Question for you guys

[blackhawk95]

Hey guys, My first post, great site lots of info.

Im a novice at this computer stuff and have been researching about building my own system, and wanted to know if there was a site that had definitions and explanations of all these computer terms I see you guys using. I understand some of them, but would like to know more.

Thanks in advance.

Jerid

 

[techwizard08]

Lots of threads and articles right here on Tom's Hardware could probably answer your questions...wikipedia and google too.

Are there specific terms that you're wondering about?

 

[techwizard08]

Oh, and since I was so rude:

Welcome to the forums!

 

[aford10]

wikipedia and google are good tools. There are a lot of acronyms and abbreviations thrown around on this site that you may not find on there though. You can always ask if there are specific ones.

 

[Zenthar]

Wikipedia is the best starting point, you will probably find exactly what you are looking for. With google, if you search for things like HSF, RAM, OC and the like ... 1 in 2 chances you will end-up back on tom's forum .

 

[aford10]

+1
Lol....or at a porn site

 

[techwizard08]

+12 @aford10

Zenthar is probably right as far as google

 

[Zenthar]

+1
Lol....or at a porn site

... I just did the test; if you enter "HSF" in google image search without filtering, you get 3 porn-related hits on the first page ...

 

[techwizard08]

I can't imagine what HSF could stand for...but I'm neither going to think about it nor investigate further

 

[blackhawk95]

THanks guys for the replys. I been reading alot on this site and its alot of info to absorb.

From everything Ive been reading, it sounds as if everything to building a system is pretty much plug and play. I mean as long as your parts are compatible, Right? I mean, do you have to comfigure every single component in the bios on a new build before everything will work correctly?

Would a reletivly newb be able to get a pile of parts running?

Also, from what Ive read, It looks as if most of the components like, motherboard, cpu, ram and other things have decent manuals to at least get you going.

As far as what Id like to build, Id like to go ahead and get some really good stuff and start off with it at the factory settings and as I progress in knowledge be able to tweak it to a higher performance.

Im going to just keep reading and ask a few questions here and there. And thanks alot for the help.

Jerid

 

[Zenthar]

You don't normally have to configure anything in the BIOS unless you want to OC or use tight RAM timing. The only thing you might have to change is boot order (CD, floppy, HDD).

As for plugging the components, it is rather straightforward, the most complicated part (and the one I hate most) is probably the front-pannel connector (casing HDD led, power/reset buttons, ...) and sometimes casing USB/Firewire connector.

 

[aford10]

Hooking up the hardware is all pretty easy. Start with a good core. Find a motherboard, RAM, and cpu that all work together. Then pick out parts to go around them.

When everything arrives, FOLLOW THE MOTHERBOARD MANUAL. Each board is set up differently, and it will tell you what all the connectors on the board are. I would advise getting the cpu fan/heatsink on all the way before mounting the board.

If you have troubles, which most first timers do, there are some great checklists for diagnosing new builds on this forum (props to proximon & AEVM)

 

[blackhawk95]

Cool! Thats pretty much what I thought as far as initial setup.

So, I could go ahead and get the new system running and as I advanced I would be able to start doing some tweaks to get the extra performance..

I want to get the best parts I can, so the system will last a good while. Im guessing it would be wise to get all the parts I need except cpu, mother board, ram and any thing that the prices fluctuate on.

Im really getting excited about this..

another question, I was thinking about using either XP 64bit or vista 64 bit. for the OS. any downside to that. I dont have any programs im going to carry over from my current setup, so I shouldnt have any issues there right?

 

[aford10]

I love xp compared to vista. I have a real distaste for the changes made in the OS structure of xp to vista. However, if you plan to use more than 3Gb of RAM (which most do), then you should go with a 64bit OS; ie vista64 or windows7. If windows7 is out by the time you get everything put together, go for that.

There really is no downside if you aren't using old software. Everything put out now, will be supported.

If you are unsure about you parts choice, list them on this forum before purchase. You will get some real good reviews from some experts on this site.

 

[Zenthar]

If you want 64 bits, go Vista or Windows 7; otherwise XP 32 bits, but you will be limited to <4GB.

