Building your own computer

Chips

New member
Member
VIP
Local time
9:31 AM
Messages
204
How novice friendly are modern computers to build yourself? Much if any soldering needed? Is it just a case of "plug 'n' play", clip the parts into place like making an advanced Lego set, or am I looking at doing lots of sweating and mind numbing studying of manuels before I can put one together? Do all parts come with easy to follow "Airfix" type instructions to show how you fit them?
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
OS
Windows 10
Are you refering to the normal buy a gpu and smack it into the pci slot, or are you talking about making our own motherboard?
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom built
OS
64bit Windows 10
CPU
Intel i9
Motherboard
MSI X299 Carbon pro
Memory
64g-8x8gig DDR4 3600
Graphics Card(s)
Asus ROg Strix 1080ti
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung 49" Odyssey g9
Screen Resolution
5210x1440
Hard Drives
1 x 512GB m.2 OS Drive
2 x 512gb ssd
1 x 2tb

4x 1TB's
PSU
Corsair AX1200w
Case
Silverstone TJ11 B-W
Cooling
AIC
Keyboard
Asus Rog Claymore 2
Mouse
Asus Rog Apatha
Internet Speed
1gb Fibre
No soldering.

Tools needed: small Phillips screwdriver. Rarely anything else.

Included instructions will be poor to mediocre. Online, you can find lots of help; including this site.

The assembly per se is easy and can be taught in a few hours or an attempt or two.

Choosing the right parts and getting them to perform after assembly is another issue--more difficult.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Ignatz Special; 4 speed manual gearbox; factory air conditioning; one of one
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
CPU
Intel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked
Motherboard
AsRock Z170M Extreme 4, micro ATX
Memory
8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)
Graphics Card(s)
none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Sound Card
onboard: Realtek ALC1150; external: USB Behringer UF0-202
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2340M 23 inch IPS
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
System: Crucial MX100 series SSD, 128 GB;
Data: Samsung Spinpoint 103SJ, 1 TB;
Backup: WD Caviar Green WD30EZRX-00D8PB0, 3 TB
PSU
Rosewill SilentNight 500 watt fanless, semi-modular
Case
Antec Solo II
Cooling
Noctua NH-U12S; Noctua F12 intake, Noctua S12A exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft 200 6JH-00001 USB
Mouse
Dell or Microsoft optical wired; USB
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Pale Moon
Other Info
All fans PWM; speeds at idle: CPU circa 500 rpm; intake circa 600 rpm; exhaust circa 600 rpm; CPU temps 27 idle and 47 C load in a warm room (27 C/81 F) when running Intel Extreme Tuning Utility stress test.
Many of us here, myself included, have built our own systems. At first, it might seem a daunting prospect, but, despite their perceived complexity, they are relatively straight forward and you should be able to complete the build in 2-3 hours.

The key is not to rush things, and always have your manuals available to refer to. With the exception of some motherboard headers, all cables will only fit in one orientation (the typical exception being the front panel connectors - power/reset/leds - as these are sometimes in the form of individually wired connectors as opposed to a block unit). If in doubt as to how they connect, refer to the manual and markings on the leads themselves.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dwarf Dwf/11/2012 r09/2013
OS
Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64
CPU
Intel Core-i5-3570K 4-core @ 3.4GHz (Ivy Bridge) (OC 4.4GHz)
Motherboard
ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M
Memory
4 x 4GB DDR3-1600 Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B (16GB)
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GeForce GTX770 Gaming OC 2GB
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition on board solution (ALC 898)
Monitor(s) Displays
ViewSonic VA1912w Widescreen (VGA)
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility 3 SSD 120GB SATA III x2 (RAID 0)
Samsung HD501LJ 500GB SATA II x2
Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 1TB SATA II
Iomega 1.5TB Ext USB 2.0
WD 2.0TB Ext USB 3.0
PSU
XFX Pro Series 850W Semi-Modular
Case
Gigabyte IF233
Cooling
1 x 120mm Front Inlet 1 x 120mm Rear Exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 3000 (USB)
Mouse
Microsoft Comfort Mouse 3000 for Business (USB)
Internet Speed
NetGear DG834Gv3 ADSL Modem/Router (Ethernet) ~4.0 Mb/s (O2)
Antivirus
Avast! 8.0.1497
Browser
IE 11
Other Info
Optical Drive: HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH10LS30 SATA Bluray
Lexmark S305 Printer/Scanner/Copier (USB)
WEI Score: 8.1/8.1/8.5/8.5/8.25
Asus Eee PC 1011PX Netbook (Windows 7 x86 Starter)
This is the most important step of all!

