Who builds computers?

Who all builds gaming computers, or computers in general.




I have recently became interested in building computers :D


Im thinking about a regular case with a plexiglass side with LEDs and water cooling with 4gb of ram, 500 gb hard drive, and a quad core processor :D :D

Sounds pretty sick. If you plan on keeping it for a while, you might want to ramp up the RAM even higher. Nice solid HD and nice processor... you'd hate for the RAM to bog it down when more intense games come out in 4 years...

Dont forget, for a gaming PC the video card is the most important so dont skimp on that!

You can have 8GB RAM and a Dual/Quad core processor but if your card has slow clock speeds/low memory then it will bottleneck your whole system.

4gb of ram is more than anygamer needs. Only more is required when doing video editing and so forth.

I build roughly 4 computers a week for customers ranging from low end surfers to phase cooler gamers.

My current computer Rig

MB: Gigabyte GA-EX58 UD5
CPU: i7 920-DO @ 4.2Ghz 1.28v
HS: Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme Black (push/pull)
GPU: MSi 5870 1GB
RAM: 6GB OCz Platinum tri-channel @1600Mhz
HDD: 1 TB WD Caviar black / 1 TB WD Mybook external / Seagate 120GB for document backup
Case: HAF 922
PSU: Corsair TX750
Display: AOC 22" x2
OS: Windows 7 x64


Forgot to add, once you build one its just like snakes, you cant stop.

I would think long and hard about the case. The cooling factor is very important. Just go to Newegg.com and check out the reviews on stuff. I have built my last several pc's and will never buy a pre assembled pc again.

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Originally Posted by dc1

Who all builds gaming computers, or computers in general.




I have recently became interested in building computers :D


Im thinking about a regular case with a plexiglass side with LEDs and water cooling with 4gb of ram, 500 gb hard drive, and a quad core processor :D :D

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Also remember if you are running windows xp 32 bit then you can't use anymore then 3.25 gb of ram well you can but it would register it. Atleast thats all mine will read and I have 6 gb. (in the process of getting windows 7 64)

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Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

Also remember if you are running windows xp 32 bit then you can't use anymore then 3.25 gb of ram well you can but it would register it. Atleast thats all mine will read and I have 6 gb. (in the process of getting windows 7 64)

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you are correct. all 32 bit machines will not show the full amount above 3.25gb. 64 bit is the way to go.

well this will be my frist build and im putting windows xp 64 but i dont really game, i just like to have the power and fast using windows. im only 16 cant spend too much.... :P

Whats your budget, newegg now has the DIY builds with major savings.

Just last week they had a core i5 build with 5850 4gb ram ddr3 1tb case and powersupply, all top parts for 799.

I could help you if you give me a price range and get you more bang for your buck.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Whats your budget, newegg now has the DIY builds with major savings.

Just last week they had a core i5 build with 5850 4gb ram ddr3 1tb case and powersupply, all top parts for 799.

I could help you if you give me a price range and get you more bang for your buck.

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okay ill check newegg out, i usually drool over tiger direct, but price range is unknown right now :D

im trying to do a budget build around 700 :O

Heres a budget DIY build. all you need is a dvd burner and gfx card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...t=Combo.311727

If you're on a budget then skip the fancy case and LEDs and focus on getting the most bang for your buck. Get the best internals you can for your money and then get an inexpensive case to house them. You could also save a few bucks by opting out of the water cooling.

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Originally Posted by brainman1000

If you're on a budget then skip the fancy case and LEDs and focus on getting the most bang for your buck. Get the best internals you can for your money and then get an inexpensive case to house them. You could also save a few bucks by opting out of the water cooling.

