Hello all.
I'll be heading into college shortly, and while I have a functional laptop to use, it is little more than that. I wish to either A) purchase a system or B) build one so that I can do some gaming, media storage, and media managment.
I dug around on Dell's website, and it looks like I can order for about $700 a PC with a decent processor. Let me add right now that I have never built a computer from scratch, and know very little of compatability, but would be interested in doing so if I could save money or get better value.
I talked to a neighbor today (and read a LOT on this site, it's great), and learned the following:
Choosing a processor appears to be the first, and most important step. Mobo must match it before you can do anything else.
Case and PSU are basically compatable with anything, so it doesn't matter when you get those? I was thinking to grab a 350 W PSU, but perhaps 450 would be better?
HDD, RAM, and videocard are fairly easily taken care of. I have an old videocard laying around that I can use until I select a fancy one, and RAM is always bought to match the mobo...
Am I missing something? Right now, I have absolutely no idea what processor I should be looking at. I would like something decent but not ridiculously expensive. It looks like the dual core processors might be a little overpriced?
I appreciate ALL help, even with minor "stupid" things. I honestly have little idea what I'm doing, although I have some experience upgrading small things. You folks seem knowledgable and friendly, and I hope you help well!
Thanks again to all in advance,
Matt
I'll be heading into college shortly, and while I have a functional laptop to use, it is little more than that. I wish to either A) purchase a system or B) build one so that I can do some gaming, media storage, and media managment.
I dug around on Dell's website, and it looks like I can order for about $700 a PC with a decent processor. Let me add right now that I have never built a computer from scratch, and know very little of compatability, but would be interested in doing so if I could save money or get better value.
I talked to a neighbor today (and read a LOT on this site, it's great), and learned the following:
Choosing a processor appears to be the first, and most important step. Mobo must match it before you can do anything else.
Case and PSU are basically compatable with anything, so it doesn't matter when you get those? I was thinking to grab a 350 W PSU, but perhaps 450 would be better?
HDD, RAM, and videocard are fairly easily taken care of. I have an old videocard laying around that I can use until I select a fancy one, and RAM is always bought to match the mobo...
Am I missing something? Right now, I have absolutely no idea what processor I should be looking at. I would like something decent but not ridiculously expensive. It looks like the dual core processors might be a little overpriced?
I appreciate ALL help, even with minor "stupid" things. I honestly have little idea what I'm doing, although I have some experience upgrading small things. You folks seem knowledgable and friendly, and I hope you help well!
Thanks again to all in advance,
Matt