Looking to build a new desktop from scratch - Need parts guidance!

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KilSetY

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Hey, I plan on making a new pc myself instead of buying one. Ever since I got this last computer, I've been afraid that most brands of desktops aren't worth the money. I've heard plenty of stories where people make computers themselves and get a resulting computer that's as good as something that costs 1.5x as much as they spent.

So.. Where to start. First off, I would love to know what a few good parts are for mid-range graphics when gaming (most/any games aside from high-end rig requiring ones). I would like something reliable but not costly, but anything that would contribute to a computer that costs between $800 and $1400 to build would be ok I hope.

I need suggestions for:

Case
PSU
GPU
HDD size and brand
MOBO's - no clue about these really at all
Processors
Information on any other components or hardware I would want in a pc

I'm not exactly what anyone would call a computer guru, I have hardly a clue what I'm doing besides putting it together. I know what I believe are the basics for the PSU, which helps me figure out what's going to be compatible power-wise. Aside from that, not really sure what parts are needed for what I want to do..

Custom build suggestions you have with a full parts list in the price range I stated is definitely appreciated. If you have information on pricing for what I'm aiming to build, even without the parts listed, I'd be happy. I'm not planning on doing this a week from now or anything, but I do want to know what I'm getting into.


Feel free to ask ANY questions. I plan on posting a few cases I'm interested in to get started, along with an acceptable psu. I'll be editing this post to include any parts I'm interested in. Feedback is greatly appreciated.


EDIT:
What I've come across so far--



PSU:
Cooler Master SPG 800w (Modular) - $150-200
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6659


Thermaltake TR2 800P - ~$120
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1266&ID=1938

The Skinny:
-SPG 800w is 80+Gold rated, has an ultra-silent* fan (big turn-on. Costs a bit much.
-TR2 800P is 80+Bronze rated which is meh, no silencing fan. Much cheaper.

Not sure about the technical differences, you'd have to mention them. The voltage and amperage is similar but I think the TR2 800P is more powerful overall which might be a bad thing...?
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Looking at your budget you should be able to build a reasonble spec machine

Give us an idea what sort of stuff you are thinking of and we can give you some advice there just to much out there to choose from
What are the main uses of the machine is it primarily gaming ?
Intel/AMD
Nvidia/ATI
Big case/small case
Any add on ideas Sata3/USB3/card readers etc
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win7 Ultimate X64Intel i5 3570K8GB DDR3 1600Onboard
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Pauly Special
OS
Win7 Ultimate X64
CPU
Intel i5 3570K
Motherboard
Gigabyte Z77X-DS3H
Memory
8GB DDR3 1600
Graphics Card(s)
Onboard
Sound Card
Onboard
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
Samsung 840 Evo SSD (OS)
1TB Spinner (Data)
PSU
800W Arctic
Case
Cooler Master
Cooling
3x120mm Fans
Keyboard
MS Wireless
Mouse
MS Wireless
Internet Speed
20M
Yeah, the big question is gaming or work or average or all in one use. All these have completely different parts from eachother. one u specify what it is for, report back and we can try to help u
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x86Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz1GB DDR2 667MHzOverclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Packard Bell iMedia 2218 -- Has Been Running For Almost 7 Years!
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x86
CPU
Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz
Motherboard
Socket 775 MCP73VT-PM
Memory
1GB DDR2 667MHz
Graphics Card(s)
Overclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Audigy 570
Monitor(s) Displays
19" LCD Monitor; MW19E-AAA
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
500gb 7200rpm (Windows 7) ---
160gb 7200rpm (Backup) ---
1TB Iomega External Drive (7200rpm)
PSU
250w Packard Bell Standard
Case
Packard Bell standard
Cooling
Intel Socket 775 Air Cooler
Keyboard
Wired PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Wireless USB Mouse
Internet Speed
Wireles --- Download - 6.63 Mbps Upload - 0.38 Mbps
Other Info
Currently Planning To Build New Computer --- Also Got A Samsung Galaxy Ace II (Plays All Games You Throw At It)
As far as the PSU, I always recommend Corsair, Seasonic and Antes. Those are probably 3 of the better quality PSU's on the market. Do not skimp on the PSU as it is the heart of your system and a poor quality one can take your whole computer out. But, before deciding on the PSU size, you need to decide what the other components of your computer are. That is going to dictate what size PSU you need. And, always buy a bigger PSU than is necessary. It will run cooler, last longer and allow for future upgrades.

