Help building a PC

[Bogdan]

Well didn't find a better forum, but anyway. My laptop (which I used to do all my ♥♥♥♥) is now kaputt. Which means I need to seriously get a better pc, but I'm no expert in parts, hell I have no knoweledge in hardware. That's why I'm asking you to review my ♥♥♥♥ or recommend some budget build. Maybe this threat will come handy for other folks in future.

Anyway my build so far:
http://www.pcgarage.ro/vizualizare-wishlist/1150791/
This one includes the source(?), mobo and RAM.
http://www.emag.ro/procesor-amd-a10-x4- ... E3ZB0BBBM/
the processor.

Am I doing it right?
Thinking about using the CPU's integrated graphics card till I have money to buy an actual one, it's better than nothing, no? Also need to get a HDD, but what the hell that one is easy to find.
(?) means I am not sure if it's the correct english term
Yes, those sites are in romanian, but I think you can still understand the specs of each component. (or google them on other site)

[ChaosYoshi]

The website doesn't seem to be loading for me, so I cannot check on your equipment. Instead I'll just state what I remember from making my desktop.

Fist off, the basic parts you need are the motherboard (obviously), a chassis, some RAM, hard drive, GPU, a disc drive, a monitor, a power source, a CPU, a few fans, plenty of wires (if your hardware doesn't come with any), and an OS (though that's really software). I also recommend getting some zip ties, as it will help keep your computer's wires from making a ton of noise during operation. Before anything, you should know what you want your computer to do, whether it's for gaming or other purposes, as you won't want to get unnecessary parts that perform way above what you need (not too much to worry about when building a gaming computer). For a gaming computer, I'd recommend at least 4GB of RAM (8 works, or even 16 if you want to go the extra distance) as well as well-received processors (both CPU and GPU). Personally, I have Intel's i7-3770K 3.5GHz CPU, and an Nvidia's GeForce GPU (as long as your GPU is relatively new you should be fine, as the higher up you go the more features they support, some of which I don't personally need). Also make sure that when choosing your motherboard that it is compatible with all your other parts and OS, as it would really suck if you threw down a ton of money on parts like a CPU that did not fit, or an OS that does not work on it.

Someone who's more computer savvy may be able to lay down some more detailed explanations and opinions, especially if they can access the site.

EDIT: Found a Game Informer article based on this, and some of their statements say that 16GB of RAM is "a good place to start," just to give you an idea how to scale for this. They also recommend a mid-to-high end motherboard, as some of the really high-end ones have more features that you will need for your first home-built computer. Also, something I completely forgot to mention that's really important is that you should get a quality one, as one that fails can take out the rest of your parts with it. Also, be really careful when installing your CPU, as the gold pins on it are incredibly delicate. Breaking some on the CPU is pretty bad, but breaking the ones on the motherboard that hooks it up to the CPU is even worse, as it will have been rendered useless. the last tip from the article is "don't worry." It may seem complicated, but as long as you don't force any parts that don't fit in and you read all instructions carefully, you should be fine.

[Bogdan]

Ugh if the websites aren't loading, then here is the list:

• Segotep ATX-500WH (Source)
• ASRock FM2A75M-DGS (Mobo)
• Crucial 4GB DDR3 1600MHz CL11 Single Ranked (RAM)
• AMD A10 X4 6700, 3.70GHz, Socket FM2 (CPU)

The thing I worry about are compatibility. I had that laptop for a while, dual core AMD, 4GB RAM and stuff, worked ok, but again didn't play much on it. I wouldn't go bellow quad-core CPU as I want my build to run most ♥♥♥♥ that comes out and last for a bunch of years. Thing is, I would go for an AMD FX-8350 (octo-core), but I cannot afford that build, just not yet and IMO decent & cheaper is still good enough if you cannot afford godly & expensive.

I decided I'd first start with the CPU (that AMD is probably the best option I found so far), then buy the Mobo, Source and half of the RAM (first I'll buy only 4GB and then order another extra 4 when I get more money), then HDD and GPU. Now as I said, that Processor has integrated graphics card, which means it should let me play some low games (for instance CS) until I get a propper graphics card and I'd try to buy everything in steps. Would reuse a case I already have if it fits before buying another one, so I can lower the costs, would also use the laptop hdd till I get the other one (again if possible). As I said I'm trying to buy something in budget. First I buy what's strictly necesarry, then I add the rest. Wouldn't really bother with CD reader or how it's called, I rarely use CDs and I still have the laptop if I want to do ♥♥♥♥ with them.

