How to build a computer

[Nelth]

From the ground up.

This isn't a guide on what types of the parts I need to buy, or my budget. I need to know everything that a computer needs to run properly, I can research the optimal parts later.

So what do I need to build a computer?

[Blackllama]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw

Watch this series starting from here, it will probably be extremely useful.

First vid is parts though.

[Waffuls the Huntress]

Well, I'ma put some basic specs. If I miss anything, I'm sorry, Nelthy.

Tower:
1. Buy a "coolmaster," that has at least 6-8 spots for fans, preferably in the front, top, bottom, and side.
2. I prefer a "swinging door" tower, then when my card begins to overheat, I just open the door and let some of the heat out. Don't need, though.

Motherboard:
1. Spec this to match your CPU processor, if you buy an AMD processor, buy an AMD motherboard.
2. Check for slots and ports. Think on what you want to build. Does it need extra USB ports or another slot for a second graphics card? Make sure to get 4 slots for ram, so that you have room to improve.
3. I would suggest something spacious; my graphics card is placed under my processor and has overheated it before. Smaller boards have all the parts closer together, and it overheats faster and easier. For a gaming build, get a larger card.

Processor (CPU):
1. Again, spec to what your motherboard is.
2. The more cores to the processor, the smoother it will run and compute. 4 is fine, but more is best.
3. Buy Intel for the best gaming experience. If not that, then AMD.

Hard drive:
1. 1TB+
2. 7200 RPM
3. An option is a SSD, Solid State Drive, but it's expensive for a slight speed increase.

Graphics card:
1. At least 512MB of RAM, 1GB is best
2. Supports DirectX 11
3. Ability to CrossFire (Connecting two cards as one, optional)
4. DVI/HDMI support
5. Dual monitor support (Optional)

RAM:
1. Start with 2 4GB sticks.
2. Make sure to install CPUID so you can buy more RAM later down the road for improved performance.

Sound card: (Can't seem to find any specific specs to follow)
1. Optional, get this for best sound support (Gamers do not specifically need)
2. Decent "signal to noise ratio"
3. Large connectivity
4. Large wavelength
5. Multi-channel
6. MIDI support

Powersupply:
1. At least 500-650 watts. More, the better. Anything over 800W is not necessary.

Fans:
1. Will link you to fans. From my experience, there is only one brand that I trust to ACTUALLY do what it claims to do.

[Finniespin]

> atleast 512 video ram
> crossfire support
> directx 11

WRONG!

Bitches need atleast 1 giga ram.
crossfire no... Better buy 1 good rather than 2 crappy.
directx + 512 mb ram... Sure will work fine.

GF;HF

[Nelth]

I don't need you guys telling me wether kit kat is better than snickers, I just needed the necessary components that will allow it to function. Research is half the fun.

[Old Crow]

Make sure you check and double check all the specs on your parts. It is of vital importance when dealing with psu's that you get the right one, some are module which means you only use the required wires, while non modules have every wire in it but you gotta make sure it comes with the correct connections. Also make sure you have enough to run the graphics card that you get.

Don't forget thermal paste, and when you pick a case make sure your motherboard fits the case.

[Waffuls the Huntress]

> atleast 512 video ram
> crossfire support
> directx 11

WRONG!

Bitches need atleast 1 giga ram.
crossfire no... Better buy 1 good rather than 2 crappy.
directx + 512 mb ram... Sure will work fine.

GF;HF

I like how you quoted me wrong, Finnie. I put 1GB is best. And CrossFire support for him if he wishes to up the FPS without spending too much to upgrade to the next generation.

[Waffuls the Huntress]

Here's what I suggest:

Tower:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0365239

Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1415969&CatId=6975&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=iFudSkud_Rc-dFMpsJr9KLTYsEUT2RrtBg

Processor (CPU):
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details_ss.asp?EdpNo=7073161&Sku=I69-2500K&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=iFudSkud_Rc-hfBihP.gxzm01BzR0nleUw

Hard drive:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744346&CatId=2459&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=iFudSkud_Rc-3VIwt5KYF08Cy8EnrpYMQQ

Graphics card:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7191453&CatId=28&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=iFudSkud_Rc-6YHCJr6UwfeTwvtqQhCY_A

RAM: (Can get two instead of four, four is best performance)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7025816&Sku=C13-5706&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=iFudSkud_Rc-XuhXJIDZB7ckfM11Yu8Zgg

Sound card: (Optional)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4459743&Sku=C44-3400&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=iFudSkud_Rc-rBsJtr3YfPUaU1TFvBOi1g

Powersupply:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276573&Sku=ULT-LSP650&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=iFudSkud_Rc-wMr67yVqTieCL4m_yf59Iw

Fans: (Seven can fit in the case, noisy but efficient)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0322507

CPU Fan: (Would only buy if the CPU is overheating)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=581556&Sku=C13-2100&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=iFudSkud_Rc-bbiBDqPJ9aM.lhLy2UYkGA

Monitor(s):
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354438

CD/DVD reader:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0392825

Blu-Ray reader: (Optional)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0386987

Mouse: (Best for MMORPG)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0359825

Keyboard: (Anything works, but avoid wireless. Same for mice, it can lag from time to time and affect gameplay. v This one looks cool to me v)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0346716

Operating System (OS)/ Antivirus: (Not linking these)
Windows 7 -- 64 bit / ESET NOD32 < Fucking beastly AV, trust me

IF I MISSED ANYTHING, JUST HIT ME UP. But I really recommend this for a game-build.

[Old Crow]

But he said he did not want help picking the hardware 

[Boxman]

But he said he did not want help picking the hardware 

I know... I'm kind of pissed she linked all that shit.
None of which was even informational or helpful. Just fucking watch the video and learn.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1NxsHpaL_s" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1NxsHpaL_s</a>

[Waffuls the Huntress]

I asked if it was fine to send, and he said he didn't mind. :I

[Blackllama]

I'm going to assume everything matches, this is a rough outline of what needs to happen, but I don't really know what I'm talking about.

Put the motherboard in the case,
put the cpu in the motherboard (don't wreck the pins) and lock it in. 
Attach the heatsync. 
Put in RAM, space it correctly. 
Put HDD, SSD (if you are using one), disk drive, etc in and plug them into motherboard.
(assuming you don't have intergrated graphics) place your gpu in the slot and plug it in.
Put on fans and shit (unless you're doing liquid cooling)
Put in your PSU in and plug everything in.
Close the case.

That's roughly what needs to happen.


Like I said, the video series I linked you to, it is has videos of how to put hook everything up.  It's by newegg, they know their shit.  Watch it.  It's going to be more informative then any CG members text post by memory.

[Old Crow]

make sure you dont overtighten the motherboard screws. easy way to break a motherboard.

[Waffuls the Huntress]

Careful of the pins, too. Broke a pin off my my processor and they won't let you return it due to "installment damage."

[Boxman]

I asked if it was fine to send, and he said he didn't mind. :I

Sorry, I figured he didn't want parts since he was kind of like:

This isn't a guide on what types of the parts I need to buy, or my budget.

I'm the only one who doesn't have much advice to give you because I never had a problem piecing together my PC.. Though, I've snapped a motherboard in half before.