Complete computer kits for the novice?

[Heretic Apostate]

I'm of the impression that most computer parts nowadays are just plug-and-play. If I'm wrong, please quickly disabuse me of the notion... I'm starting to wonder if I can get a decent computer (laptop preferred, but a thin tower/box with a BIG flatscreen monitor would be okay) by building it myself, with buying all the parts in a kit--or, at least, having a shopping list and a set of instructions.

At the very least, I can compare it to the prices I'm getting from the Dell website to see if it's worth the risk and effort, right?

 

[Psionicist]

Actually I think you will be better of with a Dell, unless you really, really want to learn about hardware (I take it you don't) or if there's a specific unusual hardware component you really want, such as SCSI-drives or gigabit ethernet or other oddities. A couple of years ago you could really save money building the computer yourself, but nowadays it's rarely worth it as the Dell prices are mostly excellent for "normal" computers (with normal computer I mean lots of storage, a decent video card, lots of MHz and a TFT-monitor).

But. If you do want to build the computer yourself, it can be quite rewarding. The process is pretty much like this:
1) Insert CPU and heatsink/fan in motherboard. Nowadays this is really simple, basically "plug and play".
2) Insert memory in motherboard. This is the trickiest step as it involves force and violence.
3) Insert motherboard in case.
4) Plug in a couple of cables from the case to the motherboard, such as the power on and reset button.
5) Insert videocard.
6) Install the hard drive by attaching one cable to the hard drive and the other end to the motherboard.
7) Insert the cabels from the power supply unit
8) Almost done (a few minor things left).

I don't know what kind of performance you want from your new computer, but here's an example of a really fine machine. Prices from newegg.com
Athlon64 3000+ (socket 939) = $146.00. I think the Athlon64 is a better choice than the new Pentiums because they are really easy to install and they don't run as hot as Intels new processors.
Abit AV8 motherboard = $109.00. Personally I prefer Abit over ASUS. I know others prefer ASUS though. YMMV.
2x Mushkin 512MB PC3200 RAM = $136.25. A gigabyte of RAM is neat.
Hard Drive: Anything will do. Say 160GB = $100.00
Antec Sonata = $105.00. Great looking chassi with great gower supply.

Thats about $600, add video card and monitor and you are basically set. You can get it cheaper if you don't need all the power.

Good luck.

 

[cybertalus]

You won't save money by building yourself.

If you wanna sort of jump into it anyway, tigerdirect.com used to sell kits where you get a case, motherboard, and processor pre-assembled and the rest is DIY. They look deceptively cheap, but the costs of other components add up.

Another thing to consider when you build yourself is that you don't get a warranty except on the individual parts. If you buy an OEM version of Windows you don't get any free tech support from Microsoft besides newsgroups and their website. For some people this isn't a problem, but if you like having someone you can call and say "fix it" to, self building's probably not for you.

 

[Heretic Apostate]

Bummer.

Looks like I'll have to scrimp for a month or two, plus toss in my tax refunds (if any; hope I don't owe money ), to get a good one.

I just have to decide if I want to get the laptop (and get some mobility, but the danger of dropping things, as well as the increased cost), or go for a desktop/tower (and scrap this P.O.S. that I've been nursing along for the last sixteen or so months...).

 

[KenM]

I just picked up the PCGamer's PC builders magazine, i'm interested in building my own as well. But in that mag, it tells you to mount the motherboard to the case first, then mount the CPU.

 

[GlassJaw]

Unless you want a PC specifically for gaming or other very intensive application, you are better off buying pre-built. You can get a Dell with a 17" flat-screen for under $750 (I know, I just spec'ed one out for my grandma).

I just picked up the PCGamer's PC builders magazine, i'm interested in building my own as well. But in that mag, it tells you to mount the motherboard to the case first, then mount the CPU.

I've never really liked many of the articles I've read on the subject. In any case, I would go to some of the PC sites first:

www.tomshardware.com
www.firingsquad.com
www.anandtech.com

I usually put the CPU, fan, and RAM in then mount the mobo. Getting a fan on a CPU can be one of the most difficult things to do. It requires a fair amount of force.

But. If you do want to build the computer yourself, it can be quite rewarding. The process is pretty much like this:

Which is a somewhat simplified rundown. You have to worry about Master/Slave settings for your drives too. And you didn't even address the actual powering on of the system. That's the trickiest part. Putting all the pieces together is easy. Initial power-up, BIOS settings, and OS install are where it starts to get fun. Once you have that done, then you have to sit there for another couple of hours and install all the updates. Fun.

 

[devilish]

Unless you want a PC specifically for gaming or other very intensive application, you are better off buying pre-built. You can get a Dell with a 17" flat-screen for under $750 (I know, I just spec'ed one out for my grandma).

Your grandma's a gamer----awesome!!!

 

[cybertalus]

I just picked up the PCGamer's PC builders magazine, i'm interested in building my own as well. But in that mag, it tells you to mount the motherboard to the case first, then mount the CPU.

That's the way I did it when I built mine. In fact I hooked the power supply up before I had the CPU in, just to do a "test fire" that the power supply and motherboard were good.

I can understand the appeal of installing components on the motherboard first, especially if you have a small case and large hands. Though with RAM or anything where you're going to apply a lot of force, I think it's better to install it after the motherboard is safely screwed into the case.