I would go for Intel configuration, my cousin has an i5, 8GB RAM, some Saphire GPU and stuff, but his build goes for 3000+ ron (my currency, that's around 730+ USD) and trust me, that is a hell lot of out of there, while my configuration so far (w/o HDD, graphics card and only 4GB RAM) is around 1100 or slightly more (266 USD, my dad would still kill me for this price, but that's another story).

Also sorry about no links about components, I'd go for PCpartpicker, but the components I find on romanian sites aren't on pcpart, and components I find on pcpart aren't on romanian sites. (Don't know if they are avaible in my country or not, but wouldn't buy from Amazon or ♥♥♥♥ like this. Don't know if they ship around here and I'm not willing to pay for transport and so on.)

Edit: Ok hold, if I was to make a better one, here is a build I dreamed at, is everything here compatible with each other?

Spoiler: show

• AMD FX X8 8300, 3300MHz, 16MB, socket AM3+(CPU)
• Gigabyte NVIDIA GeForce GT 730, 2048MB, DDR3, 128bit (GPU)
• GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3P (Mobo)
• Segotep ATX-500WH (Source)

Need HDD and RAM. Would wish for SSD and other fancy ♥♥♥♥, but anyway so far so good?
Price ~1300 ron (around 300 USD or so), it misses a few components compared to the other one, but hey, shouldn't it do a better peformance?

[ChaosYoshi]

This post by ChaosYoshi was thumbed up by:

Bogdan (March 19th, 2015, 10:33 am)

[ChaosYoshi]

Sorry for the double post, but one of my friends recommends websites like pcpartpicker.com and http://www.logicalincrements.com to help you with choosing some good parts.

[Bogdan]

Yeah, I'm familiar with PCpartpicker, but the biggest problem with it is that components that are found on PCpartpicker are not avaible on romanian shipping sites, and those that are avaible on romanian shipping sites are not found on PCpartpicker (well of course, there are a bunch of exceptions).

I've pretty much made my build, the biggest problems were the compatibilities as I'm not familiar with sockets and ♥♥♥♥, but as far as I saw and PCpartpicker having (surprisingly) almost all of the components, the only 'trouble' may be updating the Mobo BIOS to work proppery with AMD processor's Vishera cores (that according oo PCpp, but again shouldn't be a problem).

Also talked with my dad and he is ok with buying a little bit expensiver PC that should last, so I'm getting the AMD FX-8300 built.

• CPU: AMD FX-8300 (8 cores, could buy an 8350, but no really big differences)
• MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3P (didn't change from last one)
• GPU: GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 750 Ti OC 2GB (talked with somebody, apparently this GPU is more powerful than the one I choosed and slightly more expensive)
• Source: Segotep 500W ATX (calculated aproximated Wattages, it eats around 300W or slightly more, so 500 should be more than enough)
• RAM: KingSton HyperX Savage 8GB (2x4GB) (DDR3, 8GB should do it, I can add more in the future if it's necessary)
• HDD: WD Blue 1TB, 7200rpm, 64MB, SATA 3 [Cheaper alternative would be only 500GB that is only 5 dollars less (marketing done right), wouldn't buy an SSD (at least for now)]

Don't think there is something else to add or change. Talked to a bunch of people and the build seems pretty solid. Only person to disagree is my cousin (who has an unjustified hate for AMD and said an i3 can do better than my build, but again he is just plain amd-hater intel-fanboy). Wouldn't spend money on an Intel build, a build with Intel i5 would cost around 3000 lions, while this AMD costs around 2000 ($750 vs $500).

[ChaosYoshi]

I'll have to agree with everyone except that one person; your build seems pretty good. I'm not sure why your cousin has a hatred for AMD, as from what I've read it's a pretty good CPU. Not the best, mind you, but still great for what you're building. If you're comfortable with upgrading to the 750 Ti, then go ahead. It has quite a few more features than the previous, and it makes for a fair gaming GPU.

