How to build a PC for < $1,800.00

[azasadny]

A few others I have built...






Neatness counts...

[azasadny]

I don't always build "big" systems... just "good" ones! I build what the person needs, not too much or too little. I do consider how long they plan to use it, though. I try to "future-proof" as much as I can...

[mattdavis11]

The most efficient computer I built was nothing more than a 386 with two serial ports, 256mb of ram and a floppy drive. No hard drive needed, floppy booted to dos, start the program and the streaming began.

Those were the days.

[azasadny]

Just like there isn't a single vehicle that is perfect for everyone, there isn't a single PC that is for all. For most, I recommend a tablet, but if the person creates content (video, audio, documents, etc...) I recommend a PC that is built well and will last for 5-7 years. I've found that most people keep their PC's for a long time, so I try to build one for them that will last at least as long as their current PC. Options depend upon what they want to do with it...

[abisel]

I built one a couple years back and total cost was around 1900, but then I reused the monitors, and hard drives from the old Dell. It consisted of Corsair 600T case, ASUS P6X58D Premium MB, Intel i7 950 @ 3.07 GHz, Corsair 750 power supply, EVGA NVidia GeForce GTX470 graphics, Corsair 12 Gig memory, LG DVD burner and Windows7 Professional.

At the time, I chose the Corsair case, power supply, and memory from reviews online. As stated, Corsair is the way to go. Their cases are top notch for space and cable routing, their power supplies are modular so you use only the cables needed and the memory is fabulous.

At the time, I got the Corsair Graphite 600T case which is a bit of an overkill in size, but it has lots of room for cooling. Today, I like this case:
Graphite Series 230T Compact Mid-Tower Case

I did a trick with the power supply and mounted it with the fan facing upward. With the power supply mounted with the fan facing downward, it would suck up all the little dust bunnies from the floor. With the fan facing upward, it would suck air from inside the case and actually contribute to keeping the air inside the case cooler.

I also got a water cooler for the CPU but never installed it. I just didn't need it since the fan supplied with the CPU works just fine with no overheating. But then the 120mm fans supplied with the case kept air moving and they never get loud. The only time you can hear the fans is when I was gaming with Medal of Honor, or Americas Army or whatever. Then the fan on the graphics card would speed up and get a little loud.

External fan controllers are not needed because the MB software has a fan controller imbedded.
Additional fans are not needed if you get a case with fans already installed.
Don’t get one big ass hard drive, instead get several smaller drives. One for OS and applications, and others for data files. The new SSD drives of 100G or so would work great for OS and applications with fast startup.
Do you plan on watching Blu-Ray on the PC? If not, just get a DVD burner.

Here is the list I came up with for $1568.00 Not including monitors, keyboard, mouse and shipping.


Oh, I forgot, don't forget to get some Arctic Silver Thermal paste for between the CPU and heat sink. Great stuff and just a smudge is all that is needed.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by azasadny

Send me your requirements and budget and I'll send you the list of gear you'll need from your local MicroCenter. You'll get a lot of computer for your $. I guarantee it!!

Art, I'm looking to build/buy an inexpensive PC gaming computer.
-Price= $600-800 if possible.
-Intel i5, but a decent i3 would work.
-8G RAM or more.
-Decent GPU. AT least 2GB RAM.
-Separate SSD for swap memory.
-Win7 instead of Win8.1 unless there are major differences. I like the XP format and GUI compatibility.

-Liquid cooling a plus.
-Upgrade to 3 monitor a plus (but probably won't happen this decade).

Doesn't have to be extreme, just run most games at over 25fpm @ 800x600
Thx John

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by john70t

....just run most games at over 25fpm @ 800x600
Thx John

FPS.

An etcha sketch can do 25 fpm.

Sorry, just messin with ya. It struck me as funny.

[azasadny]

John,
Personal message sent. I can help you!!

[azasadny]

I'm building another one this week... for a friend.

[azasadny]

I just built John70t a computer and he picked it up this evening. I'm sure he'll be very happy with it as I only build them one way... the right way!

[Schrup]

You do nice work Art, love your cable management.

[azasadny]

Paul, Thanks! Cable mgmt is important to keep airflow up and dust accumulation down. John seemed to appreciate the effort I put into his build and it runs great.