Difference between revisions of "Building A Computer"

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(→‎Current Minimum System Spec)
(→‎What shall I buy then?)
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The advice in this section is aimed at people on a budget and offers the best practical advice giving the most value for money.
 
The advice in this section is aimed at people on a budget and offers the best practical advice giving the most value for money.
 +
 +
=== Platforms ===
 +
Choosing what platform you go for is fairly straight forward right now. Intel is top of charts for processors and NVIDIA is top for graphics cards. This doesn't completely rule out AMD there their Spider platform consisting of Phenom and Crossfire is very good and close to the overall performance of a Intel/NVIDIA platform. Personal choice which you choose.
 +
Remember;
 +
* Crossfire works best with an AMD chipset and processor. This is because AMD now owns ATI and has optimized the configuration.
 +
* Crossfire support is extremely poor on with Intel chipsets with the second graphics card only running in 4x mode not 16x for the second PCI-E slot.
 +
* ATI(AMD) and NVIDIA have good energy saving features built into their systems. Such as Hybrid Power from NVIDIA but these are not available to Intel systems.
 +
* NVIDIA SLI works best with Intel processors using an NVIDIA chipset motherboard.
  
 
=== Current Minimum System Spec ===
 
=== Current Minimum System Spec ===
 +
When planning a new computer it is worth thinking about what screen resolution and Operating System you will be using so you can plan your system requirements. Higher screen resolutions require faster graphics cards with more video memory. Newer Operating systems require a slightly faster processor and more system memory.
 +
 +
==== Suggestions ====
 +
(Note: these are largely subjective opinions)
 +
 +
'''Windows XP @ 1280x1024 (19<nowiki>''</nowiki> TFT)'''
 +
* 2.2GHz Dual Core Processor
 +
* 2GB of memory
 +
* 256MB graphics card
 +
 +
'''Windows XP @ 1650x1050 (22<nowiki>''</nowiki> TFT)'''
 +
* 2.2GHz Dual Core Processor
 +
* 2GB of memory
 +
* 512MB graphics card
 +
 +
'''Windows Vista 32 bit @ 1280x1024'''
 +
* 2.4GHz Dual Core Processor
 +
* 3GB of memory
 +
* 256MB DX10 (Directx 10) graphics card
 +
 +
'''Windows Vista 64 Bit @ 1280x1024'''
 +
* 2.4GHz Dual Core Processor
 +
* 3GB of memory
 +
* 256MB DX10 graphics card
 +
 +
'''Windows Vista 64 Bit @ 1650x1024'''
 +
* 2.4GHz Dual Core Processor
 +
* 3GB of memory
 +
* 512MB DX10 graphics card
 +
 +
+ the usual essentials such as hard disks, DVD drives etc and peripherals like monitor, mouse, keyboard speakers etc
 +
 +
Summer 2008 is upon us. Meaning the sweet spot for PC gaming is going to be Windows Vista 64 Bit @ 1650x1050. So if you aren't already above this specification you should be thinking of upgrading to get smooth performance (above 30 FPS) in the newest games.
  
−
To get the most out of todays games you require at least (Note: these are largely subjective opinions);
+
=== What to Upgrade first? ===
−
* AMD Athlon 64 3500+
+
First off make sure you have a decent processor. Any single core processor needs to be replaced which if your computer is that old probably means a new computer is needed. Any Dual Core below an Intel E6600 should be replaced or consideration given to overclock the processor. You need to be able to feed your system fast enough to make sure everything works to its potential. Don't buy an expensive processor with a rubbish graphics card as you will not get value for money. A balanced system is always better then an unbalanced one.
−
* Nforce 3/4 chipset
+
Try to prioritize your upgrades.
−
* NVIDIA 6800 GS 256MB
+
* Memory first. No matter how fast your processor or graphics card is. Unless you have enough memory your computer will slow dramatically.
−
* 1 GB DDR 400 Memory
+
* Processor second. You need to be able to feed your graphics card data as fast as it needs it. This means your CPU has to be able to calculate the game mechanics, AI, physics with room to spare for the graphics card. Remember you can lower the graphics settings if your graphics card can't handle the load. You don't have the same flexibility with your processor.
−
* <nowiki>19'' Monitor</nowiki>
+
* Graphics last. Everyone likes great graphics. No point having great graphics on a horribly underpowered machine leading to serious jerking.
−
* + the usual essentials such as hard disks, DVD drives etc and peripherals like mouse, keyboard speakers etc
 
