Building your own computer
 

I am going to build my first computer over winter break before spring semester starts, and was curious if anyone on AP has built their own before?

I have a couple friends who are huge into this, and it absolutely blows my mind that it's possible. I don't have the analytical or mechanical ability to even process it, so I'm probably blowing out of proportion just how complex it is, but it's impressive nonetheless. All I really have to say on this topic, sorry I couldn't offer you anything productive.

No worries. I actually am really novice at PC's, and I have been a mac user for four years now. But if you ever have the time, some of the "how to build" type videos on youtube are really helpful and show how easy it actually is. The concept was very daunting at first, but with self research it seems to get easier and easier sounding.

Yea, I'm actually going to update my build in about a month. Are you building gaming/editing, or just general use?

It might seem intimidating to some, but its really not that hard when you get into it.

i've built two

Or for the lazy folk

On topic though, I want to do this someday, when I actually have money to do it.

My friend built his own and spent about $1,200. It was a beautiful machine.

It's a lot easier than it sounds/looks, it might be a bit intimidating but really, all you are doing is slotting things into the right places. The only thing you might cock-up on is applying thermal paste the CPU if you've never done it before, but just read the manual or google it if you aren't too sure.

I like to do a quick build outside of the case first to make sure that everything is working OK and that nothing is DOA, before I put it all inside the case and wonder why x isn't working.

I'm currently planning on making a gaming PC this year, just need to nail down the right configuration for the right price.

Yep, and like every like else has said, it's not that hard once you get started.

Making sure you choose the right parts/good matches for your needs, is the hardest part.

This, hahaha.

I haven't yet, but mainly because I don't have the money for it. From what I've read, it's really not that hard to do. reddit.com/r/buildapc has a fantastic community that helps people out with building PC's.

My dad built a computer a few years ago...

It's not the easiest thing in the world, but putting together a simple computer really isn't that difficult either

Motherboard, hard drive... there's not much more to it

Of course you can take it to the extreme and put tons of shit on it, making it more complicated, but I think the average person could probably build their own computer without too much trouble... I'd suggest looking around online for some manuals/troubleshooting guides

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out/pictures

Oh, and go to newegg.com and search for "Super Combo's". It'll bring up combo's that you can purchase that are all compatible.

http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc will help a lot.

Also, I work for a company that custom builds PC's. We use all Intel parts (motherboards and processors), EVGA graphics cards, and Western Digital hard drives (Stay Away from Seagate, Samsung, or Toshiba!)