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NEVER SKIMP on the Case. The case is the main source for cooling the components down when their enclosed. A case can make or break a overclock in a heart beat. Even if you have top of line Heatsink a case needs to be able to get rid of the heat of the other components.

that is quite a kit!!

ill have to really look into it! :D

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Originally Posted by dc1

that is quite a kit!!

ill have to really look into it! :D

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Its a nice budget build. Only think if you do get that is do not pick out a top of the line graphics card with that power supply. a 4850 or 4870 should run no problmes on that power supply. Just rosewill power supplies are known to blow when under heavy loads.

to complete that build add a dvd burner for 30$ graphics card for 120-200 and windows OS if you dont have it. and your all set

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

NEVER SKIMP on the Case. The case is the main source for cooling the components down when their enclosed. A case can make or break a overclock in a heart beat. Even if you have top of line Heatsink a case needs to be able to get rid of the heat of the other components.

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True, but plexiglass windows and LEDs don't cool down a computer.

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Originally Posted by dc1

regular case with a plexiglass side with LEDs D

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Yeah that gets old quick.

/IT Professional
/Boutique Computer Industry Vet.

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Originally Posted by AaronP

Yeah that gets old quick.

/IT Professional
/Boutique Computer Industry Vet.

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One case i LOVE is the HAF 922. Ive had the Antec 900 and 1200 cases and non cooled this much. I have my cpu at 4.2ghz and i idle 6c cooler in my HAF case compared to the 1200

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

One case i LOVE is the HAF 922. Ive had the Antec 900 and 1200 cases and non cooled this much. I have my cpu at 4.2ghz and i idle 6c cooler in my HAF case compared to the 1200

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I stopped caring about owning super high end stuff when I stopped being able to get it for pennies on the dollar. :P I still keep up with it, it's part of my job and I still have all my industry hookups.

Running a i5 750 @ 4.2Ghz (2.67Ghz Stock) on a Danger Den block with a single 120MM RAD & Danger Den Pump with 1/2" Tagan Tubing. This is housed in a custom Velocity Micro case (http://velocitymicro.com) that was actually custom made by Lian Li. I've also made some adjustments to it to make it more water cooling friendly.

I don't have as much time to game these days and I do mostly web work on my computer (at least as far as intensive tasks go) so I've kept my computer pretty mid-range.

A far Cry from my Ultra-High End computers I used to build when, like I said earlier, I could get high end parts for pennies on the dollar.

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Originally Posted by AaronP

I stopped caring about owning super high end stuff when I stopped being able to get it for pennies on the dollar. :P I still keep up with it, it's part of my job and I still have all my industry hookups.

Running a i5 750 @ 4.2Ghz (2.67Ghz Stock) on a Danger Den block with a single 120MM RAD & Danger Den Pump with 1/2" Tagan Tubing. This is housed in a custom Velocity Micro case (http://velocitymicro.com) that was actually custom made by Lian Li. I've also made some adjustments to it to make it more water cooling friendly.

I don't have as much time to game these days and I do mostly web work on my computer (at least as far as intensive tasks go) so I've kept my computer pretty mid-range.

A far Cry from my Ultra-High End computers I used to build when, like I said earlier, I could get high end parts for pennies on the dollar.

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Same here my rig is basically top of the line for now and i barely game now. No time and when i do game i get bored. ive been thinking of phase cooling my i7 but the price of a -60c phase cooler for 1366 was pushing 800$+ and well for get that.

I currently idle at 35c on air and load at 65c using the True 120 black edition

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Same here my rig is basically top of the line for now and i barely game now. No time and when i do game i get bored. ive been thinking of phase cooling my i7 but the price of a -60c phase cooler for 1366 was pushing 800$+ and well for get that.

I currently idle at 35c on air and load at 65c using the True 120 black edition

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Phase Cooling is pointless, take it from someone who's setup a couple dozen of them and has owned 3 units. It's impractical and your power bill doesn't appreciate the $10/mo jump.

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Originally Posted by AaronP

Phase Cooling is pointless, take it from someone who's setup a couple dozen of them and has owned 3 units. It's impractical and your power bill doesn't appreciate the $10/mo jump.

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True but i already pay 150 a month so whats the lil jump lol. I did a phase cooling system that was built into the case and i liked the OC being easier with the cooler temps.

I may try it for benching but not a every day 24/7 think as my air cooling does the trick

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

True but i already pay 150 a month so whats the lil jump lol. I did a phase cooling system that was built into the case and i liked the OC being easier with the cooler temps.

