Joeteck
Retired
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2001
- Location
- Long Island
Introduction
I have noticed that we are getting many new users here at Overclockers forums. Frankly its nice to see fresh blood here, with new thoughts and idea's. We have many users with a wide variety of skill levels, from beginners to professionals, some even do this for a living rather than a hobby. This thread's focus is to teach the beginner how to build a PC from the ground up. Just the fundamentals on how to do it. Every person here has their way in doing it, however the outcome is essentially the same. We will also have a check list at the end, to be sure we did everything. During this thread, I will also include pictures on how to actually build your precious PC. After all, you just picked out all of the hardware... Ok, lets get into the list of hardware that is needed to build your PC. I will get into each item, after I list everything.
THE CASE
The case can pretty much be anything you want as long as you have the funds to get it.
There are many types as I list them below. What I recommend is buying a case without the power supply. We will buy it separately. Also the case material can be important to some. Flimsy cases are not good. The lower cost cases, $15 to $40, are light weight. Many people like their rig to look impressive, having cool fan, and lights all over it. To each their own... Its cool!
The Power Supply
This topic has been beat to death many times over. However, it is the most important component when building your computer. Most common problem with random re-boots and freezing. Having enough power to run your rig is very important, especially if you plan on overclocking it. There are many manufacturers, but which one should you get? Below is a few recommendations, however in any order of the best. Every one below have "The best" in each class. Most basic systems should be between 500 and 650 watts, but get a good name, and your power supply will last!
Take a look at our very own list of recommended power supplies here
The CPU
This is a big decision for you. Will it be gaming or just surf the web and check e-mails? This is OCF, and most users push everyone to get the best right in the beginning, heck this is your first build right? Why the hell not! However, there are many different models but thankfully only two manufacturers. AMD and Intel. Both provide Single, dual, quad core and now six core options and in different socket types as well. Intel currently has 775, 1156 and 1366 and AMD has AM2, AM2+ and AM3. You'll need to figure out what you'll need for your task at hand; again, you'll be pushed to get the best you can afford!
The RAM
RAM can big a pain in the neck sometimes.. so many different types, speeds and voltages. The two most common types are DDR2 and DDR3. However, there are many manufacturers. What most people do when looking for RAM is to check the reviews. You can learn alot from that. If you do not plan on overclocking then stick with either 1066 or 1333 for DDR3 and 800 and 1066 for DDR2. However, for a few bucks more 1600Mhz DDR3 ram will give you the best of both worlds if you decide to overclock in the future.
Most common for DDR3 is 1066, 1333, and 1600 Mhz
The Motherboard
This must work around your case purchase. Either you get an ATX motherboard or a Micro ATX (uATX), it needs to fit in the case you just picked out. Again, there are many options to look at here. Intel is known for their Matrix RAID setups, the ICH7R, ICH8R, ICH9R, and ICH10R. These all have the RAID option. If you find these chipsets without the "R", it does not support RAID. However AMD offers a much cheaper solution when choosing a motherboard, also in ATX and micro ATX (uATX). I will list the key features people look for in motherboards.
Most beginners will probably stick with a mechanical drive. For one, its much cheaper and two, you get a better bang for your buck in terms of overall space. However, SSD's (Solid State Disks) offer much better performance and the latency is pretty much nonexistent. Again, many sizes to choose from, you just need to find the one you really need. Western Digital has four drives that stick out at the moment.
The top two drives are 7200 RPM and offer 32MB cache. These are the fastest drives WD makes aside from the VelociRaptors. Each drive can achieve about 105MB per second continuous read with an average latency of about 12ms. That's pretty darn impressive for a 7200 RPM drive! However, the VR's can each do about 124MB per second, and have an average latency of 7ms but the price per megabyte is much higher. Samsung offers the spinpoint f3 series that is also very impressive that can achieve 124MB/s.
SATA 3
If you're looking into having SATA3 (6gbs), you should be aware that SATA3 SSD's will be the only type drive that will take advantage of this new technology. Currently only two drives support the new SATA3 spec. However, Seagate and Western Digital both make SATA3 mechanical drives. Don't fall for this marketing ploy. There is no benefit in getting a mechanical SATA3 hard drive.
RAID and short stroking
This is really not for the beginner, however if you are interested in reading another in depth article, take a look here.
The media card reader
This is really not a necessity, however connecting your camera via USB could get dangerous if you continue. Taking out the SD card seems safer for most users.
The DVD burner / BD-R
The DVD/CD burner is the cheapest component, and since it is so inexpensive, why get a ROM drive when a burner is only $24.99. To find the best bang for your buck, just look at the reviews... The Sony is clearly the winner here.
Blu-ray is starting to become much more affordable. For $150 bucks you can burn Blu-ray disks, but only if you can afford the blank media. Blu-ray disks can hold 25 gig single layer and 50 gig in dual layer.
The Video device
Depending on what type of system you're building the video card is optional. Intel chipsets with a leading G will have a Integrated Graphic processor (IGP). This option depending on the level of IGP, can be used to play mild games with low detail and also perfect for a HTPC. AMD boards offer nicer integrated video options as they have Geforce Nvidia 7000 and 8000 series.
