Computer build research thread

[Ridgefire]

As I noted in my other thread I want to build my first computer from the ground up. So I will post some of my questions as they come up. Please feel free to give your input. I am also doing as much reading as I can on the internet. So please no, Just google it answers. I admit I am not up to date on Jargon, but I am very good at putting things together. So here we go the first set of questions

1: CPU socket
    A: Which is the best? IE 478, 775, 940, etc, etc
    B: Is it just personal preference? Or is there advantages to one?

2: Motherboard
   A: is there brand to use or one to stay away from?
   B: What should I look for in a board?
   C: Must haves in a board?
 
3: Power supply
   A: Again is there any brands to avoid?
   B: How big should I go?
   C: What is SATA? I've seen some that say w/SATA and some that say with PCIe

Well that is enough questions for one day.

[HaRuMaN]

1) CPU Socket... well, just find the processor you want, and go from there.  No real point in selecting a socket type as 'the best'.

2) After picking your CPU, look up motherboards by socket, sort by reviews (Newegg is a good place to start).  I typically use MSI or ASUS in my builds, have been happy with both.

3) Check reviews on Newegg.  Make sure your PSU has enough power...  if you're not running a beast video card, you could probably get away with 400W.

SATA is a data connection for hard drives and optical drives.  SATA devices use a different power connector than the old standard 4-pin molex.  

[Ridgefire]

I've been spending lots of time at Newegg. Shoot that is where I got most of the info to use for my first 3 questions

[HaRuMaN]

What is the budget for this build?  That might be a better place to start.

[TopJimmyCooks]

Ridge, here's how I'm getting ready to do it:

Me:  fellow Byoac'ers, please help me spec a $500 desktop for general purpose use, photo editing, casual gaming.  Don't need a display in that but do need 2 TB HD for all my schtuff. 

BYOAC:  Massive info, usually with links to newegg for the referenced parts.

Me:  Profit

There are some guys on here that are really in tune with the latest in PC components and pay attention to what's on sale.  I guess I'm saying that you don't have to become an expert to take expert advice, although it can be more satisfying and fun that way.

[HaRuMaN]

My last build ran me ~$320...

64 bit Quad core AMD 2.8 Ghz
8 Gigs Ram
MSI Mobo
Thermaltake Case & 450 Watt PSU
Nvidia graphics card with 1 Gig Ram
1 Tb Seagate HD
Random DVD reader / burner

[Ridgefire]

Well for the first build ever. Looking at a very basic computer. Going to be a dedicated Mame machine. Yes I know I don't need a good computer for Mame. But I figure this would be a good first build

[BadMouth]

The important questions are "What is the most demanding game you want to be able to play?"
and "how much do you want to spend?"

You don't need a high spec computer to play old 2D games, but if you want to play Tekken, you need a little more power.
If you want to play NFL Blitz or 3D racing games, you'll have to up the ante even farther.

An intel 2500k is the beast of the moment if you have an unlimited budget.

Both my systems run Athlon X3 triple core processors in $40 bargain motherboards.  They cost me around $250-270 w/o an OS.
I have a 3.4Ghz X3 in my driving cab and it runs California Speed and San Fransisco Rush just fine, but is too slow to run Ridge Racer.

If you cut corners anywhere, don't cut them on the processor.
If you're only running MAME, get a mobo with onboard video and put the money you saved on a video card toward a better processor.
You can always add a video card later, after the initial sting of the money you spent has worn off.

EDIT: I should also mention that I have all unnecessary services, including all networking and internet related services disabled.
        Your results wil vary depending on what all you're running in the background.  Especially if you're running antivirus software.

[Vigo]

Those old HP pavilions don't quite chug fast enough for today's standards, do they? 

As mentioned before, newegg is the best place to get everything you need. I just lurk around there until I find a good deal on what I need. I find that starting with motherboard and processor is the best. Set a budget on those two items, find the best combo in that price range, and build the rest of your PC around that. 

For power supplies, I have always been super happy with the thermaltake ones I bought. They seem to have better cables and have not ever burned out on me.

For motherboard sockets types, I can't make a recommendation. One thing to watch is which socket types are current and popular, and which ones are on the way out. You will find that you can get a processor and motherboard with an older socket type for much cheaper than a same speed set with a newer socket type, but you don't have the ability to upgrade your processor past a certain point if you plan on doing so.

[Dervacumen]

In my experience, I always thought I might need to upgrade something -anything- on one of my rigs, but found that I ended up building a whole new contraption anyway.  So my advice is: Build whatever is in budget.  Really.  Come up with a budget, and then fit the pieces in.  Spending or saving an extra $50 seems like an issue now, but three years from now when you're playing your machine you'll either wish you spent more or not even notice it.  I'm frugal so I salvage the innards for my machines from friends, craigslist, leftovers from my own upgrades, etc.  Why buy brand new parts that are at best going to get minimal usage anyway?  Sure, you think you'll play it a lot.  But you won't.  You'll play it in spurts - an hour here, three hours there - maybe a total of 150 hours a year.

What's your favorite game?  That's how I started.  I made sure that whatever I built, I better damn sure be able to play my favorite game(s).  Forget about everything else and start there.

[jennifer]

       I am a bit curious here... But while building a computer [ dedicated ] wouldnt it be best to disable the satalite updates feature.
And if so is this done @ the board?

[ark_ader]

Looking at newegg the best deal is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883155220 

I think it is great on two fronts.  One you get a capable computer for emulation, the other is recycling older technology for the benefit of the planet.

The rest other than screen is BYOAC.   

[BadMouth]

Looking at newegg the best deal is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883155220 

I think it is great on two fronts.  One you get a capable computer for emulation, the other is recycling older technology for the benefit of the planet.

The rest other than screen is BYOAC.   

3Ghz for same price with discount code EMCNJJH47
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883108664&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL011212&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL011212-_-EMC-011212-Index-_-DesktopPCs-_-83108664-L010A
40GB hard drive is still extremely limiting.

Personally I'd spend another $200 and build something new, but I enjoy building stuff.
It's why I can't stop this addiction hobby.

[Ridgefire]

Looking at newegg the best deal is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883155220 

I think it is great on two fronts.  One you get a capable computer for emulation, the other is recycling older technology for the benefit of the planet.

The rest other than screen is BYOAC.   

Thats pretty much what I'm using now to run Mame. I recycled an old computer I've had laying around. The whole point of this thread is I want to try and build a computer. But before I spend big bucks building a dream machine I thought I would start small and cheap... if that makes any sense.

[ark_ader]

If you are getting your A+ and you want a good lab PC then I would stay away from HP gear.

If it is just a PC for Mame, then the one I quoted for is the cheapest you can get, and you can take it apart and put it back together again to your heart or A+ manual's desire.


Just make sure you wear gloves as the insides can be quite sharp!