1. It is a good idea to buy an anti-static wristband, and follow the instructions for use.(They are sold at most electronics stores.) If you are going to do quite a lot of bench work, you might do well to invest in an anti-static mat.
2. If you don't have a wristband, you are not necessarily out of luck. Assuming that your PC is grounded, you can ground yourself by just keeping one hand in contact with the bare metal frame (not a painted or coated surface) of the computer case. Keep the PC power cord plugged in to a (3-prong) grounded outlet and turn off the rocker switch on the back of the power supply. If the power supply does not have a switch on the back, this won't work, however. Never work on a PC with the power on. In that case, you should buy an anti-static band or try another method of grounding.
3. As an alternative, alter a standard 3-conductor power cord by snipping off the two flat blades, leaving only the grounding portion of the plug. Or simply purchase a cord like this from an electronics supply house. This accomplishes the same thing as turning off the rocker switch.
4. You can employ an LCD Static Discharger. As a simple measure, you can hang it on your key ring and just dangle it. This is less reliable, but when it touches a ground, it should discharge the static electricity. Procedure:①Lightly touch the oval button with a finger. ②Make sure that the end of the conductive material touches a grounded conductor. (such as vehicle, human body, computer, metal or other) to release static electricity, and observe the LCD display.
5. Some people claim that damage can be reduced by wearing little or no clothing, it is said that the less cloth that is in contact with your body, the less static is produced, though these claims remain unproven.

The average person can carry up to 25,000 volts of static energy at any given time. This sounds like a lot, but because the current level is low, you usually won't notice it. Follow safe ESD procedures any time you open a computer.

If the equipment is cold, wait until it has reached room temperature. ESD builds up much faster when it's cold and dry (low humidity).

If you don't take steps to prevent ESD, you may regret it. Your computer can sustain serious damage without you knowing it. CPUs and memory chips of any kind are highly vulnerable to ESD. If you fry your PC with static electricity, you may soon start to notice random memory errors, blue screens, and lock-ups. Normally, you can't see (or even feel) ESD, but it is almost always there, so be sure to do the right thing. Your PC will thank you!

Try not to open up computers while on thick carpets, petting long-haired pets, dressing, emptying the dryer, etc. Use common sense; don't do anything that would cause you to get a shock from touching something made of metal.

After that,it's pretty much plugging things in to the right place and ensuring that screws are tightened properly. Make sure you have a clean work area also. Have all of your items laid out, organized, so that you aren't looking all over for things while you are building. The hardest part about a build, is getting all of the settings and drivers just right.