The dedicated video card
Nvidia and AMD / ATI offer some great options for dedicated video options. This can and will drain your bank account and is a delicate subject for most. We don't want to offend anyone. There are Nvidia fanboys as well as ATI fanboys.. Someone will always bash one of these video card manufacturers... During the writing of this guide ATI is currently in the lead for DX11 graphics cards. Tessellation is the new "thing" for graphics cards and is very impressive. Here is the ATI line up:
As you can see, ATI has pretty much hit every level for any type of user that is out there. Everyone of these cards are DX11, from the cheapest to the most radical. Entry level gamers (if you want ATI) should start looking at the 5770 and up... However, the video card of choice has been the 5870. ATI is not into price gouging and has an MSRP of $399 for the 5870. The 5870 has been selling in the low $400's since its debut and has not moved and is currently the fastest single GPU card out there.
Here is Nvidia's line up:
We do know a few things about these two new cards. The GTX470 will have 1296MB of RAM and the GTX480 will have 1536MB, both GDDR5. More on this shortly.
The Sound Card
The integrated sound device is enough for most users. No need for the added expense. However, you might want to experience Dolby Digital Live, or DTS connect with an add in card allowing for 5.1 audio. Look for the the C-media 8788 chipset which can do this. This would be extreme audio, as you'll be needing an A/V receiver to accomplish this. You'll be connecting an optical cable from your sound card to your receiver at which it will be doing the decoding of the content for you.
The Operating System
Windows XP is pretty much dead, and that's too bad. It was a rock solid OS! However, there is a new kid on the block. WINDOWS 7!! Windows 7 comes in many different levels in both 32 and 64bit. 32bit supporting between 3 to 3.5Gig of RAM, and if you get the Ultimate version 192gig of RAM. Here is the list of the OS's and maximum see-able RAM.
I have noticed that we are getting many new users here at Overclockers forums. Frankly its nice to see fresh blood here, with new thoughts and idea's. We have many users with a wide variety of skill levels, from beginners to professionals, some even do this for a living rather than a hobby. This thread's focus is to teach the beginner how to build a PC from the ground up. Just the fundamentals on how to do it. Every person here has their way in doing it, however the outcome is essentially the same. We will also have a check list at the end, to be sure we did everything. During this thread, I will also include pictures on how to actually build your precious PC. After all, you just picked out all of the hardware... Ok, lets get into the list of hardware that is needed to build your PC. I will get into each item, after I list everything.
- Case
- Power supply
- CPU
- RAM
- Motherboard
- Hard drive
- Media card reader
- DVD burner
- Video card (optional)
- Sound card (optional)
- Operating system
THE CASE
The case can pretty much be anything you want as long as you have the funds to get it.
There are many types as I list them below. What I recommend is buying a case without the power supply. We will buy it separately. Also the case material can be important to some. Flimsy cases are not good. The lower cost cases, $15 to $40, are light weight. Many people like their rig to look impressive, having cool fan, and lights all over it. To each their own... Its cool!
- ATX Desktop, full tower, mid tower, mini tower
- Micro-ATX, desktop, mid tower, mini tower, slim case
- Mini-ITX tower and desktop
The Power Supply
This topic has been beat to death many times over. However, it is the most important component when building your computer. Most common problem with random re-boots and freezing. Having enough power to run your rig is very important, especially if you plan on overclocking it. There are many manufacturers, but which one should you get? Below is a few recommendations, however in any order of the best. Every one below have "The best" in each class. Most basic systems should be between 500 and 650 watts, but get a good name, and your power supply will last!
Take a look at our very own list of recommended power supplies here
The CPU
This is a big decision for you. Will it be gaming or just surf the web and check e-mails? This is OCF, and most users push everyone to get the best right in the beginning, heck this is your first build right? Why the hell not! However, there are many different models but thankfully only two manufacturers. AMD and Intel. Both provide Single, dual, quad core and now six core options and in different socket types as well. Intel currently has 775, 1156 and 1366 and AMD has AM2, AM2+ and AM3. You'll need to figure out what you'll need for your task at hand; again, you'll be pushed to get the best you can afford!
The RAM
RAM can big a pain in the neck sometimes.. so many different types, speeds and voltages. The two most common types are DDR2 and DDR3. However, there are many manufacturers. What most people do when looking for RAM is to check the reviews. You can learn alot from that. If you do not plan on overclocking then stick with either 1066 or 1333 for DDR3 and 800 and 1066 for DDR2. However, for a few bucks more 1600Mhz DDR3 ram will give you the best of both worlds if you decide to overclock in the future.
- DDR2 speeds are: 400, 533, 667, 800, 1000, 1066, 1100 and 1200 Mhz
- DDR3 speeds are: 1066, 1333, 1600, 1800, 1866, 2000, 2133, 2200, 2250, and 2400 Mhz
Most common for DDR3 is 1066, 1333, and 1600 Mhz
The Motherboard
This must work around your case purchase. Either you get an ATX motherboard or a Micro ATX (uATX), it needs to fit in the case you just picked out. Again, there are many options to look at here. Intel is known for their Matrix RAID setups, the ICH7R, ICH8R, ICH9R, and ICH10R. These all have the RAID option. If you find these chipsets without the "R", it does not support RAID. However AMD offers a much cheaper solution when choosing a motherboard, also in ATX and micro ATX (uATX). I will list the key features people look for in motherboards.
