Ollie T said:
This is the first time I have decided to construct my own PC. I have
installed and upgraded my current computer to max and think I will do okay
building a new one. Question is, is there a FAQ or something I can look at
to make sure I'm not paying too much for a particular part? What is the
average price for a P4 3ghz 800mhz system? I am looking at the ASUS P4P800.
I see it supports DDR ram but what types and how many slots for them? Is
there any brand/part/company I should definately stay away from? Thanks for
any help.
Here you go. I posted this several months ago. Use what you can and ignore
the rest. ;-))
I was in a similar situation about 2 years ago when I decided to build a
system. Here's what I did to get started: Research.
I went to many review sites and downloaded several PC build guides. I also
reduced my list of possible motherboards to about six and
then went to the manufacturer's websites and downloaded the motherboard
manuals. Most of these manuals also included some decent guidance on
building as well. I then searched the web with Google for reviews on all the
components on my list and I mean ALL the components including the case,
power supply, motherboards, CPU, and all the additional components.
Based on the reviews, newsgroup feedback, motherboard manual review, and my
budget I chose the components for my first homebuilt system.
I assembled the system using the guidance in the motherboard manuals and the
various build guides I had read. Finished the build and pressed the Power
button.......wow!, it Posted the first time I powered it up and has ever
since. I then setup the Bios parameters, prepared the hard drives, and
installed Windows 98SE all without major difficulty except for the usual
minor software conflicts.
For reviews and build info start here:
www.google.com
For pricing info start here:
www.pricewatch.com (simple, clean, and to the
point) and
http://www.salescircular.com/ and
http://www.techbargains.com/
and
www.fatwallet.com
Also watch your local ads because in many cases you can get components
locally at or below mail order pricing without shipping charges. Added
benefits are no wait for shipping and you can immediately return any
defective items.
For reseller info start here:
www.resellerratings.com
Another possible source of parts is a Computer Show that might come to your
area about once a month. Caution: Ensure you know exactly what you want and
what a fair price should be based on your research. Warning: Returns can be
a possible problem. I buy mainly components that have a long record of
reliability and good reviews. As a bonus you can usually pick up software
and operating systems at excellent prices.
Build Tips:
1. Read the motherboard manual carefully before, during, and after building.
It can solve numerous problems and answer many questions. Follow
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions.
2. Use a high quality, at least 300 Watt, power supply for your system.
Think of a power supply as the foundation of your system. If a house is
built on a weak foundation it won't last long. Same principle applies to any
electronics system, especially modern PC's that are very sensitive to
voltage and current fluctuations.
3. Ensure the motherboard is only mounted to the case using the studs that
line up EXACTLY with the motherboard mounting holes. You may not be able to
lineup all the motherboard mounting holes with the locations in the case you
choose. If at least 6 line up you should be fine. Ensure no part of the
motherboard backplane is shorted to the case except for the mounting holes!
4. Use a high quality heatsink, fan, and thermal paste for your CPU. Your
CPU will thank you.
5. Pick a case that has at least 2 fans; one for intake and one for exhaust.
Make sure the case has room to work in and for possible future expansion.
6. Use high quality ram. You won't regret the investment.
7. Ensure the ram and all expansion cards are fully seated in their slots
prior to initial start.
8. Setup the Bios in accordance with the manual's instructions and the
components in your system.
9. Prepare the hard drives for Operating System installation in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. Install your Operating System.
10. Tweak and Enjoy!
A little long but I hope it helps.
--
callsignviper
The truth is out there. You just have to look in the right places and ask
the right questions.