If building a gaming system, I would go Vista or above because of DirectX 10/11 support. Doesn't change much over DirectX 9, but might get better support for the years to come.

Depending on when you want the build to be completed, yes it can be a good idea to start hunting deals for parts with low price fluctuation (ex: casing, keyboard, mouse, speakers, CD/DVD, ...), some of those you can probably start using with your current PC.

 

[kubes]

Another thread you might want to read is one of the sticky's by Proximon. It breaks down the latest technology and helps you make education decisions on some of your components.

Proximon's thread

The hardest part about building a comptuer is getting the compents right. That's really easy for us to help you with. So make sure to post your shopping list of parts before you buy them so that we can critque them and get you the best bang for your buck. The building part is really a peice of cake. There's a tonnnnnn of resources on the web that expalin how to put the parts together so don't worry about that.

 

[blackhawk95]

Thanks for all the pointer, really. so far with looking around at all the components availible and doing some reasearch heres kind-of what Ive got in mind. Keep in mind this is not set in stone yet.. These are just the basics of what Id like.

CPU= i7 920
6GB ram
1TB HD space
an SSD would be nice for the OS
64bit OS
GPU with 1GB ram
sound card capable of good audio at 5.1 surround

Those are just the basics, Ill try to get a possible parts list for you guy to critique.

 

[blackhawk95]

Also, what wattage PSU should I be looking for? would 800wats be enough? or should I get more in case of future updates. Are the ABS anygood. they look really cool.

 

[Helloworld_98]

Don't look for wattage, look for 12v amperage

If you've got a budget like that then go for a Corsair 750TX or above.

Also if you live in the UK then CCL sell 4870 1GB's for £60 vs £170 on average.

 

[blackhawk95]

HelloWorld, In im the US. IF im to look for 12v amps what would be compairable to around 800+ watts. Ive never been to good with the electrical stuff, terminology wise.

Jerid

 

[kubes]

The PSU is one of the most imporant parts of your build. Most new builders overlook the importance of getting a good quality psu. If the psu blows up it ussualy will take other components with it creating a very expensive repair build. Things to note about psu's: high wattage does not mean it is a good psu. This is mostly a marketing sheme. The 12 volt amperage is very important.

Heres a breif example of a good quality psu and how to get the amperage information:

1) click the link below
Crosair 850tx

2) go to the specifications tab.

3) under spec, look for output. It should read like the follownig:
Output +3.3V@30A, +5V30A, +12V@70A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@3A

the 3.3volt rail has 30Amps, the 5volt rail has 30A, the 12V rail has 70amps ...ect.

Now your probally asking yourself, well how do i know what's an amperage value that will work for me. The main thing that uses the 12volt rail is the vidoe card. So you'll have to do a bit of research and determine how many amps your vidoe card requires.

So for example you have a video card that requires a 33amp 12V rail. So your 70amp on the 12 volt rail will be overkill. But if you hook up two graphics cards, 33 + 33 = 66, now the psu will be getting used much more effecently.

In general the forum favorites i'd say are PSU's made by Antec, Crosair and PC Power and cooling. They are the most resonably priced and provide pretty good quality products.

This also might be helpful: PSU caculator

 

[techwizard08]

I heard the antec signature (850) was just on sale at newegg--haven't confirmed this though.

 

[blackhawk95]

Ok I got that, thanks for the clairification.

 

[aford10]

Now that you have a cpu in mind, it's a good idea to look at boards that support it. Then find some good ram. The boards for the i7 systems only support DDR3, so keep that in mind. G.skill and OCZ are good choices.

 

[Akebono 98]

Great pointers from everyone above. I'll add a few of my own:

1. Decide on the PSU last, because you won't know what size and amperage you need until all of the other parts are finalized. The PSU is only a supporting player.

2. Here's another excellent reference for determining PSU size: Article LINK

3. Here is a great guide by shortstuff on troubleshooting new builds: Thread LINK

4. Here is a great outline written by the Animal, which you can also use as a framework to plan out your build: Thread LINK

5. This is not official, but I've read that MS would be offering free upgrades to Windows 7 if you buy a Vista machine after July 1, if you're so inclined.