- Matrix RAID
- SLI (Nvidia) or Cross fire (ATI)
- USB 3.0 (5Gb/s) and SATA III (6Gb/s) P55 and x58 only
- eSATA
- Overclocking ability
- How many SATA ports
Most beginners will probably stick with a mechanical drive. For one, its much cheaper and two, you get a better bang for your buck in terms of overall space. However, SSD's (Solid State Disks) offer much better performance and the latency is pretty much nonexistent. Again, many sizes to choose from, you just need to find the one you really need. Western Digital has four drives that stick out at the moment.
- Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache
- Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache
- Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500BLFS 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache
- Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache
- Western Digital VelociRaptor WD6000HLHX 600GB 10000 RPM 32MB Cache NEW
The top two drives are 7200 RPM and offer 32MB cache. These are the fastest drives WD makes aside from the VelociRaptors. Each drive can achieve about 105MB per second continuous read with an average latency of about 12ms. That's pretty darn impressive for a 7200 RPM drive! However, the VR's can each do about 124MB per second, and have an average latency of 7ms but the price per megabyte is much higher. Samsung offers the spinpoint f3 series that is also very impressive that can achieve 124MB/s.
SATA 3
If you're looking into having SATA3 (6gbs), you should be aware that SATA3 SSD's will be the only type drive that will take advantage of this new technology. Currently only two drives support the new SATA3 spec. However, Seagate and Western Digital both make SATA3 mechanical drives. Don't fall for this marketing ploy. There is no benefit in getting a mechanical SATA3 hard drive.
RAID and short stroking
This is really not for the beginner, however if you are interested in reading another in depth article, take a look here.
The media card reader
This is really not a necessity, however connecting your camera via USB could get dangerous if you continue. Taking out the SD card seems safer for most users.
The DVD burner / BD-R
The DVD/CD burner is the cheapest component, and since it is so inexpensive, why get a ROM drive when a burner is only $24.99. To find the best bang for your buck, just look at the reviews... The Sony is clearly the winner here.
Blu-ray is starting to become much more affordable. For $150 bucks you can burn Blu-ray disks, but only if you can afford the blank media. Blu-ray disks can hold 25 gig single layer and 50 gig in dual layer.
The Video device
Depending on what type of system you're building the video card is optional. Intel chipsets with a leading G will have a Integrated Graphic processor (IGP). This option depending on the level of IGP, can be used to play mild games with low detail and also perfect for a HTPC. AMD boards offer nicer integrated video options as they have Geforce Nvidia 7000 and 8000 series.
The dedicated video card
Nvidia and AMD / ATI offer some great options for dedicated video options. This can and will drain your bank account and is a delicate subject for most. We don't want to offend anyone. There are Nvidia fanboys as well as ATI fanboys.. Someone will always bash one of these video card manufacturers... During the writing of this guide ATI is currently in the lead for DX11 graphics cards. Tessellation is the new "thing" for graphics cards and is very impressive. Here is the ATI line up:
As you can see, ATI has pretty much hit every level for any type of user that is out there. Everyone of these cards are DX11, from the cheapest to the most radical. Entry level gamers (if you want ATI) should start looking at the 5770 and up... However, the video card of choice has been the 5870. ATI is not into price gouging and has an MSRP of $399 for the 5870. The 5870 has been selling in the low $400's since its debut and has not moved and is currently the fastest single GPU card out there.
Here is Nvidia's line up:
We do know a few things about these two new cards. The GTX470 will have 1296MB of RAM and the GTX480 will have 1536MB, both GDDR5. More on this shortly.
The Sound Card
The integrated sound device is enough for most users. No need for the added expense. However, you might want to experience Dolby Digital Live, or DTS connect with an add in card allowing for 5.1 audio. Look for the the C-media 8788 chipset which can do this. This would be extreme audio, as you'll be needing an A/V receiver to accomplish this. You'll be connecting an optical cable from your sound card to your receiver at which it will be doing the decoding of the content for you.
The Operating System
Windows XP is pretty much dead, and that's too bad. It was a rock solid OS! However, there is a new kid on the block. WINDOWS 7!! Windows 7 comes in many different levels in both 32 and 64bit. 32bit supporting between 3 to 3.5Gig of RAM, and if you get the Ultimate version 192gig of RAM. Here is the list of the OS's and maximum see-able RAM.
- Windows 7 Starter ; 32bit: 2gig | 64bit: 8gig
- Windows 7 Home basic ; 32bit: 4gig | 64bit: 8gig
- Windows 7 Home premium ; 32bit: 4gig | 64bit: 16gig
- Windows 7 Professional ; 32bit: 4gig | 64bit: 192gig
- Windows 7 Ultimate ; 32bit: 4gig | 64bit: 192gig
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