  
 
To test how fast your computer is and how it compares to others check the [[Computer Performance And OverClocking]] guide.
 
To test how fast your computer is and how it compares to others check the [[Computer Performance And OverClocking]] guide.
Line 63: Line 103:
 
=== Buy a new computer ===
 
=== Buy a new computer ===
  
−
Dark's Part Suggestion list can be found Here:
+
Dark's Part Suggestion list can be found Here:[http://www.thetngc.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4394 OUT OF DATE]
−
http://www.thetngc.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4394
 
  
−
=== Upgrading an old computer ===
+
Firejack's Recommended Hardware list can be seen here >>  [[Recommended_Hardware]]
−
Dark's Part list still applies - But this time you might want to ask in the forums for mixing and matching what parts you can keep from your current computer, what parts you need to replace, and what your budget is.
 
  
 
== Where to Buy ==
 
== Where to Buy ==

Revision as of 22:56, 1 June 2008

The hardest part of building your own computer is matching up all the parts before you buy so you have parts that are compatible with one another. This is where the Forums come in. They are the best place to ask for advice after you have read this guide. Whatever you are building your computer for the requirements are always pretty similar. Although this guide is focused on Gaming you may consider these general rules;

  1. For gaming you will get more reward for your money if you invest in a faster then average CPU, more then average amount of memory, very fast graphics.
  2. For video/audio editing you are better with a very fast CPU, faster then average graphics card, a lot of memory, very fast hard disks, dedicated sound cards and video encoder/decoder card.
  3. General use and work you will best spend your money on a faster then average CPU, slower then average graphics, less then average memory.

These are general notes to think about when considering how to split up your budget.

Getting Started

Okay, so your looking to buy components and upgrade your Computer, there are a few things we need to know:

  • Are you buying it within the next month, if not, then don't ask us until you are!
  • What is your budget?
  • Can You build it yourself?
  • What is your current PC?
  • Where are you buying it ? Can you buy it on the internet?
  • Give as much detail as possible About your Current PC:
    • Motherboard (Socket Type) (AGP/PCI-E)
    • Processor
    • GFX Card etc
    • If you do not know - download and install Everest Home Edition, here : http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html It will tell you what's inside your computer

Note: Include Model numbers and the Brand or we cannot offer anything but the most general advice!!

Depending on your computer, give as much detail about the following, specifically focusing on whether they need replaced, or if you can use your current:

  • Case
  • Hard Drive
  • Operating System
  • PSU
  • Optical Drives
  • Monitor
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse

Custom Built versus Self-Built

Most people avoid building their own computers believing it is too hard or too complicated. This couldn't be further from the truth. Building your own computer these days is nothing more difficult then matching the colours of connections or the shape. Everything is key-ed so you can't put the wrong plug in the wrong hole and all are colour coordinated.


What shall I buy then?

The advice in this section is aimed at people on a budget and offers the best practical advice giving the most value for money.

