Any Good Guides For Building A Computer?

DragonMech

With me recently getting a new job, I'm seriously considering building my own PC in the next 4-6 months (or whenever I can earn 2K, and sell my current laptop + accessories). My 1337 machine is currently in the "List of parts on newegg" stage, but there is one thing really worrying me about building my own PC: I've never done anything like it before.

I would be buying the parts off the web - as I said, I've picked out pretty much every component I'd need - but I'm rather afraid of screwing up something and frying a 400$ video card (as of right now, a Sapphire X850XT ^_^) because I connected it to the wrong power connector, or missing a key part like a cable or whatnot and not being able to run my machine.

My question is this: does anyone know of a really good site, guide, froum or whatnot that could:

1) Check my parts for incompatibilities; will part X work with part Y and cable Z, etc.
and
2) Give some fairly detailed instructions on how to put together a rock solid rig.

I've been reading the manual for the motherboard I'm planning on getting and it's been a huge help; but it's also pointed out several things I didn't know that I needed to. I'm hoping that I can educate myself and prevent a costly mistake.

Much appreciated!
-DM



PS: 7000 posts! PH43R M3!

BaconTheory

Well you can PM me your invoice and I can help you out with compatibility, I've been there to build a computer and I know from experience that some parts won't work with each other. Some good resources:

<a href='http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/' target='_blank'>http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/</a>
<a href='http://arstechnica.com/guide/building/' target='_blank'>http://arstechnica.com/guide/building/</a>
<a href='http://www.mysuperpc.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.mysuperpc.com/</a>

I thought that Tom's Hardware had a very detailed guid on building a PC but I can't seem to find it at the moment. If you need help just email me or IM me.

DragonMech

Thanks! I'll send you a PM with the parts I'm looking at in a few minutes (Be warned: it's a long list! <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->)

Black_Viper

First off, the powersupply get a idea about how much power your going to need, the new processers require a lot on the +12v rail, meaning lots of AMPs on the connecter that goes on the mother board.


If you can, take a look at <a href='http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=792566' target='_blank'>this</a> guide.

Power supply is of course the last thing on the list, but dont go cheap on it if u got a killer rig.

Rapier7

Or, DragonMech, you can just follow the damn instructions that come with your motherboard.

7000 posts? Christ.

Edit:

Screw me for not reading all of your post.

Also, if you're going to build it in 4-6 months, just wait for the 7800GT to come out.

For PSUs, you can't go wrong with Fortron, OCZ, Enermax or PC P&C (though PC P&C is a bit overkill).

Assembling a computer is a lot like putting lego pieces together. The only thing I'd really watch out for is to make sure your heatsink is properly fixed on your CPU. Other than that, follow instructions and you'll be okay.

BaconTheory

Yeah for the power supply you really want to do your homework. You can find a power supply calculator like <a href='http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/' target='_blank'>this</a> on the web, but double check and make sure you meet the power requirements of your components. I've heard good things about the Antec TruePower units, and Antec is a very good company for PSUs.