I may try it for benching but not a every day 24/7 think as my air cooling does the trick

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Yeah but spending $800+ on a unit just to show off a ePene for 5 minutes? Unless you want to throw out $800 like it's no body's business it's not really worth it.

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Originally Posted by AaronP

Yeah but spending $800+ on a unit just to show off a ePene for 5 minutes? Unless you want to throw out $800 like it's no body's business it's not really worth it.

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Which is why i dont want to buy one but i do, the price is crazy for them.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

NEVER SKIMP on the Case. The case is the main source for cooling the components down when their enclosed. A case can make or break a overclock in a heart beat. Even if you have top of line Heatsink a case needs to be able to get rid of the heat of the other components.

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http://www.centralexotics.com/images/pikz/lumberg.jpg

MMm .. yeah, I gunna havta go ahead and a .. dissagree with ya there, mmk?

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Originally Posted by Samuel

http://www.centralexotics.com/images/pikz/lumberg.jpg

MMm .. yeah, I gunna havta go ahead and a .. dissagree with ya there, mmk?

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Well if you disagree then prove me wrong. A crappy case will cause your components to he running at higher temps. I nave proven thatn when i went from the antec 1200 to the HAF 922 case.

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Originally Posted by Samuel

[ig]http://www.centralexotics.com/images/pikz/lumberg.jpg[/img]

MMm .. yeah, I gunna havta go ahead and a .. dissagree with ya there, mmk?

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Buying a decent case up front will save you in the long run. And they are generally built better and are worth the extra $, if only so you don't cut up your hand on poorly folded metal (I would know that from experience).

Can't usually go wrong with: Cooler Master & Antec, but on the high end you will NEVER be dissatisfied with a Lian Li or a Silverstone case.

I've still got the Lian Li case I bought in 2002 and will use it until I basically strip the screw holes or it gets destroyed.

I've seen dozens of cheap cases literally fall apart over simple things (like moving them).

The only part I'd say that you really shouldn't cheap out on that most people do is your Power Supply. A crappy power supply can kill your inner child.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Well if you disagree then prove me wrong. A crappy case will cause your components to he running at higher temps. I nave proven thatn when i went from the antec 1200 to the HAF 922 case.

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I agree with your concept, but not with the word "Skimp".

Def - Skimp

Function: verb
Date: circa 1879
transitive verb

: to give insufficient or barely sufficient attention or effort to or funds for
intransitive verb : to save by or as if by skimping

You have to buy for the build. If it is a budget build, most cases will do just fine, and the temp variation will not be significant enough to matter.

Budget +OC - I agree, you need to have good air flow, but by no means do you need a $80 case. I bought this for $30 .. free shipping. The thing has so many holes for ventalation I am only running one fan over the HDDs, but I have the option to run 6.

If you are building an extreme gaming computer, then yeah ... since you have a bigger budget, the case can be a bit more enthusiast driven as .. you must be an enthusiast.

All I am saying is if I had $600 to build the best gaming machine I could, I would find an old computer sitting in a basement somewhere, gut it, and use that $30 I saved on a better GFX card, or more RAM.

EDIT - Agree on the PSU spending. 100% Get a power supply that will run clean, and consistant .. with room for growth.

EDIT EDIT - I am using the Antec Skeleton right now for my main rig. Effing love it.

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Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

I would think long and hard about the case. The cooling factor is very important. Just go to Newegg.com and check out the reviews on stuff. I have built my last several pc's and will never buy a pre assembled pc again.

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Speaking of cases...I have a Cooler Master and it has 4 very large fans which helps a lot, as well as a processor fan.

i have a crapy case with just a cooling fan on the CPU, no overheating issues. cpu's these days don't overheat easily , one of the computer stores here tested an intel cpu (dual core) running without a fan and the heat conducting paste and it took like 2hrs to burn.

assembling your own PC is always the best way . those specs in the begining of the post are a bit high for the avarage user, i still own an AMD Athlon64 3200+ single core with 2GB of ram and an Nvidia Gforce 9500 and i played every games from COD4 to COD6 BioShock Assasins Creed and many others, the only game that gave me probs was GTA 4 the rest all played without and probs at full Graphics. the most importint thing when it comes to gaming is your graphic card. when it comes to decoding and those thing is the CPU.