What type CPU are you thinking about and what Graphics card? I would start my planning by picking what CPU I wanted, then build the rig around that. Whether you buy from there or not, do your research on Newegg. Look up the components you are considering and spend the time reading the user feedback. They are the people who bought that part and much can be learned from them.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProRyzen 9 5900X32GB G Skill DDR4-3600EVGA RTX 3080 FTW 3 Ultra
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
    ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900X
    Motherboard
    Asus X570 Crosshair Viii Hero
    Memory
    32GB G Skill DDR4-3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 3080 FTW 3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    On Board/Sennheiser PC37X Headset
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 X Asus 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2 X 1 TB NVME drives
    PSU
    EVGA 850
    Case
    Phanteks Eclipse P400A
    Cooling
    EVGA 280 AIO
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510s/ Logitech G13
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    24/1
    Antivirus
    ESET/MBAM Pro/SAS Pro
    Browser
    Chrome/ Firefox/ Edge

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel Ultra 9 288V32 GB LPDDR5X 8533
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model Number
    Dell 16 Plus
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Ultra 9 288V
    Memory
    32 GB LPDDR5X 8533
    Monitor(s) Displays
    16" Mini-LED HDR600 Touch 90 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    2560X1600
    Hard Drives
    1 TB NVME
Yeah we will need what the pc is for to even do anything about it
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x86Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz1GB DDR2 667MHzOverclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Packard Bell iMedia 2218 -- Has Been Running For Almost 7 Years!
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x86
CPU
Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz
Motherboard
Socket 775 MCP73VT-PM
Memory
1GB DDR2 667MHz
Graphics Card(s)
Overclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Audigy 570
Monitor(s) Displays
19" LCD Monitor; MW19E-AAA
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
500gb 7200rpm (Windows 7) ---
160gb 7200rpm (Backup) ---
1TB Iomega External Drive (7200rpm)
PSU
250w Packard Bell Standard
Case
Packard Bell standard
Cooling
Intel Socket 775 Air Cooler
Keyboard
Wired PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Wireless USB Mouse
Internet Speed
Wireles --- Download - 6.63 Mbps Upload - 0.38 Mbps
Other Info
Currently Planning To Build New Computer --- Also Got A Samsung Galaxy Ace II (Plays All Games You Throw At It)
KilSetY said:
Hey, I plan on making a new pc myself instead of buying one. Ever since I got this last computer, I've been afraid that most brands of desktops aren't worth the money. I've heard plenty of stories where people make computers themselves and get a resulting computer that's as good as something that costs 1.5x as much as they spent.

So.. Where to start. First off, I would love to know what a few good parts are for mid-range graphics when gaming (most/any games aside from high-end rig requiring ones). I would like something reliable but not costly, but anything that would contribute to a computer that costs between $800 and $1400 to build would be ok I hope.

I need suggestions for:

Case
PSU
GPU
HDD size and brand
MOBO's - no clue about these really at all
Processors
Information on any other components or hardware I would want in a pc

I'm not exactly what anyone would call a computer guru, I have hardly a clue what I'm doing besides putting it together. I know what I believe are the basics for the PSU, which helps me figure out what's going to be compatible power-wise. Aside from that, not really sure what parts are needed for what I want to do..

Custom build suggestions you have with a full parts list in the price range I stated is definitely appreciated. If you have information on pricing for what I'm aiming to build, even without the parts listed, I'd be happy. I'm not planning on doing this a week from now or anything, but I do want to know what I'm getting into.


Feel free to ask ANY questions. I plan on posting a few cases I'm interested in to get started, along with an acceptable psu. I'll be editing this post to include any parts I'm interested in. Feedback is greatly appreciated.


