1st time build, need help on DIY combos

[jaywarren]

I want to try and build my first computer. Going get parts or kit from Newegg. Not sure what one to go with. I dont expect much out of computer.

Will give to my son to do school work on. That's all it needs to do. This will be a test run before I try a gaming rig down the road.

Looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.722603&cm_sp=DIY_PC_Combos-_-722603-_-Combo

Hope link works. Would this computer kit be a good 1st build. Or should I look at better kits or parts. The case scares me a bit. Lots of bad reviews. But for $224 for kit its hard to look pass.

Thanks for any tips or opinions you all have, Jared

 

[genghiskron]

my opinion is that a cheap laptop will cost about the same, including OS, and will be a much more versatile tool for a student. its not the case that should scare you as much as the crap power supply that it comes with.

 

[boiler1990]

Yeah I'd be concerned about the PSU. If you really want to go through with a homebuilt, try and find smaller combos with other parts (CPU + Mobo, PSU+GPU, etc). You'll still save but get better parts.

 

[jaywarren]

Sorry I dont need the computer as mush as I want to build one. I just dont want to spend a ton on one in case I make a big mistake and kill it.

I am in school now and taking a computer hardware class. My teacher will give me some extra credit if a build one.

 

[boiler1990]

Sorry I dont need the computer as mush as I want to build one. I just dont want to spend a ton on one in case I make a big mistake and kill it.

That's how I built my first PC a few years ago. I fell in love with the Antec 300, found a cheap AMD Phenom II X3 + board combo, got some RAM and a cheap (still good - Antec) PSU/hard drive and went from there. First build was maybe $500 at most (only because DDR2 was still $100 for 4GB in some places). It's not as hard as you expect, but until you actually put it together you have no idea.

Another good way to get parts is to get them off of forums such as the Tom's Classifieds, Anandtech, etc. Usually you can score an older CPU/mobo for pretty cheap.

I am in school now and taking a computer hardware class. My teacher will give me some extra credit if a build one.

Wish I could've gotten extra credit in thermo-hydraulics when I watercooled my PC, you lucky duck

 

[boiler1990]

In related news, here's a build I put together in like 5 minutes:

CPU + MOBO - AMD Athlon II X2 250 Dual Core + Biostar A880G+ MicroATX motherboard combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.726716

RAM - Kingston ValueRAM 2x1GB (2GB) DDR3-1066 kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134492

PSU - Ante Basiq 350W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371003

HDD - WD Caviar Blue 320GB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136770

Case - Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Tower: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147123

Grand Total - $220.94 + shipping (~$10)

 

[Lestr50]

Boiler put together a good low-end build... BUT...

one of the most important parts is the PSU. Antec makes a lot of good ones and there is nothing wrong with 350W, however, checking the specs it only has 1 SATA connector and you'd need adapters for more drives like a DVD burner which was overlooked.

Try this Rosewill 80+ PSU as it will allow for upgrading in a few years
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182202

Ram is ungodly cheap these days so go with 2 x 2gb 1333 instead of 2gb 1066. it's almost the same price (1066 and 1333) install Win7 and you'll need it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134792

DVD to install software and movies for the kid. Asus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

OK it'll up the ante a bit - about $45 but you should be good to go for years to come and you'll be glad you did.

It's really easy to do these days. Just don't grab the cat and parts at the same time - static electricity is the enemy. Should take about 1/2 an hour. Watch the NE tutorial video. READ the guides on here. Do your research. You'll be fine. Be very careful - building computers can be highly addictive once you start. We're all hopeless junkies here.

 

[ru_1980]

- building computers can be highly addictive once you start. We're all hopeless junkies here.

AMEN to that!!

 

[jaywarren]

Thank you for your help and time. Your tips did help. One more question do most of the motherboards fit into the cases with the hardware provided or will I need to order spacers?

 

[boiler1990]

Thank you for your help and time. Your tips did help. One more question do most of the motherboards fit into the cases with the hardware provided or will I need to order spacers?

ATX and MicroATX sizes are standard. All you need to do is verify that your motherboard and case are the same size, or can support the size (ATX cases support MicroATX).

 

[jaywarren]

Best answer selected by jaywarren.