if i were to build my own computer what parts would i need to have a fully functional PC. what kind of prices am looking at? is it a lot cheaper? i would want it for gaming mainly.

When I build PC for my custumers I always ask one question first, and the question is HOW MUCH ARE YOU ABLE TO SPEND? so tell me how much money do you consider.

uuuummm.......1,500

Yeah, it's all about how much you want to spend. There are many trade-offs that can be made but it all depends on your budget.

Parts:
Case with power supply (probably at least 500W especially if you want to run sli or xfire)
Mobo
CPU
RAM (at least 2gb)
GFX card (x2?)

Optional (these you should be able to use from your last setup):
Sound card (Most new mobos have integrated sound which is actually quite decent)
New monitor
New Keyboard
New Mouse
New O/S,especially if you're going 64-bit and you don't have winxp
Bigger hard drives

First thing to decide is the CPU: AMD or Intel? (the newest and best chip is the Intel Core 2 Duo, however with Intel putting that chip out you can get a lot of bargains from the AMD x2 AM2 chips)

Next is probably gfx, Nvidia or ATI?: Tough choice, go with what your happiest with, however if you plan to run a dual card setup then you will probably be happier with nVidia.

Those two things will influence which mobo you can get. Good makes: Asus, Abit, DFI, and Soyo, and others. I've had Soyo and Asus boards, and my next will probably be Asus.

k..this dream of building my PC is getting closer and closer it doesnt sound toooo complicated but im sure ill get stuck somwere...my dads going to be helping to and i dont know what kinda stuff he wants becuase its going to be both of ours. i was thing intel over AMD. motherboard...dont know yet...i want a nice GFX card for gaming...nvidia.. monitor im getting fat screen...my dad wants a bbigg hard drive .......................ya this is all new to me so i really dont know what im doing

Probably the hardest thing after deciding on your components is making sure all the leads are plugged in correctly. It really helps to have a second computer nearby so you can check out the user manuals (usually supplied as PDFs) while you're assembling it.

There are also many sites out there that list components for different classes of systems, like a budget machine, budget gamer, and no expenses barred kinda machines (Check out www.extremetech.com (http://www.extremetech.com) and their build-it section). That should give a good idea of the kinds of components you'll be able to afford. The good thing about using those guides as templates is that you know they've built that particular system and it works. Sometimes there maybe issues between different parts of hardware so you really have to do your own research and forum trolling to make sure that what you're planning on will work well together.

You can also get good ideas from the custom pc builders options.

k..thank for helping:)

you're getting a "fat screen"?

oooooooooohhh whoops...............Flat screen

this is all new to me so i really dont know what im doing

Then I say you get a DELL... you dont want to make a mistake... or have some pro build it for you.

Dell sucks.

i like my dell thank you... tho in the future ima just build my own computer.

If I wasn't building my own and was on a fairly tight budget I'd go with Dell too. My first computer was a dell and it's still going (6 years+).

i have a dell and i want a challenge and im going to build my own (with help) so ya i no like dell no more,, i want custom PC....

Tazz, check out the test builds in this article:
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1996938,00.asp

another great forum for tips and tech articles is www.pcper.com (PC perspective)...

...lots of builders post their ideas, tweaks and How To's there....and if you get stuck they are often pretty good at replying to posts.

My advice. Make a shopping list of everything you need/want...post it on one of these sites (and here) and see if you get any good suggestions...or ideas for things you might have missed (like, say, thermal compound - Artic Silver 5 is the only way to go, BTW).

But yeah...I built my first PC with pretty much no prior experience...beyond being pretty handy in general. It can be frustrating, but lots of fun too! First rule...NO EXCESSIVE FORCE...if it doesn't slide right in, something isn't right.

And if all else fails, read the instructions.

Tazz, check out the test builds in this article:
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1996938,00.asp



Interesting article im not surprised the intel out performed the AMD, i personaly prefer Intel.

Actually it's quite a surprise and the first time Intel has been able to beat AMD in gaming tests with a low wattage chip and also Intel are making their chips more user friendly.

Really,wow didnt know that

I'm willing to bet that AMD's rebutal to Intel's latest chip will be alot more power for the wattage. AMD seems to have been slacking lately with low power consumption but Im sure they will go back to their old ways.

Yeah, Intel caught them napping!

It'll be at least 4-5 months before AMD has an answer to the Core2 Duo chips. That's quite a bit of lead time considering how good the new intel chips are.

It's also going to be interesting to see what the acquisition of ATI by AMD produces.

The other thing that Intel has AMD on the ropes over is 65 nm vs. 90 nm architecture. That's one of the big differences right now allowing for low wattage high power. Considering AMD's previous performance and the way these two companies have been pushing each other, I won't be surprised to see AMD beat up on Intel again soon. It's just Intel's turn right now...and good for us all the way around.

I'm happy with AMD...been using them for years...see no reason to switch....

I just switch from ATI back to Nvidia...gotta say...Nvidia is impressing the hell outta me so far...but we'll see what happens with the "new" ATI.

the new ati is now owned by AMD so I will be expecting some glorious results from AMD in the graphics card market.