Community weekly poll: Have you ever built your own computer?
- 3/23/06 1:20 PM
Where to start for an older build
by Jean Guy Nadeau - 3/24/06 7:52 PM In reply to: 6th Grade easy by jimcat1Jim,
I have posted 'Build an old pc' in the pc Hardware Forum. Do you have a suggestion for me as to where to start if I want to build an older cheaper computer?
You must have a format from one of your previous builds?
Phil R.
Where to start for an older build
by Clydar - 3/24/06 9:58 PM In reply to: Where to start for an older build by Jean Guy NadeauPhil, I have had the best luck finding older parts, etc. by hitting the flea markets. Also check the garage sale listings in the local paper. Now and again I find some pretty good stuff in those 2 outlets.
Good Luck with your parts quest!
Cly
Will build again
by eladttobba - 3/24/06 4:54 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
I recently purchased a new desktop PC system from a high end company. Very disappointed in quality and performance. I've built my own PC's since modifing my Commodore 128 to bring it up to 2 meg of ram. Too much junk software for advertisers,included with new system, not enough memory, poor video output. I'm convinced that I will be selling soon and clearing my work bench for a new project!
There's really nothing as nice as a custom, self-built PC
by adkmom - 3/24/06 5:32 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
Period. You can review & shop for all parts individually. You can pick the case YOU like- to match your intended useage. I use Skype & do remote assists from my PC frequently, so front headset/mic is critical for me- yet many PC's that are pre-made no longer have a front microphone port.
Probably the most critical part of a PC is the motherboard- the base for the entire system. Here, again, you have complete control. For those who have ever had a chance to see the BIOS of their ''acme-brand- insert name here'' PC, you would be astonished at the user settings that are removed (at the vendors direction) from your PC. Check the BIOS of a home-built unit & you'll see what I mean- generally, there are 3-4 times the amount of customizeable settings- settings which are important & yet stripped, from pre-made units.
You buy a full or upgrade (still full) version of XP rather than being stuck with the anemic ''restore discs'' (assuming Windows). Many times, a vendor's ''recovery'' plan is to wipe your entire drive. I've seen many PC's that have no way to do what is called a ''repair'' install of XP- which can fix issues in the OS without losing your own, created data. Ditto using the recovery console on these units- no way to do it.
If Linux is your thing, you have many excellent choices- most of which are free for the taking (downloading). Quite a lot of info is available on the various distibutions regarding compatible hardware choices- so you once again have a way to make an informed choice as it relates to hardware.
The actual construction of a computer is such a wonderful learning experience. I've built many- the last two with the help of my two kids (6 & 11). They enjoyed it immensely & asked a lot of very good questions throughout. They're very proud to say they "help mom build computers" to their friends.
For those considering it- don't be intimidated. It is not difficult to assemble a PC. I'd say the hardest part is deciding the components & then the ''tweaking'' of the system (to your liking) afterwards.
Enjoy, have fun. The sense of accomplishment afterwards is difficult to describe.
Yes I have built my own computer(s) - AND THEN SOME!
by fomh - 3/24/06 5:34 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
My first 2 PC's used CPM - That was way before IBM ever had a PC. Both of the CPM systems were ''store bought''.
My first DOS-based PC I built from the ground up - literally. I bought a naked Mother board (Nothing on/in it) and proceeded to populate it with all the decrete componants, soldering all of them on both sides as required.
And by the way - it WASN'T a KIT. I sourced and bought every last chip, processor, resistor and cap it needed.
Bought a case, power supply, display card (COLOR)and Monitor ,Floppy controller, I/O Controller and 2 5 1/4'' fill height SSSD Floppy drives. Copied the BIOS from a true blue and off I went.
Since then I have NEVER had a ''store-bought'' machine. I've built every one from scratch and it's been quite a few!
I wouldn't have it any other way.......
u still soder up your motherboards?!?
by konwiddak - 3/24/06 7:50 AM In reply to: Yes I have built my own computer(s) - AND THEN SOME! by fomhWhen you say you still build computers from scratch do you still solder up a motherboard? Just interested because I would like a challenge like that.
That was a long time ago...
by OldGrayGeek - 3/24/06 10:24 AM In reply to: u still soder up your motherboards?!? by konwiddakTo my best recollection, that option pretty much went away with the Intel 386. I have a fully socketed 286 that I could have bought bare but my time is worth more than that.
The surface mounted components today require new skills and tools but the total absence of vendor documentation is the ultimate killer.
No, I don't -
by fomh - 3/27/06 5:45 PM In reply to: u still soder up your motherboards?!? by konwiddakHeavens no! By the time I upgraded to a 286,fully populated/tested MB's were all over the place.