It is fun though, so enjoy and good luck. Should you need anything, we are here.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Made
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
CPU
Intel 2500k @4.5ghz 66deg max P95/IBT
Motherboard
Gigabyte Z68A-D3-B3
Memory
8 Gigs Patriot Viper 2 Extreme @1600
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 580 3 GIG 35degrees idle
Sound Card
Nvidia HD audio via HDMI to 7.1 Receiver
Monitor(s) Displays
32" Olevia hdtv
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
64gig SSD(OS/Apps)
250gig (Files and Dox)
1tb (imaging and backup)
PSU
Corsair vx550w
Case
Thermaltake V3 black
Cooling
CM 212+(push n pull) 4 case fans
Keyboard
Logitech wireless Combo, G13
Mouse
G300
Internet Speed
40mps
Other Info
Two others up and running; C2D E5200/MSI G41M-P26/Corsair XMS3 8gb/GTS 250 1gb and C2D E8200/xFx 750sli/8gb Corsair Dominator/2x EVGA 550ti
Working on; i2600 Build...
HP DV6
@Work I use a Lenovo 5536B8U + Lenovo U300s
Before plugging in the power cord and hitting the power switches on the power supply and the case......
1. Check your connections.
2. Check your connections.
3. Check your connections.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
CPU
Intel Core i7-4790
Motherboard
GA-Z87X-D3H
Memory
G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon R7 250
Sound Card
Realtek ALC892
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung UN32EH5000, Dell 1703FPT
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080, 1280 x 1024
Hard Drives
WD5003AZEX
WD10EZEX
Samsung HD103SJ
Samsung 128 GB 840 PRO
PSU
SeaSonic M12II SS-500GM
Case
Fractal Design Define R4
Cooling
Zalman CNPS9900ALED
Keyboard
Logitech K800
Mouse
Logitech M705
Internet Speed
16 Mbps
Antivirus
Avast
Browser
Firefox
Other Info
Bose Companion 2 Multimedia Speakers
Before plugging in the power cord and hitting the power switches on the power supply and the case......
1. Check your connections.
2. Check your connections.
3. Check your connections.
lolz, so, you speak from experience there, huh? ;)
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Made
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
CPU
Intel 2500k @4.5ghz 66deg max P95/IBT
Motherboard
Gigabyte Z68A-D3-B3
Memory
8 Gigs Patriot Viper 2 Extreme @1600
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 580 3 GIG 35degrees idle
Sound Card
Nvidia HD audio via HDMI to 7.1 Receiver
Monitor(s) Displays
32" Olevia hdtv
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
64gig SSD(OS/Apps)
250gig (Files and Dox)
1tb (imaging and backup)
PSU
Corsair vx550w
Case
Thermaltake V3 black
Cooling
CM 212+(push n pull) 4 case fans
Keyboard
Logitech wireless Combo, G13
Mouse
G300
Internet Speed
40mps
Other Info
Two others up and running; C2D E5200/MSI G41M-P26/Corsair XMS3 8gb/GTS 250 1gb and C2D E8200/xFx 750sli/8gb Corsair Dominator/2x EVGA 550ti
Working on; i2600 Build...
HP DV6
@Work I use a Lenovo 5536B8U + Lenovo U300s
It's easy enough that my wife built several of them for herself without any technical training of any kind. If you know what each part is, and where it goes, you are done. I have no idea where you got the idea that we actually have to solder our parts....that would be insane!

It's very simple, and motherboard manuals clearly explain how to connect everything together.

However, the best way to do it is to learn like the rest of us did....by watching a friend build the first one.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7-2600
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3P-B3
Memory
12 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTX 470
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp 2209WA
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility3 240 GB, WD5001AALS, WD7501AALS
PSU
OCZ ModStream 700W
Case
CoolerMaster HAF 912 Advanced
Cooling
CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus
Are you refering to the normal buy a gpu and smack it into the pci slot, or are you talking about making our own motherboard?

I'm talking about a motherboard bought from a shop.

This is the most important step of all!

1. It is a good idea to buy an anti-static wristband, and follow the instructions for use.(They are sold at most electronics stores.) If you are going to do quite a lot of bench work, you might do well to invest in an anti-static mat.
2. If you don't have a wristband, you are not necessarily out of luck. Assuming that your PC is grounded, you can ground yourself by just keeping one hand in contact with the bare metal frame (not a painted or coated surface) of the computer case. Keep the PC power cord plugged in to a (3-prong) grounded outlet and turn off the rocker switch on the back of the power supply. If the power supply does not have a switch on the back, this won't work, however. Never work on a PC with the power on. In that case, you should buy an anti-static band or try another method of grounding.
3. As an alternative, alter a standard 3-conductor power cord by snipping off the two flat blades, leaving only the grounding portion of the plug. Or simply purchase a cord like this from an electronics supply house. This accomplishes the same thing as turning off the rocker switch.
4. You can employ an LCD Static Discharger. As a simple measure, you can hang it on your key ring and just dangle it. This is less reliable, but when it touches a ground, it should discharge the static electricity. Procedure:①Lightly touch the oval button with a finger. ②Make sure that the end of the conductive material touches a grounded conductor. (such as vehicle, human body, computer, metal or other) to release static electricity, and observe the LCD display.
5. Some people claim that damage can be reduced by wearing little or no clothing, it is said that the less cloth that is in contact with your body, the less static is produced, though these claims remain unproven.

The average person can carry up to 25,000 volts of static energy at any given time. This sounds like a lot, but because the current level is low, you usually won't notice it. Follow safe ESD procedures any time you open a computer.