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Originally Posted by dc1

well this will be my frist build and im putting windows xp 64 but i dont really game, i just like to have the power and fast using windows. im only 16 cant spend too much.... :P

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If you don't game there is no point in building your own. You are basically throwing your money away for a fancy case. My advice is to buy a dell, hp or whatever with the minimum specs you can. Then hit newegg for a better processor and more ram. The last computer I built was over 5 years ago. It just stopped being worth it unless you game. If you have your heart set on building a new computer get a good case. 5 years ago I bought a great lian-li case and still use it to this day. If you are a gamer on the other hand you are not going to get the advice you need here. Fitting some of the higher end video cards into a case while maintaining proper airflow can be tricky. You need to pick a video card(s). Then pick a case and motherboard that can handle it. You will need to read reviews to make sure that everything is going to work.

i don't know outside my country but here its always cheaper to build you're own, cause when they build it for you they charge you an extra 50euros plus if it comes with windblows it costs over 50euros.

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Originally Posted by Egapal

If you don't game there is no point in building your own. You are basically throwing your money away for a fancy case. My advice is to buy a dell, hp or whatever with the minimum specs you can. Then hit newegg for a better processor and more ram. The last computer I built was over 5 years ago. It just stopped being worth it unless you game. If you have your heart set on building a new computer get a good case. 5 years ago I bought a great lian-li case and still use it to this day. If you are a gamer on the other hand you are not going to get the advice you need here. Fitting some of the higher end video cards into a case while maintaining proper airflow can be tricky. You need to pick a video card(s). Then pick a case and motherboard that can handle it. You will need to read reviews to make sure that everything is going to work.

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Why is it they wont get advice here. I work with computers for a living and im also a MOD on 2 Computer forums.

Pre built are a waste of money PERIOD. Your not paying for the computer rather for sub par parts that are no name crap that are low to mid range capabilities. For the price you see on a desktop in the stores you can build it easily 300 cheaper or same price with top of the line parts.

I dont know how many Dell and HP desktops i have had to replace the power supplies,or hard drives as they use cheap components.

Cna NEVER go wrong with building your own computer if you know how. You save money and you get better warranty and customer service from each parts manufacture, rather speaking to dell or hp.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Pre built are a waste of money PERIOD.

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agrizzled.

(IT Tech mahself)

I don't think Prebuilts are a waste of money. Although I build my own computers and most of my family's/friends computers. Some people just need to buy a DELL. Because they break things often or don't take care of things they own so they have to call Tech Support and get it fixed/replaced.

When you buy Prebuilt the premium cost comes from the Technical Support which is most people's case is worth it.

prebuilts i hate, why should i spend 500 dollars for something that was top of the line in the early 2000's

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Originally Posted by dc1

prebuilts i hate, why should i spend 500 dollars for something that was top of the line in the early 2000's

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That makes no sense at all. Nothing made in 2000, not even 2005 for that matter is better than than any computer you'd buy today for $500.

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Originally Posted by dc1

prebuilts i hate, why should i spend 500 dollars for something that was top of the line in the early 2000's

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in 2000 the top computer was liek 1.8 P4 with 128 ram lol.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

in 2000 the top computer was liek 1.8 P4 with 128 ram lol.

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Top of the Line in 2000 would have been:

Pentium 3 1.2Ghz
128MB - 256MB of RAM

aparently no one knows what sarcasm is..... :P

it was a joke, but they pack 1 gig of ram windows 7 34 bit and 100 gb hardrive for 500....

3 years ago my parents ordered a computer from dell that had 63 gb of hardrive (after windows was installed) 512mb of ram and a crappy processor..... for just under a grand..

i know that they got ripped off...

