Gotta (okay wanna) build a new computer

thebullfrog · **on:** November 30, 2010, 04:49:47 AM

A couple days ago my laptop decided to give up the ghost finally. It's been coming for a while. One of the hard drives died. Luckily I noticed it was about to happen and managed to make copies of all my important crap onto both drives before it died. Waiting on my external enclosure to be delivered so I can copy what I need onto my GF's laptop which I'm using now. Now technically, yes, yes I can replace the HD, reinstall the OS and move on with life, but that laptop has many other problems and isn't worth trying to fix any more, not to mention being 4 years old. This is a sign it's time to move on. Otherwise known as an excuse to build a new desktop gaming rig

. Can't do it till after I move and grab a new job up there, but I already have a good idea of what I'm going to build and have all the parts more or less picked out. Making a few shortcuts to keep it under budget, but making sure I have a solid foundation for future upgrades as I can afford them. I should have no problem keeping it current for a couple years, and keeping it reasonably competitive for a bit beyond that. Man I can't wait, been a couple years since I've done a complete build, and finally having a new rig that is up to date again will be oh so nice. I decided to expand my horizons a bit (and save some money) and decided this will be my first AMD/ATi system. I'm traditionally an Intel and Nvidia guy, but decided to try something different. My GF said she'll spot me at least some of the money (I think she just wants her gaming laptop back lol) so hopefully won't be too long before I can get it done. So excited. Moving, building a new comp, gonna have to get a new job, got me my new manpurse today...man, sometimes life is good.

sawman · **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2010, 11:21:56 AM

Luckilly computers cost a bit less these days. Good luck finding what will suit your needs from within your budget.

Reinier · **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2010, 02:01:13 PM

So, now you need a CyberTool

thebullfrog · **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2010, 02:38:53 PM

Haha, already have a Cybertool

Already found what I need more or less within my budget. When it comes time to actually buy the stuff I'll tweak it a bit I'm sure, but it's more or less already figured out. Should cost me about $900 including the monitor. I could technically meet the specs I want a bit cheaper in a couple areas, but I wanna make sure it can easily handle future processor and video card upgrades without having to replace too much, so it'll be cheaper in the long run.

Threeme2189 · **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2010, 02:50:46 PM

Good luck!!
And if you need some help with part suggestions, etc' I warmly suggest you visit http://www.ocforums.com/
Those guys are almost as nice as the people on this forum

thebullfrog · **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2010, 02:59:29 PM

Yeah, I've lurked there once or twice doing homework. I will almost certainly be doing a bit of overclocking, especially since my budget restraints may stick me with a dual core for the time being. Gotta try to unlock another core or two and see how high I can run it. That is one nice thing about AMD, they make it easy to get a lot more than what you originally paid for.

Whoey · **Reply #6 on:** November 30, 2010, 08:52:59 PM

I used to enjoy building, but these days you can get some really nice kit from the big guys, since they tend to buy parts in the millions, they seem to get a good rebate... and pass it on, compared to parts pricing for us mere mortals.

Pacu · **Reply #7 on:** November 30, 2010, 10:24:40 PM

i built my amd phenon x4 desktop last feb.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,17134.0.html

I was a big learning process but well worth it.

Go modular power supply, forget the fancy led lighted fans...nice at first but then ..meh

my next project is a video capture card install

good luck with your build.

thebullfrog · **Reply #8 on:** December 01, 2010, 03:45:28 AM

I know in many ways it's easier and these often cheaper to just buy a system, but I've just been really itching to do another build for quite a while now. As for LED fans..yeah that's part of the plan lol. I've never done a "showy" system before and decided it'd be fun to do this time around. There's a few ways I could be a bit more pragmatic with the build, especially given my budget, but I really wanna take the opportunity to have some fun with this one since I know it'll be a good long while before I get a chance to do it again. So yeah, a case with a window and plenty of glowing fans lol.