Platforms

Choosing what platform you go for is fairly straight forward right now. Intel is top of charts for processors and NVIDIA is top for graphics cards. This doesn't completely rule out AMD there their Spider platform consisting of Phenom and Crossfire is very good and close to the overall performance of a Intel/NVIDIA platform. Personal choice which you choose. Remember;

  • Crossfire works best with an AMD chipset and processor. This is because AMD now owns ATI and has optimized the configuration.
  • Crossfire support is extremely poor on with Intel chipsets with the second graphics card only running in 4x mode not 16x for the second PCI-E slot.
  • ATI(AMD) and NVIDIA have good energy saving features built into their systems. Such as Hybrid Power from NVIDIA but these are not available to Intel systems.
  • NVIDIA SLI works best with Intel processors using an NVIDIA chipset motherboard.

Current Minimum System Spec

When planning a new computer it is worth thinking about what screen resolution and Operating System you will be using so you can plan your system requirements. Higher screen resolutions require faster graphics cards with more video memory. Newer Operating systems require a slightly faster processor and more system memory.

Suggestions

(Note: these are largely subjective opinions)

Windows XP @ 1280x1024 (19'' TFT)

  • 2.2GHz Dual Core Processor
  • 2GB of memory
  • 256MB graphics card

Windows XP @ 1650x1050 (22'' TFT)

  • 2.2GHz Dual Core Processor
  • 2GB of memory
  • 512MB graphics card

Windows Vista 32 bit @ 1280x1024

  • 2.4GHz Dual Core Processor
  • 3GB of memory
  • 256MB DX10 (Directx 10) graphics card

Windows Vista 64 Bit @ 1280x1024

  • 2.4GHz Dual Core Processor
  • 3GB of memory
  • 256MB DX10 graphics card

Windows Vista 64 Bit @ 1650x1024

  • 2.4GHz Dual Core Processor
  • 3GB of memory
  • 512MB DX10 graphics card

+ the usual essentials such as hard disks, DVD drives etc and peripherals like monitor, mouse, keyboard speakers etc

Summer 2008 is upon us. Meaning the sweet spot for PC gaming is going to be Windows Vista 64 Bit @ 1650x1050. So if you aren't already above this specification you should be thinking of upgrading to get smooth performance (above 30 FPS) in the newest games.

What to Upgrade first?

First off make sure you have a decent processor. Any single core processor needs to be replaced which if your computer is that old probably means a new computer is needed. Any Dual Core below an Intel E6600 should be replaced or consideration given to overclock the processor. You need to be able to feed your system fast enough to make sure everything works to its potential. Don't buy an expensive processor with a rubbish graphics card as you will not get value for money. A balanced system is always better then an unbalanced one. Try to prioritize your upgrades.

  • Memory first. No matter how fast your processor or graphics card is. Unless you have enough memory your computer will slow dramatically.
  • Processor second. You need to be able to feed your graphics card data as fast as it needs it. This means your CPU has to be able to calculate the game mechanics, AI, physics with room to spare for the graphics card. Remember you can lower the graphics settings if your graphics card can't handle the load. You don't have the same flexibility with your processor.
  • Graphics last. Everyone likes great graphics. No point having great graphics on a horribly underpowered machine leading to serious jerking.

To test how fast your computer is and how it compares to others check the Computer Performance And OverClocking guide.

Looking ahead

Technology is always evolving and nowhere is it evolving then computer gaming. Windows Vista and DirectX10 promise the biggest technological advance for gaming. Making sure your machine can get the most out of DirectX10 you should consider a DirectX10 graphics card like the NVIDIA 8x00 series or the upcoming Radeon 2900 HD Dual/Quad Core processors are another big advance in technology new games will be using. Artificial Intelligence and Physics promise to be features sure to take advantage of Multiple Core Processors. Widescreen gaming is overlooked but not for much longer. Native support for Widescreen gaming is appearing in all games and promises a better viewing experience.

Buy a new computer

Dark's Part Suggestion list can be found Here:OUT OF DATE

Firejack's Recommended Hardware list can be seen here >> Recommended_Hardware

Where to Buy

UK

Recommended UK sites for Buying a prebuilt PC:

Recommended UK sites for Buying PC components:

Sites with good guides to what components to buy:

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