EDIT:
What I've come across so far--



PSU:
Cooler Master SPG 800w (Modular) - $150-200
Silent Pro Gold 800W - Cooler Master - Leading Provider of Computer Case, Cooler, Power Supply, Laptop Cooling, Gaming Peripherals


Thermaltake TR2 800P - ~$120
Thermaltakeusa*»*Power Supply*»*80PLUS Power Supply*»*TR2 800W : TR2 800W TR-800P

The Skinny:
-SPG 800w is 80+Gold rated, has an ultra-silent* fan (big turn-on. Costs a bit much.
-TR2 800P is 80+Bronze rated which is meh, no silencing fan. Much cheaper.

Not sure about the technical differences, you'd have to mention them. The voltage and amperage is similar but I think the TR2 800P is more powerful overall which might be a bad thing...?
Click to expand...


Hi again,

1. Write down what you would like to use your PC for (witch games would you like to play, etc...);

2. You know how much $ you can spend, and with that amount, you can build a serious machine ;)

3. Never save money on the PSU! that is the most important part , because everything depends on it!
Newegg.com - CORSAIR HX Series HX750 750W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply ;
4. For your GPU i recommend you a Nvidia (Must be DDR5 if you want high frame rate)
Newegg.com - EVGA SuperClocked 01G-P4-2652-KR GeForce GTX 650 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card ;
5. Intel CPU (i5 2500K will do the job) rather then AMD (my opinion)
Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I52500K ;
6. ASROCK motherboards, or ASUS (If i were you)
Newegg.com - ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard ;
7. 8 Gb of DDR3 ram @ 1333
Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model KHX1333C9D3B1K2/8G ;
8. Your case will need to have brackets for 12 cm fans
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ;
9. For the CPU cooler i would go for a Noctua
Newegg.com - Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler ;
10. Most important of all is that the components match each other (CPU matches the mobo socket, ram....);

Wish you luck!

p.s. all of these components i mentioned all together cost ~800$ :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 x86 UltimateIntel Pentium 4 (3.2GHz) @3.6GHz3 GB DDR2 (2GB @800MHz + 1GB @533MHz)-3 inuvi...ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Me, Myself and I (:
OS
Windows 7 x86 Ultimate
CPU
Intel Pentium 4 (3.2GHz) @3.6GHz
Motherboard
Asus P5N-D SLI
Memory
3 GB DDR2 (2GB @800MHz + 1GB @533MHz)-3 inuvidual sticks
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 170p 17" DVI/VGA
Screen Resolution
1280x1024 @60 Hz
Hard Drives
WDC WD400BD-08LRAO 40 GB Blue Caviar-Sata II
PSU
LC-Power LC6480S Scorpio-480W 18A@ +12V
Cooling
CPU~Arctic Freezer 7 Pro; 2 92mm case fans; HDD fan;
Keyboard
Logitec Usb
Mouse
Dell optical mouse Usb
Internet Speed
2 Mb/s
Other Info
SOLD MY PC 6 MONTHS AGO IN ORDER TO BUY A MOTORCYCLE :D I don't need a PC :D
petko131 said:
1. Write down what you would like to use your PC for (witch games would you like to play, etc...);
Click to expand...

