Hardware & Technical About to buy/build a new rig.

JughedJones · May 28, 2014

So, here's the thing.

I am not a 'handy guy' by any means. I'm pretty miserable at DIY tasks in general. However, in my research, I've found many people who claim that they're not handy either, but were able to build their own rig when given a full day at the table.

My issue then is two-fold. Are these people telling the truth, or are they playing down the difficulty of building a gaming computer correctly.

and

Is it worth spending the extra dough to get the parts/labor wuarantee, and not worrying about the awful mistakes you might make with 1000's of dollars worth of gear?

Here is the rig I'm considering building:

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/JughedJones/saved/pnzZxr

Any suggestions?

Cody · May 28, 2014

That's a decent spec, though I'd look at a better case, I think (Corsair, perhaps). The big question is how much more that spec will cost if you have it built for you. I'm not 'handy' by any means, but I can, with a little help from pals, build my own machines (it's an interesting exercise). There are youtube vids galore that will take you through the build process.

chaseydog · May 28, 2014

Watch a few build vids on YouTube to get a better idea of what's involved. If you have any reservations after that let us know what they are and we will try and step you through them. If after that point your unconvinced you can always go the purchase route.

Asp Explorer · May 28, 2014

Building a PC is pretty much like lego these days. Nothing to it at all complicated, just watch out for sharp cases, dropped screws and avoid getting cables in fans or pulled tight at angles.

If something doesn't feel right, don't force it, check orientation.

Don't plug everything into one power line from the PSU, spread the load out.

Most importantly of all, enjoy it and have fun!

Histati · May 28, 2014

I have the same concerns as you jugheadjones. Im afraid that after investing in all the parts Im gonna find myself in some sort of PC nightmare trying to get it working.

Asp Explorer · May 28, 2014

If you've ever changed the sparkplug in a lawnmower, you are overqualified to build a PC

It really is very simple and easy. The most fiddly bits are plugging in wires for LED's and case switches - you should really have no problem at all

Cody · May 28, 2014

It can be worth a few dollars more to buy components from retailers who have a no-nonsense returns policy - if you get a duff component, which can happen (though not often with quality kit), you get it swapped for a replacement quickly that way.

Histati · May 28, 2014

Putting it together does not scare me, it's what happens after I turn it on. The hardware I understand but having the lack of understanding for computer software concerns me.

Asp Explorer · May 28, 2014

Histati said:
Putting it together does not scare me, it's what happens after I turn it on. The hardware I understand but having the lack of understanding for computer software concerns me.

Oh that's even simpler! Just attach a DVD drive or USB stick with Windows 7 or 8.1 Update on it, a couple of clicks and you're running

Of course, it'll be Windows, so you'll have the joys of finding updates, downloading drivers, installing antivirus if it's 7 etc. All in all, not too daunting a task. There are plenty of knowledgeable peeps here so if you get stuck with something, I am sure they will be happy to help.

Cody · May 28, 2014

Asp Explorer said:
Oh that's even simpler! Just attach a DVD drive or USB stick with Windows 7 or 8.1 Update on it, a couple of clicks and you're running...

<nods> Ninja'd!

Waycool · May 28, 2014

Any friends that build PC's? Toss em $50 and bob's your uncle watch them do the build and learn a bit about it observing.

Histati · May 28, 2014

I'll do it!! You and Mr Shakey have made some good points. Now I just have to find my hammer and saw.

ubermick · May 28, 2014

Asp Explorer said:
Oh that's even simpler! Just attach a DVD drive or USB stick with Windows 7 or 8.1 Update on it, a couple of clicks and you're running

Of course, it'll be Windows, so you'll have the joys of finding updates, downloading drivers, installing antivirus if it's 7 etc. All in all, not too daunting a task. There are plenty of knowledgeable peeps here so if you get stuck with something, I am sure they will be happy to help.

Yep, what aspy said there. I'm a Windows neophyte, a total Mac user, but when my imac needed to be upgraded, and it turned out to be a pain in the backside, I turned to the wonderful world of the Hackintosh. (Basically a PC made using "approved" parts that can run the Mac OS with a little bit of software tweaking). So far have built three computers, the latest being a "gaming PC" purely to play ED on. As long as you take your time on putting things together, you'll be fine - and when it comes to installing the software, it's all more or less automatic. Just be prepared with Windows - as asp said, the updates are a pain in the backside. It's mostly automatic, but your newly built PC will literally spend 2-3 hours resetting itself and updating itself when you get going (and will continue to update on a regular basis).

Looking at your specs, I'd question your power supply. Get a modular one. Much easier to build with, and gives you peace of mind since they'll be "gold or platinum" certified. In terms of a motherboard, I'm horrible with PCs and all that tweaking stuff, so after a lot of sniffing, went with an MSI "gaming" motherboard which does all the overclocking stuff for you. Also think that your graphics card is probably a wee bit overkill if you're planning on using this primarily for ED - you could go down to the GTX 770 TI and save yourself a few bucks, and not notice an issue.

Here's what I put together, and the thing absolutely SCREAMS.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZdYx23

Lestat · May 28, 2014

The only thing you have to worry about is shorting something out. The trick with that is always ground your self by using the Case. Basically touch the case before you touch each part. Handle Parts like you handle a Record from the sides and don't touch the electronic components on it.

Otherwise it pretty easy.

Helfix · May 28, 2014

Hey there,

Head on over to http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc and they will basically help you build the most optimal PC for your budget

. They also have many resources that can help you out!

JughedJones · May 28, 2014

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions, guys.

Seems the overwhelming majority are in the 'build it' camp.

Is the idea of a parts and labor wuarantee not something to consider?

Asp Explorer · May 28, 2014

Lestat said:
The only thing you have to worry about is shorting something out. The trick with that is always ground your self by using the Case. Basically touch the case before you touch each part. Handle Parts like you handle a Record from the sides and don't touch the electronic components on it.

Otherwise it pretty easy.

The thing about grounding using the case, is that the case itself needs to be grounded by being plugged into an electrical outlet.

I've seen many, many peeps unplug the power cord as they think that's the safe thing to do, and then promptly (and completely unknowingly) zap a component

Aleksej · May 28, 2014

As for OP's rig, I would go for Z97 chipset, if you go for GTX780, it might be worth considering 6GB version, of course this depends on your display's resolution. Also you might go for R9 290X. Or if money would allow then for GTX780Ti.
Is DVD/CD writer really necessary, I am not using those for about 3-4 years already.

Lestat · May 28, 2014

Asp Explorer said:
The thing about grounding using the case, is that the case itself needs to be grounded by being plugged into an electrical outlet.

I've seen many, many peeps unplug the power cord as they think that's the safe thing to do, and then promptly (and completely unknowingly) zap a component

Sounds like the Peeps did not touch the metal on the case before handling the computer parts or was on the rug or carpet unknowingly moving their feet which could cause static.

LOL I been building computers for 25 years starting at age 14 lol I never use anti static wrist wrap and never had to plug anything into the wall

.

usernametaken · May 28, 2014

Building a PC is pretty easy, the only thing I find to be a nightmare is attaching the CPU cooler. Usually, the thermal layer that's on those is pretty pants and many would recommend getting rid of that and using a decent thermal paste. That can be quite annoying to do.

Other than that you can pretty much sleep walk through it.

If I were you I'd go with more than 8GB but I imagine that should suffice. I wouldn't touch SSD because I've had really, really bad experiences with them (highly unreliable), but most people seem to like them.