Getting a PC together

[AMEX]

Now that I have solved my little problem with MI Explorer, now that I have broadband, I think it is time for me to upgrade my good old PC. Having looked around most of the stuffs seem to come as part of a package. Free Printer, free webcam, free this and free that. Well, it s all very nice and there are some bargain around but all I need is a new computer, not a new screen or keyboard so I have in mind to build my own one.
I find it an interesting experience but I could do with the assistance of a book or website. Does anyone knows where I could find the informations I need to buy the righ motherboard compatible with the components ?
I had a look at PC world, dab.com where you can buy anything you need but what do I really need ?

Cheers for the advice, first hand experience and suggestions

[whisperer]

well to be honest a lot will depend upon the spec of your current machine, and what you intend to use the new one for.
If you are only going to use it for word processing, e-mail and web browsing, then do you really need the power of the all singing, all dancing, GTI TURBO version? Then again, if you are a serious gamer you will need all the above.
There are so many variables out there, mother board choice, on board sound/video (good for basic users), AMD/Intel chipset...the list is endless.....
For what its worth i just rebuilt for aprox £300 with some parts of my old machine (case, PSU, sound card.....)
I hope your hair is not on fire now:D

[Squawk7777]

AMEX

voila

Motherboards (http://www.motherboards.org/)

7 7 7 7

[idgas]

Have a look at...

Computer Fairs (http://www.computer-fairs.co.uk/)

Cheers, :cool:

[lfalconer]

Best advice - don't go for the dodgy cheap brands.

My favourites:
Motherboards - ASUS, Gigabyte, Aopen
CPU - AMD (cause they're cheaper and do the job - BUT make sure you have an aftermarket fan, standard size fans don't do the job)
Hard disk (IDE)- Seagate (look for low seek time), IBM
Video - Leadtek, Hercules
Sound - creative.. I'm not up on the latest DD5.1 technology for PC.
Minimum 256MB RAM
Funky looking case with 300W Power supply.

Whenever buying a product, check Toms Hardware (http://www.tomshardware.com/). See how they perform and purchase whatever suits your budget. When buying a CPU - I go for the middle of the range in terms of speed.. never buy the most expensive because in two weeks you can guarantee it'll be cheaper. I always go for the latest and greatest motherboards.. stay away from onboard video cards if you're after performance.. onboard audio isn't such a worry... just disable that in the BIOS.

Build it yourself.. it doesn't take long.. about an hour or two if you're a newbie.. Plug it all together using antistatic precautions, follow the manuals provided.. connect your power/hdd/reset/pc speaker leads, set the CPU clock speed and you're all done.

If you've got plenty of $$$, forget the IDE Hard disks, go for Ultra3 SCSI or whatever the latest is.. that will require both PCI SCSI controller, Wide SCSI (68-pin) cable and the SCSI drive itself. They're heaps faster.. and make a huge difference. Make sure you get an extra fan inside to keep it cool.


Good luck with it.

[AMEX]

Hey just back from a trip and here I am with plenty of advice. Thanks, I ll have a look at all the above.
I'll go a a fast and powerful machine but at a very reasonable cost. Shame my case is too small, nothing fits.

Merci ;)