~with this, you could play any game :P
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 x86 UltimateIntel Pentium 4 (3.2GHz) @3.6GHz3 GB DDR2 (2GB @800MHz + 1GB @533MHz)-3 inuvi...ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Me, Myself and I (:
OS
Windows 7 x86 Ultimate
CPU
Intel Pentium 4 (3.2GHz) @3.6GHz
Motherboard
Asus P5N-D SLI
Memory
3 GB DDR2 (2GB @800MHz + 1GB @533MHz)-3 inuvidual sticks
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 170p 17" DVI/VGA
Screen Resolution
1280x1024 @60 Hz
Hard Drives
WDC WD400BD-08LRAO 40 GB Blue Caviar-Sata II
PSU
LC-Power LC6480S Scorpio-480W 18A@ +12V
Cooling
CPU~Arctic Freezer 7 Pro; 2 92mm case fans; HDD fan;
Keyboard
Logitec Usb
Mouse
Dell optical mouse Usb
Internet Speed
2 Mb/s
Other Info
SOLD MY PC 6 MONTHS AGO IN ORDER TO BUY A MOTORCYCLE :D I don't need a PC :D
Consider gettinv the 3570k instead
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x86Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz1GB DDR2 667MHzOverclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Packard Bell iMedia 2218 -- Has Been Running For Almost 7 Years!
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x86
CPU
Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz
Motherboard
Socket 775 MCP73VT-PM
Memory
1GB DDR2 667MHz
Graphics Card(s)
Overclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Audigy 570
Monitor(s) Displays
19" LCD Monitor; MW19E-AAA
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
500gb 7200rpm (Windows 7) ---
160gb 7200rpm (Backup) ---
1TB Iomega External Drive (7200rpm)
PSU
250w Packard Bell Standard
Case
Packard Bell standard
Cooling
Intel Socket 775 Air Cooler
Keyboard
Wired PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Wireless USB Mouse
Internet Speed
Wireles --- Download - 6.63 Mbps Upload - 0.38 Mbps
Other Info
Currently Planning To Build New Computer --- Also Got A Samsung Galaxy Ace II (Plays All Games You Throw At It)
Maybe strech and get 660 ti
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x86Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz1GB DDR2 667MHzOverclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Packard Bell iMedia 2218 -- Has Been Running For Almost 7 Years!
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x86
CPU
Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz
Motherboard
Socket 775 MCP73VT-PM
Memory
1GB DDR2 667MHz
Graphics Card(s)
Overclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Audigy 570
Monitor(s) Displays
19" LCD Monitor; MW19E-AAA
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
500gb 7200rpm (Windows 7) ---
160gb 7200rpm (Backup) ---
1TB Iomega External Drive (7200rpm)
PSU
250w Packard Bell Standard
Case
Packard Bell standard
Cooling
Intel Socket 775 Air Cooler
Keyboard
Wired PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Wireless USB Mouse
Internet Speed
Wireles --- Download - 6.63 Mbps Upload - 0.38 Mbps
Other Info
Currently Planning To Build New Computer --- Also Got A Samsung Galaxy Ace II (Plays All Games You Throw At It)

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 x86 UltimateIntel Pentium 4 (3.2GHz) @3.6GHz3 GB DDR2 (2GB @800MHz + 1GB @533MHz)-3 inuvi...ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Me, Myself and I (:
OS
Windows 7 x86 Ultimate
CPU
Intel Pentium 4 (3.2GHz) @3.6GHz
Motherboard
Asus P5N-D SLI
Memory
3 GB DDR2 (2GB @800MHz + 1GB @533MHz)-3 inuvidual sticks
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 170p 17" DVI/VGA
Screen Resolution
1280x1024 @60 Hz
Hard Drives
WDC WD400BD-08LRAO 40 GB Blue Caviar-Sata II
PSU
LC-Power LC6480S Scorpio-480W 18A@ +12V
Cooling
CPU~Arctic Freezer 7 Pro; 2 92mm case fans; HDD fan;
Keyboard
Logitec Usb
Mouse
Dell optical mouse Usb
Internet Speed
2 Mb/s
Other Info
SOLD MY PC 6 MONTHS AGO IN ORDER TO BUY A MOTORCYCLE :D I don't need a PC :D
It would be worth it. The extra cash will pay off in fps
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x86Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz1GB DDR2 667MHzOverclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Packard Bell iMedia 2218 -- Has Been Running For Almost 7 Years!
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x86
CPU
Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz
Motherboard
Socket 775 MCP73VT-PM
Memory
1GB DDR2 667MHz
Graphics Card(s)
Overclocked Asus ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512MB
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Audigy 570
Monitor(s) Displays
19" LCD Monitor; MW19E-AAA
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
500gb 7200rpm (Windows 7) ---
160gb 7200rpm (Backup) ---
1TB Iomega External Drive (7200rpm)
PSU
250w Packard Bell Standard
Case
Packard Bell standard
Cooling
Intel Socket 775 Air Cooler
Keyboard
Wired PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Wireless USB Mouse
Internet Speed
Wireles --- Download - 6.63 Mbps Upload - 0.38 Mbps
Other Info
Currently Planning To Build New Computer --- Also Got A Samsung Galaxy Ace II (Plays All Games You Throw At It)
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