Newbie looking at building my own comp Looking for advice and direction

[uptonfish]

I am looking into building my own comp.  However I have never done it before and I am looking for advice and direction. 

The main use is going to be very basic stuff (Intenet, music, etc..)  However I will occasionally play some games so I will be looking for a bit more performance that a "standard" budget computer.    The budget I am looking at is in the $500-600 range.  I currently have a Dell Dimension 8250 that I am running with a 15" LCD monitor.  I don't even know if I could use any of the parts that are in the Dell in the new comp but I thought I would mention it just in case. 

I appreciate any and all advice or direction given.  Thanks

Matt

[Karnac]

Here's a start....Loaded with information.

http://www.pcguide.com/byop/

[cactuslizard]

Hi uptonfishfish!  First off, how much do you know in general about computers? A lot of people think that a computer is a supremely complicated box of electronics, but a bunch is self explanatory.
So, if you know basically what your looking for (i.e. processor, RAM, etc.), I'd look at www.newegg.com or www.tigerdirect.com for computer parts and accessories. They have plenty of reviews and very reasonable prices.
If you don't have a clue, then just ask away and someone will help.

[uptonfish]

I know enough to get me in trouble    But in all seriousness I know some, I have installed a new video card and replaced my hard drive on my current system although it was a couple of years ago.  So I am not a complete novice with computers but less experienced than most on the boards I would say.

[cactuslizard]

Alright. So, since you know something about comps, the process shouldn't be too hard.

First, what are the specs of your current PC? Hard drive size, amount and speed of ram, video, etc. You may be able to use parts to build a "frankenputer". ha ha.

[Aardobard]

This build is $5 over budget.  You can drop down to a slightly smaller HDD to get it under budget if you must.  Please note that it DOES NOT include a DVD/Optical drive as you can likely recycle that from your existing machine.  It DOES include a 19" LCD monitor so you do not have to squint =) .  The components have overclocking potential, if you get the urge, and the video card, while not latest tech, will drive this monitor to all but the highest settings on current games.
[Formerly Big Red Box]

But in case this goes badly again, here's a text list:
CPU E6300 $84
MOBO Gigabyte EP45-UD3L $100
RAM GSkill 2x2Gb 1066MHz F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK $55
HDD WD 750GB Green $60
GPU XFX 9800GT 512 $96
Case + PSU Antec 300 + 430WPSU combo $100
MONITOR ACER X192Wb 19" $110

[patio]

Why is there a huge Red square in your reply ? ?

[Ugarte]

New favorite Sig.

Giant red box that offends the senses.

[Hubert_N]

Try this "How to Build or Repair a Desktop PC" go to [link Removed]and take a class. you can take up to 4 classes( Different subjects) per quarter for $20.00 . I have been using them for two years with no problems at all. Hope this helps.
HUbert

[Hubert_N]

Link removed ? Virtual U.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Being your first post and the fact that the website in your post required you to pay for the service, it looks like you are advertising, which is against our Forum Rules.
If I am wrong I apologize, but we try to find free solutions to our guests.

[Hubert_N]

I apologize and was only trying to help the guy. I am not affiliated with VU in any way except I have took several classes with them and did not mean to break any rules. I will reframe from any further post regarding any services that charge!
Sorry
Hubert
PS, I do appreciate the service you provide and thank you for keeping it free!

[Aardobard]

Ok, I fixed the Big Red box.  It worked in the preview.  Maybe computerhope.com hates snapfish or something?

[Aardobard]

Why is there a huge Red square in your reply ? ?

No Idea.  Link issue?

[patio]

The Red Box was cheaper than the fixed link...