.

Corsair units are good, though they don't actually make their psu's (rebadged seasonic, flextronics power supplies). Any units from them (corsair), antec, nzxt, and xfx
are reliable. With Seasonic and Silverstone being at the top of my list, from experience.

Guys,
I could a couple deals. What do you guys think.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...116501-L0C <-- $309 because of $20 off promo code.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...129186-L0D <-- Case


I found two pretty good memory deals. I dont know which ones the better option to take. If these aren't that great of deals let me know please.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...31455-L04C


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...33180-L05A

Quote from indian90 : Guys, I could a couple deals. What do you guys think. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...116501-L0C <-- $309 because of $20 off promo code. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...129186-L0D <-- Case I found two pretty good memory deals. I dont know which ones the better option to take. If these aren't that great of deals let me know please. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...31455-L04C http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...33180-L05A

The same processor is 100 bux cheaper at Microcenter [microcenter.com].
The case is cheaply made with sharp edges.
Consult larrymoencurly for your ram choice. He knows which ones have good chips and it's usually not the ones with the fancy covers, like in those two links.

I'm assuming that processor is a steal then!?

Should I go ahead and purchase that processor? It seems to be the same price as the one that bszelda posted in his list but an i7

The case looks nice but sounds like it's cheaply made and parts of it are sharp.

If you think you may want it later, then go ahead and get the 3770k. I have one and it's personally a good cpu although if you get the i5, you can use the money saved for some other area of the computer.

I've found that, in the past, a bigger budget allows for a better overall computer. My computer that I built in July of last year was a little over $3k. It was worth it though as there is nothing that it can't handle.

Quote from bszelda : The case looks nice but sounds like it's cheaply made and parts of it are sharp. If you think you may want it later, then go ahead and get the 3770k. I have one and it's personally a good cpu although if you get the i5, you can use the money saved for some other area of the computer. I've found that, in the past, a bigger budget allows for a better overall computer. My computer that I built in July of last year was a little over $3k. It was worth it though as there is nothing that it can't handle.

Awesome. We have a microcenter here so I went ahead and bought one It looked like a pretty good deal to me. Now the trick is going to be finding a Motherboard that'll handle it and have all the other additional components I need without spending a fortune.