If the equipment is cold, wait until it has reached room temperature. ESD builds up much faster when it's cold and dry (low humidity).

If you don't take steps to prevent ESD, you may regret it. Your computer can sustain serious damage without you knowing it. CPUs and memory chips of any kind are highly vulnerable to ESD. If you fry your PC with static electricity, you may soon start to notice random memory errors, blue screens, and lock-ups. Normally, you can't see (or even feel) ESD, but it is almost always there, so be sure to do the right thing. Your PC will thank you!

Try not to open up computers while on thick carpets, petting long-haired pets, dressing, emptying the dryer, etc. Use common sense; don't do anything that would cause you to get a shock from touching something made of metal.

After that,it's pretty much plugging things in to the right place and ensuring that screws are tightened properly. Make sure you have a clean work area also. Have all of your items laid out, organized, so that you aren't looking all over for things while you are building. The hardest part about a build, is getting all of the settings and drivers just right.

It is fun though, so enjoy and good luck. Should you need anything, we are here.

Blinkin' 'eck! :shock: All that's nearly enough to put me off on its own! A bit of a minefield then, eh, especially if you don't have much space? Anti-static wristband. Have to look one of those up. What about rubber gloves?
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
OS
Windows 10
I'd wager that over 90% of home-built PCs were not built with an anti-static wrist strap.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Ignatz Special; 4 speed manual gearbox; factory air conditioning; one of one
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
CPU
Intel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked
Motherboard
AsRock Z170M Extreme 4, micro ATX
Memory
8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)
Graphics Card(s)
none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Sound Card
onboard: Realtek ALC1150; external: USB Behringer UF0-202
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2340M 23 inch IPS
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
System: Crucial MX100 series SSD, 128 GB;
Data: Samsung Spinpoint 103SJ, 1 TB;
Backup: WD Caviar Green WD30EZRX-00D8PB0, 3 TB
PSU
Rosewill SilentNight 500 watt fanless, semi-modular
Case
Antec Solo II
Cooling
Noctua NH-U12S; Noctua F12 intake, Noctua S12A exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft 200 6JH-00001 USB
Mouse
Dell or Microsoft optical wired; USB
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Pale Moon
Other Info
All fans PWM; speeds at idle: CPU circa 500 rpm; intake circa 600 rpm; exhaust circa 600 rpm; CPU temps 27 idle and 47 C load in a warm room (27 C/81 F) when running Intel Extreme Tuning Utility stress test.
I'd wager that over 90% of home-built PCs were not built with an anti-static wrist strap.
100% of the ones I've built in the last 15 years were done without one.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7-2600
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3P-B3
Memory
12 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTX 470
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp 2209WA
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility3 240 GB, WD5001AALS, WD7501AALS
PSU
OCZ ModStream 700W
Case
CoolerMaster HAF 912 Advanced
Cooling
CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus
With respect to the anti-static wrist band, as a computer builder and assembler for over 20 years, a professionally employed systems admin for over 15 years, I have NEVER, and I repeat NEVER used an anti-static wrist strap. I've never seen a fellow admin use one. And I've never once seen a vendor who came onsite to install, repair or configure any of our enterprise equipment use one.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
With respect to the anti-static wrist band, as a computer builder and assembler for over 20 years, a professionally employed systems admin for over 15 years, I have NEVER, and I repeat NEVER used an anti-static wrist strap. I've never seen a fellow admin use one. And I've never once seen a vendor who came onsite to install, repair or configure any of our enterprise equipment use one.
Yes, and as a computer builder, I'm sure you were working in a controlled environment. Not walking around barefoot on carpet....
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Made
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
CPU
Intel 2500k @4.5ghz 66deg max P95/IBT
Motherboard
Gigabyte Z68A-D3-B3
Memory
8 Gigs Patriot Viper 2 Extreme @1600
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 580 3 GIG 35degrees idle
Sound Card
Nvidia HD audio via HDMI to 7.1 Receiver
Monitor(s) Displays
32" Olevia hdtv
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
64gig SSD(OS/Apps)
250gig (Files and Dox)
1tb (imaging and backup)
PSU
Corsair vx550w
Case
Thermaltake V3 black
Cooling
CM 212+(push n pull) 4 case fans
Keyboard
Logitech wireless Combo, G13
Mouse
G300
Internet Speed
40mps
Other Info
Two others up and running; C2D E5200/MSI G41M-P26/Corsair XMS3 8gb/GTS 250 1gb and C2D E8200/xFx 750sli/8gb Corsair Dominator/2x EVGA 550ti
Working on; i2600 Build...
HP DV6
@Work I use a Lenovo 5536B8U + Lenovo U300s
With respect to the anti-static wrist band, as a computer builder and assembler for over 20 years, a professionally employed systems admin for over 15 years, I have NEVER, and I repeat NEVER used an anti-static wrist strap. I've never seen a fellow admin use one. And I've never once seen a vendor who came onsite to install, repair or configure any of our enterprise equipment use one.
Yes, and as a computer builder, I'm sure you were working in a controlled environment. Not walking around barefoot on carpet....

