   Building a computer
  OK, here goes: I want to build my own computer. The problem is, I don't know where to start. I need parts (obviously), but I don't know where to get them. Also, I really need a tutorial or something to that effect to help me out as this is the first time I've attempted this. If anyone knows any parts/tutorial site that could help me, that would be great.Thanks in advance   
  Go to newegg for parts.The motherboard should come with an instruction sheet. Just plug everything in where it fits, don't force it, and touch the metal parts of the case to ground yourself.You'll need these parts, unless you already have them:MotherboardProcessorVideo CardRAMHard DriveCD/DVD drive/burnerCasePower SupplyYou also may need the external stuff:monitorkeyboardmousespeakersetc.I'd recommend going with an Athalon 64; they're pretty much the best for price/performance now.   ;  Thanks.Any other suggestions for parts, such as Graphics cards or any other part?   ;  Play around sites with customizeable but pre-selected parts, such as Dell or Monarch Systems to become more familiar with what you're dealing with, what you need, and how much things generally cost.What's your budget?   ;  You really should find a friend or someone that has done it before to save yourself some grief.First time I built my first computer I had no clue what the motherboard plastic/metal standoffs were or how they went?That and attaching a heatsink to the cpu were the hardest things I remember.If you have internet connection I'm sure there are plenty of tutorials with step by step pictures that will help out alot.Didn't have internet when I built my first computer my first modem was a 9600bps one!   ;  Your budget is the most important factor in determining which parts you should get. After that, the next deciding factor is what parts you already have (because it determines what you need to buy with your budget).A good place to get prices for things (so you can see which well-known store has the best price) is AnandTech Real-Time Pricing.You can also find tons of general hardware information on AnandTech.   ;  Graphics card: get a GeForce 6800. They're probably the most expensive thing you'll buy next to the CPU, but playing new games is most likely the focus of your buying a new computer, and it'll last you a while (until DX10 comes out, whenever that is). If you find yourself falling behind in graphics power, you can buy another 6800 and connect them via SLI. ATI, the other big manufacturer, doesn't have any comparable feature out yet.Motherboard: If you're getting a GeForce card, you can't go wrong with an NForce4 chipset. BFGTech is a guaranteed success; any other brand, I suggest you read some reviews. Remember that with an Athlon and a late video card, you'll need a 939 socket and a PCI-E slot. You can save money by buying a board with no on-board video. On-board video is evil.Memory: 1 Gig at least. Don't skimp here; you'll only want to upgrade later on when your PC starts moving like molasses.HD: Unless you're a pirating machine, you'll never be able to fill up 200GB before it's obsolete. If I were you, I'd invest in a medium-capacity SATA drive and archive your documents and such on removable media.Case: You might want to look at the bottom of the box for your video card, since the latest models require their own power. You should be safe with 450W, though.   ;Quote:Original post by I Like BreadGraphics card: get a GeForce 6800. They're probably the most expensive thing you'll buy next to the CPU, but playing new games is most likely the focus of your buying a new computer, and it'll last you a while (until DX10 comes out, whenever that is). [...]At $180, 6800s cost a lot more than 660GTs ($140) without any real performance gain. Get a GeForce 6600 GT or a 6800 GT ($240) instead.Quote:[...]HD: Unless you're a pirating machine, you'll never be able to fill up 200GB before it's obsolete. If I were you, I'd invest in a medium-capacity SATA drive and archive your documents and such on removable media.[...]If you want to play games and develop, you want at least a 200GB HD. Much less, and you'll run out of room because of the way you have to have keep CD/DVD images on your HD to prevent games from asking for the disc each time you want to play.   