[chococya96]

Sup pl I need help in buying a new desktop and I'm really "noob" at computer parts etc... hence, I need some help and advice

I live in Australia and I have just finished my entrance exam for uni and planning to buy a new desktop by the end of next month ... Normally, I would go to retail store and buy a "pre-made" one such as HP, Dell etc but this time, I want to go to computer shop and build one so that I can upgrade later freely and get to learn about computer parts.

Okay, so here are things that I want to mention about buying a new desktop:
- I use my computer mainly for gaming and watching (movies, anime etc)
- I have around $1000~$1500 of budget; and this includes buying a new monitor, keyboard and mouse
- I can't build one for myself so I'm going to local computer shop (where I usually go for repair) and tell them to build one for me

The thing is, I can just go to the shop and tell them what I use my computer mostly and they will just build one that suits me.... but to make sure, I want to know computer parts for building a new desktop, so I won't get ripped off or scamed

And also, can you tell me things I need to know/need when buying a new desktop such as: do I need vista or Windows 7?? etc..

Tnx a lot guys really appriciate your help and support ^^

[Kawajiri]

Windows 7. Vista sucks. As for computer parts, check NewEgg.com or TigerDirect.com barebone systems.

A dual Core is all you really need. Quad cores, i7's and, 6x phenons are for high end 3d graphics programs.

I use a Radion 5770 by XFX. <--- Crossfire ready so I can get a 2nd later.

MAKE SURE TO GET A MOTHER BOARD THAT'S DIRECT X 11 COMPATIBLE!

Get at least 4 gigs of ram. 2 gig sticks so you can upgrade later.

That should be everything that's important.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

This is almost identical to my computer. From the looks of it, all you need is a wireless card and an operating system. Which I suggest the OEM Windows 7 64 bit.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Decent priced monitor, by a great company.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

One of the best mouse companies out right now. They also sell keyboards, but keyboards are personal like/dislike. I prefer the mechanical keyboards. I use a Saitek keyboard.

[DTryPleX]

Originally Posted by Kawajiri

Windows 7. Vista sucks. As for computer parts, check NewEgg.com or TigerDirect.com barebone systems.

A dual Core is all you really need. Quad cores, i7's and, 6x phenons are for high end 3d graphics programs.

I use a Radion 5770 by XFX. <--- Crossfire ready so I can get a 2nd later.

MAKE SURE TO GET A MOTHER BOARD THAT'S DIRECT X 11 COMPATIBLE!

Get at least 4 gigs of ram. 2 gig sticks so you can upgrade later.

That should be everything that's important.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...6&Sku=B69-0210

This is almost identical to my computer. From the looks of it, all you need is a wireless card and an operating system. Which I suggest the OEM Windows 7 64 bit.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...804&CatId=2388

Decent priced monitor, by a great company.

http://store.razerzone.com/store/raz...yId.35208800//

One of the best mouse companies out right now. They also sell keyboards, but keyboards are personal like/dislike. I prefer the mechanical keyboards. I use a Saitek keyboard.

You're better off with an illegal copy of Windows rather than a legal version. Saves you a lot of money...

Basically I could go telling you a big technical mumbo-jumbo story but I suggest that you just get your retailer to tell you what would suit best and you make adjustments to that. Let's say they give you an example, you come back here and tell us what's in there and we'll be able to say if there's anything better/cheaper to buy for each part or just some parts. Just telling you what parts to get... it could go on forever and ever and ever etc.

Well, it is your own choice anyway...

[Stix]

People throwing away 300$ on a windows always make me laugh, dumbasses

[DTryPleX]

Originally Posted by Stix

People throwing away 300$ on a windows always make me laugh, dumbasses

The OEM's are usually around 150/200 though but they're only valid on 1 PC.

[chococya96]

Originally Posted by D.TryPleX

You're better off with an illegal copy of Windows rather than a legal version. Saves you a lot of money...