I just assembled a new computer last night in my living room, while lying on the floor. Does that count?
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I've built a few in my living room with a bath towel laid over my coffee table. If I had scratched the wood, my wife would have killed me. I've built over 100 in my lifetime, and haven't ever used one. Some major PC mag recently did an article about how components are not built as fragile and intolerant to static as they used to be.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7-2600
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3P-B3
Memory
12 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTX 470
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp 2209WA
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility3 240 GB, WD5001AALS, WD7501AALS
PSU
OCZ ModStream 700W
Case
CoolerMaster HAF 912 Advanced
Cooling
CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus
Sorry, I'm with James on this one. Far too many people end up in the Crashes and Debugging forums with a botched RAM set that in most cases was likely due to ESD damage. After working with NASA for a summer and seeing the painstaking work they do with electronics and the precautions they take to prevent such damage, I always recommend ESD safety first. I will admit that the NASA components are more prone to damage of this type, but I learned that the same precautions also apply to RAM, CPUs, graphics cards, and computer components in general. Further reading: Avoid Static Damage to Your PC | PCWorld

Just because you have not had issues with your systems not following ESD safety does not mean that it is good advice to tell others the same. Plus, I am willing to bet that you did do other steps to make sure ESD was not an issue such as holding onto a metal portion of your computer tower case, etc. If you did not do that, then maybe you are among the lucky who did not fry something upon build...
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion e9110t
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9550 @ 2.83GHz
Motherboard
Pegatron IPIEL-LA3
Memory
6.00 GB Hundai HMT125U6BFR8C-H9
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 4850
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio/ATI High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer AL2216W
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
Hitachi HDP725050GLA360 ATA Device 500 GB
PSU
Unknown/installed by HP
Case
HP generic case
Cooling
Intel Stock Cooling
Keyboard
HP Keyboard
Mouse
HP Mouse
Internet Speed
Download: 19.15 Mbps Upload: 1.67 Mbps
Other Info
Network Adapter Realtek RTL8168D/8111D Family PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.20)
Network Adapter 802.11n Wireless PCI Express Card LAN Adapter
Every played with Lego or a Mechano set? Pretty much the same thing.

Far too many people end up in the Crashes and Debugging forums with a botched RAM set that in most cases was likely due to ESD damage.

More like it was probably bad right out of the package.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Me
OS
Win 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
FX-8350 @ 4.6 GHz so far
Motherboard
Asus M5A97 EVO
Memory
ADATA XPG V1 Series Black 8GB DDR3 1600
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire R9 270x Dual-X
Sound Card
Xonar DGX w/ Corsair Vengence 1300
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer S232HL Abid
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
120 GB OCZ Vertex 3
500 GB Seagate 7200.12
PSU
Antec Earthwatts 650W Green
Case
Antec Three Hundred
Cooling
Cooler Master 212 EVO
Keyboard
Logitech G510
Mouse
Logitech G500s
Internet Speed
35000/3000

