Can you convince me to self build?

Madals

Madals

Madals

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Joined
2 Aug 2010
Posts
141
Location
Sussex
Well, after looking at all my options I am starting to consider building a system myself over a pre build system from OCUK.
The pre-build system I would get is a Ultima dreadnought with a 60GB SSD and a H70 cooler.

If I were to build myself - I would get this:
basket.jpg


Now, my budget is around £1500 so if I build myself I will still have a good amount left to make an upgrade (I am thinking of possible going to 12GB of ram for future proofing, although other suggestions are welcome).

Now with both systems I would want to go to 12GB of ram and also SLI with another GTX480 in about a year.

Now, obviously getting it pre-built is easier but more expensive (and also I believe I couldn't add more RAM later?) but building myself would save me quite a lot of money (which ultimately means a better system now).

However, I have never built a computer myself before and neither has anyone I know. I do know my way around the inside of a computer relatively well although to be fair a lot of it is over my head and looks very confusing.

The actual putting together isn't what concerns me most however, it is the overclocking. I have never looked to overclock and therefore am very nervous about doing it (heard of people breaking CPU's etc). Now really my aim is to get at least a 4.0GHz OC on the CPU although obviously more would be better. I might also consider overclocking the RAM/GPU if that is advisable?

Basically, I think I could build myself I am just nervous of breaking something/not getting a good overclock etc. Can anyone convince me it is worth it/re-assure me and also check over my planned build and suggest any changes/upgrades to make with the money I would save?

Thanks,
Madals
 
Didn't have much of a look over the spec but it looks good. Did you say you wanted SLI 480's? If so 750 watts probably isn't enough.

Look at the build guide at the top of this forum. Building is easy as long as you ground yourself and take your time to make sure you don't break anything.

As far as overclocking goes, there are many guides on the internet and as long as you don't go to extreme voltages there is very little danger of breaking a chip.

Pre-built: Guaranteed overclock + warranty, less power for your money

Self-built: Have to overclock yourself and you take responsibility for building it, more bang for your buck, you choose your components exactly as you want them.
 
forget 12gb ram because of future proofing
stick with 6gb
price of ram only go south or maybe not south but same price more capacity
2min job chucking old ram putting new in

build it yourself because its more fun, and you know where everything is. cos you done it yourself

don't worry about overclock, because the pc will work perfectly fine at stock speed.
get the pc up and running first before overclock.

if overclock fail, can always just run stock.
just dont put too much voltage to cpu and fried the thing.

still a fast pc even at stock speed.
 
I would get a decent air cooler rather than an H70. Something like a Fenrir is half the price, and not really any (or much) worse.

Then, I'd spend the difference getting a modular PSU - would be a fair amount neater and nicer to work with. Corsair's are good though.

Otherwise the system looks good.
 
Build it yourself - Simple. I say because it will give you a better understanding of your computer and its fun to do :) Also don't worry about the actual build there are plenty of online tutorials written and video for you to look at and here if you get stuck. The other reason not to worry is because everythin can go only go in one slot pretty much e.g. one 24 pin plug from power supply and only one 24pin plug on the motherboard.
 
Just to add to this:

I built a 2k computer in May - never built a PC before, the only thing I had ever done was change a graphics card and put a new Hard Drive in.

I am useless at most things involving handiwork but I found it relatively straightforward and relatively enjoyable too - besides you know you have saved money and every component is one you want in there (ie. no cheap parts). I would definitely recommend it - the OcUK guide pretty much takes you through every step of the build and youtube helps for the rest.
 
Change the HD to a Samsung F3
If you dont use encoding programs or have any other use for hyper threading then go i5 instead of i7 (although the sockets are likely discontinued shortly anyway)
Personally I've found OCZ memory has a terrible failure rate

Oh and SandyBridge is close to release - I would wait and see what it has to offer if you want to future proof.
 
I'm 16 and currently building my own computer, with VERY LITTLE knowledge on parts. The only thing i could do was change the ram in my laptop. I'm almost done with mine, with help from Google or Youtube just to familiarize myself with what goes where.
 
If you dont use encoding programs or have any other use for hyper threading then go i5 instead of i7
- my main reason for going i7 was the larger cache and also the triple channel memory as I was told it is a large preformance boost?

SandyBridge is close to release - I would wait and see what it has to offer if you want to future proof.
- How far away is "close to release" - I want to get the system by December at the latest.
 
If you can change or replace memory modules or hard drives then you definitely can build a computer. Just do some reading in advance.
 
As others have said, build the PC yourself. Once you have done it you will never want to go back to pre built. My guide at the top of the harware forum should help and is worth a read through before you start.

As for the OCZ ram I have never had a problem myself but have had with that exact Seagate drive in your spec. As others have said the Samsung F3 is a good drive.
 
Madals said:
If you dont use encoding programs or have any other use for hyper threading then go i5 instead of i7
- my main reason for going i7 was the larger cache and also the triple channel memory as I was told it is a large preformance boost?

SandyBridge is close to release - I would wait and see what it has to offer if you want to future proof.
- How far away is "close to release" - I want to get the system by December at the latest.
Click to expand...

Triple channel is less of a boost than it is made out to be, and only really noticeable in benchmarks.

To be honest, whilst the sockets now may not be future proof, in that the sockets won't support new processors, they are future proof in that they are reaaaly powerful, and so you won't need a new processor for many years. That's future proofing to me...
 
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