[Kimonio]

The key thing to know about building PCs with high-end specs is to keep the cost in mind and the reason for it. Why do you need a gaming rig? Well, if it's for gaming, that's understandable. Some people get them for video editing, some for 3D rendering. Luckily I see you aren't going overboard on RAM, that's good. 4GB is what I have, and it gets the job done, without trying to kill itself. As long as you aren't running HD games like GTA Online, it should run with little to no lag on heavy software.

Moving on, keep the current in mind. I'm still rebulding my childhood desktop from the original components, and the only change is I upgraded the amount of RAM and HDD space from 500MBDDR and 80GB to 3GBDDR2 200GB. It's a big upgrade, but it's my intent to use it as a web-design/programming rig and save my main laptop for things like word processing, and the latter laptop as a backup mini-server. Current, however, if I remember correctly, will play a big part in this. Compatibility is your key here, and even then you have to take it into context. Certain things will pull more current, others less, and you want to make sure your build can handle it without popping or burning itself inside out. Heatsinks, cooling fans, and power supply exhausts can only take out so much heat, they aren't eskimo waterbenders.

But, when building a PC, the recommended steps of what to look for are pretty particular. They don't make sense, but they will determine what works with what.

1- Case. You have to have something to put it in, unless you plan to just make your own, and good luck with that unless you have a garage.

2- Motherboard. This is second. You need to make sure what you get will fit in the case, and fit on the screws. Too big, it'll risk banging around, too small it might not stay secured.

3- Power supply - It has to have a source of power. What are you going to do, use a car battery?

4- CPU- This will handle a lot of necessary ♥♥♥♥ that comes later, but it's not as important as the key three.

5- Hard drive or solid state. You have to have a way to store the data.



This is where you stop and make sure everything mounts like it should. At this point, if you have a heatsink, make sure it'll fit and secure to the motherboard.

6- Cooling fan should go on top of the heat sink, I think, or somewhere near on the mobo.

7- RAM. Get the RAM. CPU is just there, if I remember, to make sure it is all connected and working by beeping when you turn the power on.

8- Boot it up brother. Working so far? Good. Add in your next bits one at a time, making sure you have enough leftover current. Install a modem for a landline connection or a WiFi(Yes, they make them for desktops). Add a GPU if you want one. Hell, you should have about 3 slots in the back for whatever you want.

9- Add your hubs. Disk drive/bluray player, a secondary player(I might do floppies for mine, 'cause old ♥♥♥♥ is fun), audio ports, and plug up your power button to the motherboard.

10- Start it. It should go to the BIOS. I think. If it does, make sure your ♥♥♥♥ is installed. At this portion I can't help, GPU wasn't my strong point.

11- Insert your operating system installation disk, or your portable drive in a USB, and have some fun.





If anyone wants to correct me, go for it. I'm pulling this all from gathered memory.

[Bogdan]

Most of the things you mentioned I already knew. My biggest problem was (besides compatibility) that I usually tend to choose one godly component (for instance the CPU) and choose weaker ones for the rest of components to balance the budget and various people were telling me "Yes, this is good, but the motherboard isn't powerful enough to handle the full capacity of the CPU", "Hey, strong built out there, but you may want to get a better GPU" and so on.

I already have an ATX case from an older PC, so that shouldn't be a problem. Nor the HDD, as I have the 320+ GB one from the laptop (with all ♥♥♥♥ installed on it) and another 80GB one from the old PC (which I wouldn't use). For the rest of them, I'd try to push as much as possible so I know that my built will last and is easily upgradable, good motherboard in case of CPU-change (my dad agreed to purchase an i5 btw), 1x8GB RAM (I'm tempted to push to the maximum capacity of the mobo in time). Wouldn't spend money on dvd players and so, as I barely use them, but might add one in the future. For now I'm looking forward to get the money to buy the parts so I can actually boot it up, then I'll add the "accessories" such as a SSD, DVD-player, maybe another CPU cooler if necessary.

[Kimonio]

I don't know much about GPUs, but I heard they get hot with what they do, so a cooling component would benefit it greatly.