Advice for first time PC builder!

npage

npage

npage

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10 Sep 2008
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Hi guys,

Its about time I got a new computer seeing as I've had my laptop for three years, and now I want to get a decent desktop. I'm a web designer by trade, so have some specific requirements. Somebody has suggested that I build my own. At first, the thought scared the hell out of me, but on doing some research it seems its no so hard as I first thought.

It will need to be able to cope easily with the Adobe web creative suite, and anything else I can throw at it, so I'd like a pretty powerful machine.

I have a budget of around £800, so hopefully this is enough to get myself a top-spec machine.

Would anybody be able to give me some useful resoruces on exactly how to build the computer (I've found some, not sure how good they are yet) and also maybe spec me some components? I'm happy to get all I need from overclockers :)

I've been recommended a Lian Li case, not sure if this is good or bad, but there we go.

Any help is very much appreciated

Cheers
 
My advice make sure there is tim on the hsf and don't hold the power button in which is what I did with my first pc smoke from pc and a dead cpu. Is that price inc a monitor? I'd really recommend a 24" widescreen if you can get ont they're great xD.
 
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I'm just reading through the guide posted at the top of the forum. Should help me.

The £800 budget is including everything, so I'm hopeful it should be enough to sort me out.

Sorry for being a plonker, but what does "make sure there is tim on the hsf" mean?
 
You're not being a plonker I did think you might not know what I mean. tim = thermal interface material and ensures there is good contact between the hsf (heat sink fan) and the processor. Tbh if you get a new hsf it is usually preapplied so you won't need to worry about it. Also you're 800GBP (german keyboard here so no pound sign) is fine.
 
I would look at getting the OVerclockers 'bundles' - cheaper than buying the componets on their own and they are prooven to work well together.
 
npage said:
Excellent!

This might be another daft question, but do the parts come with instructions of how to install them?
Click to expand...
Some of the parts will, for example motherboard manuals will *often* have step by step guides. Alternatively just do a quick search on google for installing a graphics card etc.
 
Ok, great. I must admit I'm really looking forward to having a crack at it. Sure I'll learn loads along the way aswell!

Thanks for all your help.

I'm gonna go through the ultimate guide, and then go for it.
 
This month's CustomPC magazine (possibly every month, but I only have the one issue which I bought for something to read at the airport :D ) has a good step-by-step guide with photos of how to install the basic components of a PC.
 
yeah CustomPC is a good magazine to read specially if you're starting with computer stuff. I stopped reading it after I found that I'd already read all of the new online tough :P
 
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