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Originally Posted by dc1

aparently no one knows what sarcasm is..... :P

it was a joke, but they pack 1 gig of ram windows 7 34 bit and 100 gb hardrive for 500....

3 years ago my parents ordered a computer from dell that had 63 gb of hardrive (after windows was installed) 512mb of ram and a crappy processor..... for just under a grand..

i know that they got ripped off...

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I sure hope you typed that worng and know its 32 bit or 64 bit.

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Originally Posted by dc1

they pack 1 gig of ram windows 7 34 bit and 100 gb hardrive for 500....

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Where did you get those numbers from? Here is what I found for $450:

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/t...=19&l=en&s=dhs

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Originally Posted by brainman1000

Where did you get those numbers from? Here is what I found for $450:

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/t...=19&l=en&s=dhs

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That computer can be built same price with BETTER parts. Might even be cheaper to build and have a somewhat decent gaming gfx card as well.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

That computer can be built same price with BETTER parts. Might even be cheaper to build and have a somewhat decent gaming gfx card as well.

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True, I was simply pointing out that the numbers were a little off from what is out there now in a pre-built machine.

ITS ALL SARCASM!!!! :cens0r: WOW..... :fishslap: :fishslap:

My point is that you get better parts in a diy computer at the same price of the bottom line prebuilt, do yall understand now :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

I sure hope you typed that worng and know its 32 bit or 64 bit.

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oh my bad its suposed to say 32, its been a long day, one of my dogs passed :(

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Why is it they wont get advice here. I work with computers for a living and im also a MOD on 2 Computer forums.

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I am a firm believer that if you have an edge case its hard to get good advice. Looking for good advice for an edge case like building your own non gaming pc on a snake forum is not the best approach by my standards.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Pre built are a waste of money PERIOD. Your not paying for the computer rather for sub par parts that are no name crap that are low to mid range capabilities. For the price you see on a desktop in the stores you can build it easily 300 cheaper or same price with top of the line parts.

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I whole heartedly disagree with you. You can buy a Dell Inspiron 546 with a 22" widescreen for $538 plus tax and $12.95 shipping. Now if you can build me a working desktop with a 22" monitor for $250 ($300 dollars less) I would love to see it. Is it a great computer? No. The thing is, you can replace the parts you don't like from newegg.com and have a much better computer for a steal.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

I dont know how many Dell and HP desktops i have had to replace the power supplies,or hard drives as they use cheap components.

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I have replaced quite a few myself. How many have you not replaced? Thats the real question. I can't tell you how many virus's I have cleaned off of dells and hp's but who cares cause its equally irrelevant. If you are going to build your own you should be able to handle replacing a harddrive or a powersupply. If you are going to build your own computer in the first place hopefully you are smart enough to know that any harddrive can die and you have good backups. If you use linux great if not then a prebuilt is the cheapest way to get a legit operation system on a working computer. Upgrade it after the fact.

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Cna NEVER go wrong with building your own computer if you know how. You save money and you get better warranty and customer service from each parts manufacture, rather speaking to dell or hp.

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I am not saying that building your own computer is a bad way to go if you have specific requirements, but most people don't. Computers that you build or buy are basically disposable these days. Technology is just moving to fast. If a part dies I order a new better one. I Have owned 3 dells and service about 100 dells at work. I have called them once for a server power supply and again for a server hard drive. Both times they shipped me a new one overnight and I shipped the bad parts back. When a motherboard dies I throw it away and keep the rest of the PC for parts and buy a new PC. Building your own computer takes a lot of time and effort and time is money. If PC's are your hobby then fine, but if you just want a good pc, a will always recommend buying the cheapest prebuilt you can that has a motherboard you can live with and upgrade where needed through newegg. Dell and other computer retailers make there money on upsells. They charge you 100 to 200 percent markup on ram and processors. Upgrade them yourself and you will do just fine.

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Originally Posted by Egapal

I am a firm believer that if you have an edge case its hard to get good advice. Looking for good advice for an edge case like building your own non gaming pc on a snake forum is not the best approach by my standards.