Teaching my children about how computers work .
by sven804 - 3/24/06 6:07 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
We uncased an IBM clone for a 2 MB RAM upgrade and this lead us to building an Intel based 286. We've purchased some over the years, but the bug hit us again and we turned out a dual processor PII-450. We have slowly become the knowledge base for many high school kids who send their parents to us for upgrading them into the techno world and grandparents too. We've fried a brand new P4 2.8HT chip, but that has been our most expensive disaster so far. Overclocking, etc. leads to more computers, spare parts to help others and hard wiring a house for CAT5e and now wireless routers. We know we can count on CNET editors, staff and other users to help us with problems & solutions for those mystifying times. Now I find my kids and their friends come over to the kids from college & tell me I'm falling behind them. Makes me happy that some of them are now CNET diehards.
ITs not my job man
by KerryA - 3/24/06 6:17 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
I prefer to spend my computer time actually doing my work. The idea of building and then troubleshooting is just not a task I feel like spending my time on.
That may mean that I take more time between new computers because of the cost but its a price I'm willing to pay.
It's My Hobby
by rafal16 - 3/24/06 6:32 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
I have been rebuilding and building computers for friends and family for a number years. I actually became A+ certified about three years ago. A co-worker was the one that told me about A+. I didn't know that there was a certification for what I considered a hobby.
I have two kids now so I haven't had much time to build as I used to. But I am building a new system for my family in the next couple of months. I'm building for the long term, so this system has to last for the next 5-8 years (most people I know replace their computer about every 2 years). Here are the specs for the new system:
Case - Coolermaster CM Stacker (STC-T01)
Power Supplys - Two Antec NeoPower 480
CPU - Intel Pentium D 830 (Dual Core, 3GHz 2MB cache)
Motherboard - Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe
Memory - Two 1GB Corsair XMS 2 Twin2X
Hard Drives - Five Maxtor DiamondMax 10 300GB SATA
STATA RAID Card - XFX Revolutions 64 5-Port controller
DVD Burner - Plextor PX-716A/SW
Video Card - PNY GeForce 7900 GTX 512MB
Soundcard - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum
Worked fine but...
by ralphguay - 3/24/06 6:42 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
My first and only attempt worked great, but the OS still irritated me, after ten years of Windows...imagine that.
I've had a Mac for about a year and a half and it seems easier to navigate with. YMMV
Building your own computer
by SScarrJ - 3/24/06 6:48 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
I've built 4 or 5 and the first was definately a task, but a fun one. I learned a great deal about hardware and some about OSs (how the heck do you spell this)and software. Go for it.
I took a series of classes through work, then built my dream
by austinii - 3/24/06 6:53 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
After successfully completing Computer Troubleshooting and Building classes, paid for by work, I built a "Shuttle", small form factor, system over 4 years ago. It is still, my main system, is used daily and doing a great job. I used an "Athlon- Barton" core 2.8ghz processor and 1 gig, (two Cortez 512 Meg) Ram, matched Platinum cooled, Sticks. I installed a TDK 440N DVDRW writer/player, an external floppy and just recently attached, (Firewired), a Lacie 250 Gig by "FA Porsche" External Hard Drive, to keep my 120 Gig internal Western Digital uncluttered with Data Storage. I partioned my internal hard drive when I installed my XP Pro Operating System at "C" 22-Gig and "D" 98-Gig. I recommend learning as much as one can, before attempting, building a computer to help understand the myriad of choices and price differences, so; what you want is what you build, cost effectively, (so you don't feel ripped off after you are done). It cost me $2100.00 initally with operating system and other software. I want to upgrade my processor and DVD and will do so in the next month or two. I occasionally build systems for friends/family and really enjoy the process. I love troubleshooting, what I do for a living, on Aircraft, and can usually find the time to help friends and family ,(DAD) with keeping their systmes, I bulit running effectively. Even though I understand electronics at a technical level and have many years experience with Acft. Systems troubleshooting, I could not of built these Personal Computer Systems wihtout the knowledge I gained in the classes I attended. It makes my job easier now, as I can intelligently discuss systems design and integration with Engineers at work and I have become a better troubleshooter as a result. I think work realized this when agreeing to pay for the classes. Any added information learned about personal computers is beneficial and becomes a requisite to moving forward no matter what your job is. Interfacing with Computer Systems is and most likely will always be a fundamental baseline for most all careers and learning all we can about them an intelligent choice.
I build all my home computers.
by AlbertL - 3/24/06 7:04 AM In reply to: Have you ever built your own computer? by Marc Bennett
Having had variable experiences with purchased computers, in the past, I now configure, build and upgrade my own systems.
I start with an upper limit on speed and heat extraction. I never go for the fastest video card, memory or motherboard.
Magazine component reviews, and selecting components from suppliers I trust are important, as are their sites containing user comments, on the parts I am interested in.
Hardware from case, power supply and cooling are important considerations, in that they determine sensible computer noise and power consumption.
Lastly, if any component fails it is a simple matter to return it for a refund or replacement. This avoids me waiting for someone to do an onsite repair or worse still a return to base.
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