Building a new computer? Look here First.

[MrBlah]

So, I have compiled some very helpful sites/pictures that should help you when building(or buying) a new computer.

To begin, read this article and find out where you end up in terms of what you need. These days not everyone needs a super awesome computer to get around. And the CPU is not the most important part of your computer any more.
http://m.lifehacker.com/5684015/craftin ... -spec-list

This picture, as it were, is very helpful to anyone who does decide to build their own computer. To my knowledge it is updated from time to time, so check the date at the bottom just in case. This has been posted before, fyi. It has a lot of great information on more than just how much something might cost. If you are unsure of brands, just read the bottom area of it. It goes over a few things on each manufacturer, as well as what to pay attention to when purchasing each component.

VIEW CONTENT:

And finally, it doesn't hurt to ask any of use here if you are still unsure.

[Araris]

I'd also like to point out that Sandy Bridge was recalled until around the end of February/start of March. So until then the graphic suggesting the i7-2600k is telling you to buy something that (I'll be impressed if you find).

[Clay Pigeon]

Sandy bridge (the cpu) wasn't recalled. The chipset for the motherboards was recalled. There are no good chipsets for the sandy bridge cpu to use right now. The error is limited to SATA ports 3,4,5,and 6 (sata 3Gb). ports 1 and 2 are unaffected (sata 6Gb). So if you only have 2 sata devices, make sure they are plugged into the 6Gb ports.

Right now there are AMD or pre-sandy bridge intel platforms for you to choose from. Until the B3 revision of the chipset used by sandy bridge makes it to retail, there are no "safe" socket 1155 mobos to use.

[Pseudo]

That graphic in the original post is amazing. I am looking at building a new rig in the next few weeks and that is a great help. Looks like I'll wait a few more weeks though and see how things shake out.

[MrBlah]

If any of you guys have other materials that might help someone is choosing, post it here if you could.

[Boss Llama]

I am a huge fan of Tom's Hardware for reviews and benchmarks. In addition to the general site, which has all sorts of useful news, information, and explanations in plain-speak, I'm especially fond of their monthly Best GPU for the Money chart:

Here's February

Also, though I don't believe it's monthly (if so, it's new), they've done a Best Gaming CPU for the Money chart:

Here's that one.

[Pseudo]

Well, with the guidance of the chart posted above and a little research, I put together this build and ordered last night!

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Publi ... r=22881548

I would have liked to get the next step up on the mobo, but this was the only B3 board they had in stock (with decent specs).

Also going to pickup a SSD from Frys for the OS. Everything should be here by Friday, I'll post some pics up when it's up and running.

Thanks again for the info - really helped me get started on this project.

[One_Medic_Army]

Well, with the guidance of the chart posted above and a little research, I put together this build and ordered last night!

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Publi ... r=22881548

I would have liked to get the next step up on the mobo, but this was the only B3 board they had in stock (with decent specs).

Also going to pickup a SSD from Frys for the OS. Everything should be here by Friday, I'll post some pics up when it's up and running.

Thanks again for the info - really helped me get started on this project.

Huh, didn't know they had socket 1155 back in stock yet.
Looks like a nice computer, one heck of a CPU and same for the GPU.

[MrBlah]

Glad we could help Pseudo. Hope you enjoy it

[Pseudo]

They are slowly creeping back onto the shelves. NewEgg is taking it's first supply of the B3 boards to RMA replace the defective ones that shipped out. I would bet by the end of next week, they'll be back in full stock.

Everything shipped out today...(mobo included, I was a bit worried I might get the "this item is now out of stock" message...) Now I just have to wait!

[One_Medic_Army]

Next upgrade I make is going to be swapping out my Q6600 for a sandy bridge or an AM3/AM3+ chip.
Shame I need to swap out my mobo and RAM as well...

[Fraulein Arztin]

Espada helped me put together a pretty nice affordable list of computer components. I am doing my research and I think everything that Espada and I chose were more than fine.
Everyone has been telling me to go to Toms Hardware, too.
Their reviews has helped me understand a bit and I've been reading their guide...

Anyone want to give pointers to a beginner computer builder?
The thing I'm most afraid of is applying the CPU thermal paste....
CPU and MB = http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.613882 (since I couldn't figure out how to insert a URL under different text...sorry for that whole link)

[One_Medic_Army]

Anyone want to give pointers to a beginner computer builder?
The thing I'm most afraid of is applying the CPU thermal paste....
CPU and MB = http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.613882 (since I couldn't figure out how to insert a URL under different text...sorry for that whole link)

First, check newegg's customer reviews, sort low to high, and see what issues other people have had with your components.
Sometimes you'll find out something useful, like that your Graphics card won't fit in your case, or that a power supply's cables might be too short for some uses.
Second get someone you know who's done it before you to give a hand on your first assembly.

As to the thermal paste, it's not that hard, and if you find out you've done it wrong (via higher than exected temperature readings) it's can be reapplied. In this instance the AM3/AM3+ socket's heat sink clips are easier to deal with than Intel's various bolt on heat sink mounts.

[crimsonshootingstar]

just spread it very thin but make sure you cover all the contact surface. Generally I just cover the whole processor to be safe. Other tips are to make sure to align your processor correctly generally arrow to arrow and make sure your CPU cooler doesn't require you to install anything on the back of you mobo.

[Fraulein Arztin]

Good pointers... although I've read those before. Its better to be reassured than not. Also, my dad is really impatient with me and he wants me to save more for my computer but I'm also impatient with him. He's all I have, though, as an experienced computer builder. He's had his "cables are too short" problems... but never the graphics card too big.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130604 = Video card.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811129021 = Case.
I've made sure that everything else is compatible with everything else but I'm not quite sure about the size of the graphics card within this case...
Looking at those multiple specs makes my head hurt lol. As a beginner, this is a lot to take in but then again, I've been researching for a few weeks.