Hello i am fairly new to this community and i now have my first query. I am looking to build my own computer instead of buying one.

I have a very good understanding of computers and have done several hardware installations such as ram, video card, fans, hard drive, etc. I now believe i am ready to build my own from scratch as i have seen it done.

So i guess my question is where do i start? Is there a intro tutorial to starting out here on the site as ive seen you have an overclocking tutorial? I do know the basics but all the help i can get would be much appreciated.

In the mean time i think i will begin looking to order some of the parts i know i need.

Thanks for all and any input.

Howdy thbcsteve and welcome to the forums,
First off we have to ask how much do you want to spend? Do you want it semi future proof? What do you already own so you can save some money. And what do you want to do with the Rig?

This way we can help find compatible parts that is the first rule in building a pc. Make sure everything will work together.

Hi thbccsteve!
Welcome to PC Helpforum!

Where to start is to get the answers on several questions, like asa_sniper gave you.
What do you want to use your PC for, and what do you want to spend.
Are there any brands you have good experience with can be another question which you may think of.

Blue

Motherboard type is an important choice at present... everyone's switching their video cards over to the faster PCI Express Format--- so I don't recommend buying a VGA oriented board UNLESS the budget is really tight. PCI Express is taking over-- slowly but eventually the market for VGA cards will peter out-- and their prices will start to rise. Less demand=fewer manufacturers=higher prices for the ones there are due to less competition.

All the major makers seem to have more PCI cards than VGA now-- though that might be just good advertising. Since video performance is a big part of any PC's OVERALL performance I'd go PCI-X -- if I were building right now.


My 2 cents worth.

Well i am looking to spend anywhere from 800 to 1200 dollars canadian and i want a machine that will do some nice gaming. I was looking at the processor that is listed under the overclocking tutorial on this site and i saw a motherboard that has 4 ram slots. Am i aiming to low with pricing? I think that that should get me a decent rig, maybe not the best.

howdy again thbccsteve,
I wish I knew the exchange for candian dollars will have to look,

Doi you still have a monitor that you will ususing or will you be starting from scracth?

Nope ive got a monitor, its a crt but i dont want to put out a whole lot for a game-proof lcd. Plus i dont need any extra space

And i think thats prolly about 700-1100 dollars american, maybe a little less than that