Basically I could go telling you a big technical mumbo-jumbo story but I suggest that you just get your retailer to tell you what would suit best and you make adjustments to that. Let's say they give you an example, you come back here and tell us what's in there and we'll be able to say if there's anything better/cheaper to buy for each part or just some parts. Just telling you what parts to get... it could go on forever and ever and ever etc.

Well, it is your own choice anyway...

First of all, tnx both of you for advice and fast reply really appriciate it

Okay, I'll do what you told me. I'll go the computer shop and tell them what suits me the best. After that, I'll come back and tell you guys what's in it and you guys can tell me the adjustment I need.

Coz right now, I can barely understand the computer parts and hence, it'll take time for me to understand and deciding which brand is good etc...

Anyway, tnx a lot you guys

And I wish there are more replies so I can get variety of advices/recommandations

[Kawajiri]

Windows OEM 64 bit pro is $99.99

[Nexto]

the most important part is motherboard, make sure the stuff u buy is compatible with it

[Zolta]

ok.. one system, just to let you know some good parts. its around €1000+

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition (for a bit more money a Phenom II X6 1055T)
Cooler for the above Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B
Motherboard Socket AM3 Asrock 870 EXTREME3 (or a Asrock 890FX Deluxe3)
memory DDR3 SDRAM GeIL GV34GB1333C9DC
Solid State Drives Crucial RealSSD C300 2.5" 64GB (<- your choice if you'll try this, but its fast. I'd reccommend it.. after putting my OS and some programs on it i dont want any regular hard drive anymore)
SATA Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ, 1TB
monitor: LG W2343T
GFX: Radeon HD5xxx Serie Club3D HD 5850 1GB (CGAX-58524IDP)
Tower: Antec Three Hundred
power supply: Seasonic M12II 520W
dvd burner: Sony Optiarc AD-7260S
Logitech G110 Gaming Keyboard
Logitech MX518 Optical Gaming Mouse

[digritz]

I have a question for you. Why can't you build it yourself? Is this because of external factors such as time or tools or is it internal, you have never built one before and are unsure of your abilities.

To be honest it's really not all that hard to build a system on your own. The most difficult part is loading the software. Years ago you had to be aware of how the bios worked, as well as the jumpers for setting the various accessories that may be included on the motherboard and for a specific processor. Today most of that is negated by more efficient bios.
To tell the truth it may take a little longer to assemble a system yourself but the knowledge you gain in the process far out way the extra time involved.

It is possible that you get someone to build you a system that you can trust completely. But you have already called that in to question because of your concern about being ripped off by the repair shop. Chances are the computer shop will have several pre-built models that they will try and steer you towards. Even if they are willing to do a custom build it will be with brands they carry. That's fine if they carry the brands your interested in but you will most likely be out of luck if you want a specific brand, say the motherboard, that they don't carry.

Money is also a factor because you can get much better components if your putting it together yourself.
If your still unwilling to try it yourself, I would suggest you check out some computer shows. Try asking a few shops if there is any computer shows in your area. Most of the time you can find the same pre-built system from the same shop at a discount. I would also suggest that you avoid a repair shop and mail order. Stick with a small local retailer.

There is also another approach. This is similar to building it yourself however you are buying pre-assembled components. Such as the case, power supply, motherboard, processor, ram and case. Then you add items like your video card, hard drive/drives and DVD burner of choice.


Remember if your main reason for getting a custom computer is to retain the option of upgrading as opposed to being stuck with proprietary hardware, your going to need to learn how to work on your own computer eventually. So why not now. Unless you plan on taking it somewhere for your upgrades, which is not recommended because of the cost involved.
Please feel free to ask anything you want more info on or if I can be of anymore help. If you want I can put together a list of components you should be looking for.
As for my qualifications I have build over 100 computers in the past 15 to 20 years for myself, family and friends. I also work for Fixya.com as a computer repair expert.