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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
As I try to decide on a new computer, I keep coming across the option to build your own.
I know this can be as simple as going to a major manufacturer and picking from a list of options and having the company put it together, but I also wondered how difficult is it to buy and assemble a "bare bones kit" (something I think I saw at Tiger Direct) and assemble it yourself?
How much skill is required?
Is it easier or harder than Ikea?
How much knowledge of Geekspeak is required?
I know there are some professional computer guys and gals out there who have probably done this in their sleep but is it something an average Joe (or Joan) should attempt?
What are the pros and cons and what are the resources available, especially if you get into trouble?
Curious Carkins
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Expert
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Joined: Jun 2003
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I built a desktop PC about a year and a half ago and found the process to be pretty simple. I used free tutorials and instructions at this web site. I'm not someone who is good at building things so if I can do it, anyone can. You have to know how to read.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
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I've built all of mine since before 1990. It gets easier each time, not just from the experience, but from the parts. There are far fewer wrong choices in assembly.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Built 3 for myself, and who knows how many for work. It was enjoyable at one time, but now I stress about making it the BEST quiet PC for the money - I'm over doing that. Can get a cheap laptop that is way quieter than I can make the desktop quietly for quite a bit less money. Problem with laptops is lifetime is short.
-Scott
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Try looking at some PC type "fair" or "Convention." I had one made in 30 minutes with a 2 year warranty. It cost me 1/2 of what the store brands were charging at the time and it had better specs. If you are in California, the Pomona Fair hosts PC conventions about twice a month. I got mine there a few years ago.
Trax
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Quote:
Try looking at some PC type "fair" or "Convention." I had one made in 30 minutes with a 2 year warranty. It cost me 1/2 of what the store brands were charging at the time and it had better specs. If you are in California, the Pomona Fair hosts PC conventions about twice a month. I got mine there a few years ago.
Trax
Boom, done - great idea. If you are building a PC for home audio stuff, try to get a quiet case, fans, etc. Antec Sonata used to be the ticket. Silent PC Review is the place that keeps track of all of this. In the end, however, most laptops are quieter.
-Scott
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Honestly, I have built them in as little as 30 minutes. The software load take a little while once you have it built, but the plugs only go into one place and one way, the memory is notched so it can't go in wrong, and with some research and well directed questions to help you understand how to fit options to your application, it is as close to a no brainer as you will get. For example, if you use CAD or play games with a lot of precise and detailed graphics, you want a higher end video card. Are you going to use an internal interface for your music or an external (USB) like an M-Audio?
I suggest that the areas you do not skimp are your monitor(s) and the RAM. Get at least 8gb of RAM. Newer motherboards will have several options for RAM depending on form factor. If you get a motherboard with 3 slots, 2 4gb chips will do you. Also get at least a terrabyte drive and one that runs at 10,000 RPM. (Can you even buy 5400 and 7200 RPM drives anymore?) Basically the idea is to buy as big as you can with an eye on one year from now. Make sure your new board has a lot of USB ports. While you can use a hub, a lot of devices want to be connected directly to the motherboard for power requirements. The last PC I built had 6 USB ports and 4 RAM slots. Motherboard, CPU, cooling fan, 4gb of RAM cost me like $110. I then added my existing 4gb of RAM and my dual head video card to run dual 22 inch flat panels, my hard drive, 2 DVD drives....
Don't let it scare you. Computers are dumb machines. Humans add the intelligence.
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Journeyman
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Thanks. Lots of good info! Makes it seem pretty cut and dry if you are careful. I also checked out youtube.com and there are quite a few related step by step videos. Here's one from start to finish which is quite detailed though it does not include an extra video or sound card install. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkykETgkoo&feature=relatedAfter a bit more research, may give it a try. Carkins
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