That's right, I will attempt to build a desktop PC. Do I have any experience? No, not really. I've installed a few ram chips, hard drives, and expansion cards over the years, but nothing this bold. Luckily, the internet is chock full of PC-building information. I will detail my PC Project continually, even if it makes me look like the biggest noob in the world.
My current system is 4-1/2 years old and she has a hard time processing today's huge video and image files. Not to mention she's slow for today's gaming standards as well. Initially I was going to buy a "ready-in-the-box" system. But there's always some component sacrifice for that type of convenience and pricing. I've always despised buying a system and immediately upgrading something, usually the video card. After reading many DIY computer articles I decided to take a chance!
I'm not going to bore you with how I chose the processor, mother board (mobo), hard drive...etc...etc. Instead, just follow the pics and commentary for pertinent info.
My current system is 4-1/2 years old and she has a hard time processing today's huge video and image files. Not to mention she's slow for today's gaming standards as well. Initially I was going to buy a "ready-in-the-box" system. But there's always some component sacrifice for that type of convenience and pricing. I've always despised buying a system and immediately upgrading something, usually the video card. After reading many DIY computer articles I decided to take a chance!
I'm not going to bore you with how I chose the processor, mother board (mobo), hard drive...etc...etc. Instead, just follow the pics and commentary for pertinent info.
Antec Six Hundred Case
Tons of drive bays & slots. 3 fans. Cool side window. A heavyweight at 15 pounds. NewEgg deal @ 60.
Antec TruePower 750w Power Supply
The PSU is key to a properly running system. Processors & graphic cards need minimum power requirements. Double check your calculations. With Blue LED and cable management. 90 @ Amazon.
Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UDH3 AMD-ATX Motherboard
First, the mobo MUST fit the case. Check your mobo form factor. Next, your mobo and processor MUST match. (AMD/AMD - Intel/Intel).
This mobo features SATA 3, USB 3.0, HDMI, Crossfire, Dolby Home Theater, and tons more. Max RAM 16gb. 135 @ Amazon.
AMD Phenom II X6 Thuban 2.8ghz Six-Core Processor
I'll admit it, I splurged a little on this processor. I wanted a fast processor that could handle anything I threw at it, whether its video processing/streaming or battling Space Orcs. 179 @ Amazon.
EVGA nVidia GeForce 1GB DDR3 PCI-E
It's not the best video card, nor the worst. For my needs 1GB of DDR3 memory is fine. Unlike some huge cards that take up two slots, this card is narrow w/ a built-in fan. 63 @ Amazon.
there is a reason for the pricing, keep reading, young grasshopper
Corsair 8GB DDR3 Dual Channel Memory
Dual channel is a technique used to double the communication speed between the memory controller and the RAM memory, and thus improving the system performance.
They must be placed in pairs, preferably the same chips. 82 @ Amazon.
Hitachi 1TB SATA II hard drive
For $58 on Amazon, this drive was a deal. I already have an external 2TB drive for my extensive media collections, so this SATA II drive will rock along just fine.
When buying HD's remember that the "OEM/BULK" drives are just the drive, whereas the RETAIL version gives you the cables, manuals, drivers...etc.
For $58 on Amazon, this drive was a deal. I already have an external 2TB drive for my extensive media collections, so this SATA II drive will rock along just fine.
When buying HD's remember that the "OEM/BULK" drives are just the drive, whereas the RETAIL version gives you the cables, manuals, drivers...etc.
Lite-On LightScribe 24x SATA DVD Dual Layer
Thanks to SATA technology this little drive cooks DVD's at 24x speeds. The retail version (with everything) was $25 at Amazon.
Cool Master 120mm Silent Blue LED Case Fan
Proper cooling is extemely important in ANY system, but can become critical with the faster processors and graphics cards.
My case comes with 3 fans, with 2 additonal vents available. A 2-pack of these fans was 11 @ Amazon. A no-brainer :)
Anti-Static Wrist Strap
I read many horror stories on the net about people inadvertently frying their processors. Seven dollars is cheap insurance.
It's all about saving the cash...
I've priced similar systems for $1100 and more. Not only am I saving money, I'm building a decent, speedy system, and happily learning along the way.
I hope I make it.
I've priced similar systems for $1100 and more. Not only am I saving money, I'm building a decent, speedy system, and happily learning along the way.
I hope I make it.
RSS Feed