I whole heartedly disagree with you. You can buy a Dell Inspiron 546 with a 22" widescreen for $538 plus tax and $12.95 shipping. Now if you can build me a working desktop with a 22" monitor for $250 ($300 dollars less) I would love to see it. Is it a great computer? No. The thing is, you can replace the parts you don't like from newegg.com and have a much better computer for a steal.



I have replaced quite a few myself. How many have you not replaced? Thats the real question. I can't tell you how many virus's I have cleaned off of dells and hp's but who cares cause its equally irrelevant. If you are going to build your own you should be able to handle replacing a harddrive or a powersupply. If you are going to build your own computer in the first place hopefully you are smart enough to know that any harddrive can die and you have good backups. If you use linux great if not then a prebuilt is the cheapest way to get a legit operation system on a working computer. Upgrade it after the fact.



I am not saying that building your own computer is a bad way to go if you have specific requirements, but most people don't. Computers that you build or buy are basically disposable these days. Technology is just moving to fast. If a part dies I order a new better one. I Have owned 3 dells and service about 100 dells at work. I have called them once for a server power supply and again for a server hard drive. Both times they shipped me a new one overnight and I shipped the bad parts back. When a motherboard dies I throw it away and keep the rest of the PC for parts and buy a new PC. Building your own computer takes a lot of time and effort and time is money. If PC's are your hobby then fine, but if you just want a good pc, a will always recommend buying the cheapest prebuilt you can that has a motherboard you can live with and upgrade where needed through newegg. Dell and other computer retailers make there money on upsells. They charge you 100 to 200 percent markup on ram and processors. Upgrade them yourself and you will do just fine.

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http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/deskt...46&cs=19&s=dhs

You show me on this site where you seen that Dell for 500 That included the 22" monitor. Those specs on the computers are horrible and cheap parts According to Dell its 729, and at 729 i can build a nice AMD or Intel Computer with name brand parts with monitor for that price. Replacing parts from Newegg is a total waste. Youd have to replace the Psu which is about 100+ for a good brand. You will have to replace the motherboard and ram. Those 3 things are the biggest money in a computer and can cost a lot just to swap it out. Save the hassle and build your own and not have these extra parts laying around as paper weights.

My reasoning about prebuilt is that they use sh*t parts that die very easily. I replace about 1-2 PSU and hard drives per week from customers computers and most are from Dell and HP. Some are even from New computers under year old who dont have warranty.


And building PCs it NOT a lot of work. Not sure where you got that but i have custom build 6 computers last week one of which being a custom 4 loop water cooling. Takes a computer builder on average 2 hrs per computer to put them together and test it. If i thought it was going to be a lot of work i would never offer that service to people. This is my main job i do around town.

Heres a quick i5 build that includes a complete system that is hair more than the dell since its using better ram,motherboard,and cpu,power supply. Not to mention includes 22". The dell is using a older athlon ii am3 which is very slow and integrated gfx. And pcie gfx card will beat integrated.
you WILL NOT find a build like this for this price or cheaper for a prebuilt.

Last time i seen a i7 prebuilt from FX they wanted voer 1800 for it and they used really sub par parts.
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/5219/30367728.jpg

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Heres a quick i5 build that includes a complete system that is hair more than the dell since its using better ram,motherboard,and cpu,power supply. Not to mention includes 22". The dell is using a older athlon ii am3 which is very slow and integrated gfx. And pcie gfx card will beat integrated.
you WILL NOT find a build like this for this price or cheaper for a prebuilt.

Last time i seen a i7 prebuilt from FX they wanted voer 1800 for it and they used really sub par parts.
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/5219/30367728.jpg

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You forgot to include the OS...
Just messing with you.

I don't understand why we are arguing about this. It is never a bad idea to build a PC if you or someone you know knows what they are doing. Most people though can do just fine with a pre-built. When you are doing more intense stuff like gaming or 3D rendering that require better RAM and video capabilities, it becomes almost necessary to build your own. Either way, it all comes down to budget and personal preference.