Computer Education????

[BlackHills]

Learning how to do this stuff on my own has saved me so much money I lost track. Not only in the actual building process but also in tech support since I can fix my own stuff.

+1 :thumbup: Outside of a laptop I can't imagine ever buying a pre-built computer. Pay more to get less? No thanks.


off topic- Rusty: HMX-1 or Camp David?

 

[Jennifer_B]

Why are you skeptical?

Because most of the people who have told me that in the past have been claiming they can build something better and cheaper than a Dell Inspiron, and usually, they can't.

It looks like building a competitive higher end system is easier than a consumer system, and I haven't really looked at the prices of the better Dells in several years. I guess that shouldn't have come as a huge surprise to me considering what I paid for the last big overhaul of my computer compared to the one this year.

 

[zenheretic]

AND he won't have to deal with "Steve" in Pakistan if something goes wrong!

No but when Don Vito does a favor for you, maybe one day you day a favor for Don Vito.
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Thanks for the info forum-folks. I'm considering building my own as well, but just like anyone unfamiliar am a little intimidated. I like my current HP, but whoever built it was a monkey. I have to pull out all the cd roms just to change out the RAM. The video card is pretty old too. I can barely play Age of Conan. :grumpy:

 

[Rusty McDonald]

Because most of the people who have told me that in the past have been claiming they can build something better and cheaper than a Dell Inspiron, and usually, they can't.

It looks like building a competitive higher end system is easier than a consumer system, and I haven't really looked at the prices of the better Dells in several years. I guess that shouldn't have come as a huge surprise to me considering what I paid for the last big overhaul of my computer compared to the one this year.

Mostly depends on the builders skill and the parts they use.
The last system I built weighed about 100#, Dual core opertorn, SLI 2 8800gtx ultra, 1 TB on raid 5 (thats 4 250gb western digital 10,000rpm "raptor" HD's for those of you that dont know) OH and it was a 100# because of the Phase Change system, the processor worked at -60*C, had a small refrigeration system on it. I overclocked it ALOT. 2.4 chip running at 3.2Ghz like it was cool. *PUN* This was not cheaper than a Dell but Its Still as fast as a new dell

The dell and gateway are way overpriced, Acer is probably the more conservitive of the bunch, but you have to deal with all of that BS software they put on them that slows the pc down so much. Proprietary software is for suckers.
IF you have more than 24 or so processes going at one time you have someting you dont need running. IMO

HMX-1 From 91-96 Semper Fi

What about you Blackhills?

 

[BlackHills]

Thanks for the info forum-folks. I'm considering building my own as well, but just like anyone unfamiliar am a little intimidated. I like my current HP, but whoever built it was a monkey. I have to pull out all the cd roms just to change out the RAM. The video card is pretty old too. I can barely play Age of Conan. :grumpy:

If you feel comfortable changing RAM and removing components to get to it then you shouldn't have a problem. Putting one together is really pretty easy. The hard part is deciding what parts to buy.

HMX-1 From 91-96 Semper Fi

What about you Blackhills?

Semper Fi. I was a grunt (1/5, 1/1, 1/4) and did a tour on Embassy Duty, 85-91.

 

[jfindon]

No but when Don Vito does a favor for you, maybe one day you day a favor for Don Vito.
======

Thanks for the info forum-folks. I'm considering building my own as well, but just like anyone unfamiliar am a little intimidated. I like my current HP, but whoever built it was a monkey. I have to pull out all the cd roms just to change out the RAM. The video card is pretty old too. I can barely play Age of Conan. :grumpy:

Honestly, it's not hard at all. I was intimidated at first too, but it's simple really. The only things you really have to worry about are not static shocking parts, not forcing anything anywhere to risk breakage, and that's pretty much it. The hardest part of the process is usually putting the heatsink on because they're so screwy, but after that's on, mounting the board in the case and adding the cards is all downhill.

I'm sure we could answer any questions about the process if you had them.

 

[SPXTrader]

All good advice here...The only thing I think thats worth another mention, is to take your time loading the OS and the software! Wait on it! It might sit there doing nothing for 20 minutes or more before moving to the next file. Same with MB and ATI software. Be patient with it.

Once all of it is loaded, then start your OS updates. Select only the critical ones first, upload, install and reboot. You might have to do this step a bunch of times, because after every update, there's usually an update for the updates, updates for the updates, etc. Kinda like peeling an onion. Once ALL of the critical updates are done, then move to the hardware updates. Same process as above. Then the optional updates (usually MS related or for your cards, etc). Finish with your internet security of choice. Remember, as long as you're connected to MS Updates, you can be 99% assured you're on a virus free connection. And there's a difference between Windows Updates and Microsoft Updates. Pin the later to your start menu.

And fer cherist's sakes, if you don't know what you're doing in the BIOS, DON'T MESS WITH IT!

Two tools I always install after everything else is up and running is the WinBar and PCWizard 2008. Great monitoring stuff there. Both are free.

 

[falnovice]

Everyone,

Thanks for the help. I am going to spend a little time reviewing the info here and reading up on the recomended site (and wiki for definitons) before committing to a new PC.
Once I think I've got it figured out I'll post what I'm doing and see if you guys think it is good.


Thanks again.