Mother What-Now? Computer-Building Question!

Enc

I know how to use computers, but I know next to nothing about how to build them. This is to say that, while I can easily assemble, plug, and play all of the proper components, I have no understanding of what type of RAM is preferable, why a higher Ghz processor isn't always the best one, or what pieces will not work with other parts on boot up.

In the past, I would purchase a pre-fab computer and just add too it as I went along (usually a cheap dell base with the best offered processor (most expensive, I assume)). This time around I'm wanting to make sure I get the best possible machine for my money (which will total about $700 on the initial purchase).

My questions for you, H/A forum, are these:

-Is building a PC from scratch significantly cheaper than buying a pre-fab?
-If so, are there are good resources/advice I should keep in mind (outside of buying from newegg)?
-What are the currently "competitive" graphics cards? I haven't upgraded in 5 years and have no clue which are the "Brand New" and which are the "Affordable and completely awesome for WoW/TF2."

Thanks to any who help me in my quest for a machine that won't crash in Dalaran.

tsmvengy

Answers to your questions:

-Is building a PC from scratch significantly cheaper than buying a pre-fab? YES
-If so, are there are good resources/advice I should keep in mind (outside of buying from newegg)?
-What are the currently "competitive" graphics cards? I haven't upgraded in 5 years and have no clue which are the "Brand New" and which are the "Affordable and completely awesome for WoW/TF2."
All your questions answered here: http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=90217

vonPoonBurGer

Enc wrote: »

-Is building a PC from scratch significantly cheaper than buying a pre-fab?

Generally speaking, it can be. You can also end up spending as much or more than a premade system, but you generally get much better quality components if you do opt to spend more money. System manufacturers like Dell tend to shave costs by installing slower RAM (e.g. DDR2-667 instead of DDR2-800 or DDR2-1066) and less feature-rich motherboards. They also tend to default to mediocre graphics cards that are not terrible, but not great either. Where you'll end up potentially saving big money though is with upgrades. Companies like Dell charge a hefty premium for options like more/faster RAM or better video cards, you'll almost always get better performance and/or pay less by buying the upgrade parts and installing them yourself.

Enc wrote: »

-If so, are there are good resources/advice I should keep in mind (outside of buying from newegg)?

Make sure you're getting a big enough power supply for all your components. If you overspend on one component, make it the motherboard, get a quality part from a reputable mobo manufacturer (I only buy ASUS motherboards personally).

Enc wrote: »

-What are the currently "competitive" graphics cards? I haven't upgraded in 5 years and have no clue which are the "Brand New" and which are the "Affordable and completely awesome for WoW/TF2."

As far as I'm concerned the monthly Best Card for the Money round-up at Tom's Hardware is the go-to guide to answer this question. They set price brackets, then run down the best card(s) in each price bracket. They come out with a new update monthly, reevaluating based on new releases and shifting prices. The link above is for the May round-up, the June article will probably be coming out in the next week or two.

Grundlestiltskin

The one consideration for pre-fabs, particularly companies like Dell, is their customer support is generally pretty easy to deal with. When you build your own machine and something goes wrong you'll end up doing your own troubleshooting (or paying a 3rd party repairshop to do it for you). I can tell you that while ASUS makes great motherboards, you do not want to try getting them on the phone.

The other downside to pre-fabs with regard to upgrading (which is cheaper when you buy your own components, as mentioned above) is that some of them (Dell) use proprietary components - weird connectors and such that you *need* to replace through Dell, which of course they charge a premium for.

I'd say the advantages of building your own box in terms of cost are more long term. If you're more the "buy a computer, replace it in a few years" type I would stick with a pre-fab.

Smurph

My best advice would be to find someone you know who has done this kind of stuff before and ask them to help you put it together the first time. Theoretically all you need is a screwdriver and the motherboard manual but I find that things can go wrong and it helps if you or someone who is there can diagnose the problem before you start replacing parts. Just make sure they let you do the actual work so you can learn.

Grundlestiltskin

Smurph wrote: »

My best advice would be to find someone you know who has done this kind of stuff before and ask them to help you put it together the first time. Theoretically all you need is a screwdriver and the motherboard manual but I find that things can go wrong and it helps if you or someone who is there can diagnose the problem before you start replacing parts. Just make sure they let you do the actual work so you can learn.

Also, putting in your first mobo or socketing your first CPU can be a traumatic experience, they often require a bit more elbow grease than you're really comfortable putting out. Also, jumpers can be a mess.