Let's talk about building your own PC. I know a lot of users here are younger and probably only have hand-me-down computers from their parents, but I was the same way until I started getting a decent paying job and was able to build my own computer. If you've never done so, you'll be surprised at just how easy it is, and how powerful your computer will be!

I built my first computer back in 2006, and it was an incredibly rewarding process, being able to pick my own components, decide where I wanted the power to go and all sorts of fun stuff. I remember the day I got my Core2Quad (To this day the best processor I've owned) and was finally able to start playing computer games for once.

So basically this is a thread for asking questions regarding building your own system, getting suggestions, talking about sweet case mods, and other such stuff.

Useful links:
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|-http://www.newegg.com/ — Great site with tons of cheap parts. I've almost gone exclusively to Newegg since Tigerdirect got bought out.
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|-http://www.computerpoweruser.com/ — A free magazine that sort of helps to keep on top of the latest and greatest in computers. Great build ideas.

Sadly, I cannot build my own computer, because I don't have anymore money to spend, and I've never been able to build a computer.

My grandpa on the other hand used to build computers for a living, now he just fixes them when people ask him. he's the one that got me into computers.

I would like to build a computer someday, but I doubt I ever will get to.

I remember building this huge tower when I was 13 - probably none of those components are relevant today, heh, I forgot anyways.

...The tower was about 3 feet tall. It was mostly an experiment which worked.

Wait, you built your own computer?! That is sick man! I might do this when I have to get a job. I could probably make a computer with fast internet connection

Unfortunately, I fix things, not build them. I have, however, done a lot of work on this laptop. It's from 2007, and it runs fairly well. I finally took care of the internet problem. So yeah... I mean, if i ever get the money to get a $10,000 gaming laptop that will last for at least 20 years, then I will get it. But until then... nope. Never made a computer.

starwars293 : Uhm... Well, I know I said it's easy, but it requires a certain... sens commun, if you know what I mean. It probably isn't best for someone with your unique... Uniqueness to build a computer.

Lazlo Falconi : What a sens commun? Is it like something you need to build a computer? Or is it something you need to get a job to build a computer?

starwars293 : It's something you need for life, man, but you lack it. In spades.

I laughed
moving on... I've been determined to lern2build my own for two years now and I have means to actually learn from someone who does (next door neighbors son), but due to lack of money I've been unable to do so... but I've started putting money aside towards my £800 goal (which, from what I've seen, you get bang for you buck)

Specs? here we go:

Intel core i5 3570K
Nvidia 1 Gig GTX 570 or AMD/ATI 7850 2GB graphics card (if i come up with around £600 and i'm desperate to get it i'll get the latter first) anddddd 4GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1600MHz

E- i guess i'll be using it for gaming and multitasking

yeh building pcs aint hard, the most annoying bit is initialy figuring the cabling setup of your tower since they are generaly all different.
Iv built plenty but not for me. Iv already got a tri core, dedicated graphics system which has so far played everything iv tried at top spec, my pc rated it 7.4 out of 10 which is better than i need.
My biggest tax is real time battles on things like empire total war, which i have happily set to max quality.
Maybe if i played something like cod or whatever it may struggle, i dunno, but i play shooters on ps3, i only play strategy on my pc.
Id rather not fork out for a pc until mine is substandard for the current gen of strategy games, since i dont need extra power.
Plus the new parts depreciate in value really fast, the systems obsolete within a week
I wouldnt mind rigging mine for blueray though, its a handy connection method.
Maybe fit usb 3.0 too, get a bit of extra peripheral response.
I was going to upgrade to a sata hdd, untill i realised i had a top end ide drive so it wouldnt be worth it.

big fat cat : That seems pretty good. You'll be surprised at how easy it can be. My one suggestion? Get at least 6GB of RAM. With that and the 3570K overclocked, you'll be able to do just about anything you can throw at it.