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Made
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
CPU
Intel 2500k @4.5ghz 66deg max P95/IBT
Motherboard
Gigabyte Z68A-D3-B3
Memory
8 Gigs Patriot Viper 2 Extreme @1600
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 580 3 GIG 35degrees idle
Sound Card
Nvidia HD audio via HDMI to 7.1 Receiver
Monitor(s) Displays
32" Olevia hdtv
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
64gig SSD(OS/Apps)
250gig (Files and Dox)
1tb (imaging and backup)
PSU
Corsair vx550w
Case
Thermaltake V3 black
Cooling
CM 212+(push n pull) 4 case fans
Keyboard
Logitech wireless Combo, G13
Mouse
G300
Internet Speed
40mps
Other Info
Two others up and running; C2D E5200/MSI G41M-P26/Corsair XMS3 8gb/GTS 250 1gb and C2D E8200/xFx 750sli/8gb Corsair Dominator/2x EVGA 550ti
Working on; i2600 Build...
HP DV6
@Work I use a Lenovo 5536B8U + Lenovo U300s
Every played with Lego or a Mechano set? Pretty much the same thing.

Far too many people end up in the Crashes and Debugging forums with a botched RAM set that in most cases was likely due to ESD damage.

More like it was probably bad right out of the package.

Must be a lot of bad RAM out of the package then. ;) You will note that I said "most cases" rather than all cases, so I am aware of bad RAM coming in packages. I personally find it unlikely that the RAM is shipped bad as often as it is found to be bad on these forums through our debugging. I imagine it does happen enough that companies provide the lifetime warranties, but I do not think it happens as often as it would seem based on the RAM replacements fixing issues in these forums.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion e9110t
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9550 @ 2.83GHz
Motherboard
Pegatron IPIEL-LA3
Memory
6.00 GB Hundai HMT125U6BFR8C-H9
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 4850
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio/ATI High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer AL2216W
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
Hitachi HDP725050GLA360 ATA Device 500 GB
PSU
Unknown/installed by HP
Case
HP generic case
Cooling
Intel Stock Cooling
Keyboard
HP Keyboard
Mouse
HP Mouse
Internet Speed
Download: 19.15 Mbps Upload: 1.67 Mbps
Other Info
Network Adapter Realtek RTL8168D/8111D Family PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.20)
Network Adapter 802.11n Wireless PCI Express Card LAN Adapter
Chips as others have stated do lots of research for each part considered by locating installation/user manuals and also user reviews of the parts quality before purchasing or attempting installation.

One of the first things when choosing to build your own system is determining whether you wish to have an AMD or Intel based system then choosing a CPU (processor) that matches the socket type of the motherboard as there are many different socket types and CPU's to choose from. Thermal paste MUST be applied between the CPU and CPU cooler or the CPU will overheat.

Higher end Video cards and added hard drives etc. will require a larger power supply than what usually comes installed with OEM systems.

As others have said this is a great forum for helping others on a new/first time build. A successful technique others have used is to start a thread posting a list of preliminary chosen parts and spending limit then others with build experience can respond to the post ensuring the parts chosen are all compatible and of good quality.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
My own abomination, I call it the Money Pit
OS
Windows 10 Pro x 2/Windows 11 Home
CPU
Intel i7 2600K @ 3.40 GHz
Motherboard
ASUS Sabertooth P67
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR3 1600MHz CL8 Dual Channel Kit
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 XC3 ULTRA GAMING 10GB GDDR6X
Sound Card
Onboard Realtek or Nvidia High Definition Audio (HDMI)
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung JS7000 50" SUHD TV or Samsung 27" FHD 60Hz 8ms GTG V
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
1 x Samsung 870 EVO 250 GB SSD (Windows 10 Pro), 1 x Samsung 850 EVO 250 GB SSD (Windows 10 Pro)
PSU
Corsair AX860 - 860W Modular Power Supply
Case
Phanteks Enthoo Luxe Full Tower Case - Black
Cooling
CORSAIR Hydro Series H150i PRO RGB 360mm Liquid CPU Cooler
Keyboard
Logitech K830 Illuminated Living-Room Keyboard
Mouse
Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Wireless Mouse
Internet Speed
100 Mbps
Antivirus
ESET Internet Security
Browser
Latest Version Of Firefox & Microsoft Edge Chromium Stable
Other Info
LG Super Multi Blue Internal Blu-ray Disk Rewriter - BH10LS30
6x2 HDMI Switcher (6 inputs, 2 outputs) so I can send the output of my Cable Box, Roku, or any my 4 computers to either my TV or Monitor separately or simultaneously.
Back
Top