03-03-2005, 10:53 PM

OK, i will try to make this as short as possible.

I have always used macs and i love using them. But when i go away to college coming up this fall i will need a PC to run AutoCad...stuid OSU requires that we use AutoCad so i can't get around it. I thought about using VPC but that would run incredibly slow.

I am lucky that my parents and grandparents have already told me they are going to get me a laptop for graduation. I picked out a 15in PB with the 128MD VRAM upgrade...hehe The laptop will be used for everything except AutoCad.

My question is were is/are the best places to go to find pieces and parts to build a PC. I would like this system to run AutoCad well and i am going to put a minimum of 1 gig of ram in it. I will probably start building this system in about 3-4 months. I am probably going to want to do a little gaming on the machine but i don't plan on anything to heavy. The only thing i am fairly picky about is the case. I want something that looks fairly nice. When it is all said and done the desktop will probably come to resemble OSX a lot

So were is/are the best places to buy, motherboard, CPU, fans, etc.?

I am new to PC's so if someone could "make me a parts list" to get me started i would appreciated it.

Also, post links to what you are talking about so i can look at it please.

Thanks for any help!!

03-03-2005, 11:01 PM

Um. I suggest you don't build a PC... Sometime is actually costs more than a manufactured PC. I recommend getting something around 2.6-2.8GHz from dell and sticking 1GB memory. Or if you want to build a PC, there is tons of widley prices PC parts at www.tigerdirect.ca or www.tigerdirect.com if your in america

03-03-2005, 11:07 PM

Oh yeah, and for parts....

I will also recommend the specs of each part if you like...

Lets start with a case.

Black ATX Case

Motherboard Socket 478 (for pentium 4 CPU's)

Powersupply - go for a 400W

Pentium 4 CPU around 2.8GHz

Harddrive - 80GB - 120GB (more space for AutoCad files??)

CD-RW/DVD-ROM (or DVD-RW if u wanna butn DVD's)

Video Card (i recommend nVidea) 128MB card (make it an AGP card if there are AGP slots on the motherboard, if there are no AGP slots, go with a PCI 128MB Video Card)

Sound Card (if you want good 5.1 sound, get a $20-40 sound card from Creative, SoundBlaster)

Monitor - You can get like a $200-300 17" LCD or 19" for 300 something if you want more room)

Am i missing anything???

Good Luck

Oh yeah, and sometimes you can jusy get a barebone system with some aprts already in it with a case . Ex http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...asp?CatId=1227

03-03-2005, 11:49 PM

My favorite place is www.newegg.com. Best selection and best prices plus fast service.

Start cruising PC forums on what components people are using and are the most satisfied with. I'm not familiar with Autocad, but if there's a 64-bit version, go with an AMD 64 CPU. Intel is way behind on this technology after barking up the wrong tree (Itanium). AMD PCs give you much more bang for your buck.

03-04-2005, 12:17 AM

For your repairs you can use this site, its in spainish but very helpful.

I have a pc also for certain applications. Unless you are a gamer your cost could be cheap depending on the application requirements. Buy used, then reformat, alot of people don't know how to and get another computer.
http://www.technetguru.net/host/27/ ----- pc repair enjoy

03-04-2005, 06:25 AM

I would suggest getting a Dell or eMachine. It used to be you could build a system for a fraction of the cost of a COTS PC. Now though building from scratch is not really that much cheaper, especially when you figure in the cost of Windows.

If you are determined to build from scratch though I would use newegg.com, they have decent prices and great service. Directron.com is good as well. Right now I would go with an AMD64 based system, just my personal preference on "bang for the buck." For Case you might consider the Shuttle SN95G5. I am picking one up to replace one of my older systems. It has the benefit of being a barebones system so you won't need to put in and connect the motherboard.

03-04-2005, 07:03 AM

As stated many times above, I would recommend newegg. Their prices are great, and every item I've ordered came BEFORE the anticipated delivery date. :p

I actually just built a PC several weeks ago. I built a small form factor, which uses a Shuttle case. It's the size a glorified toaster, and sits on top of my desk. It's a great lookin' machine. It uses a Pent 4 3.0GHz chip, 256 videocard, 160 harddrive, etc. It's a sweet machine. Honestly, I don't think you will save money if you build ai system. It will could (and probably will) end costing more than a Dell/Emachine/Gateway.

One thing's for sure...it's fun building a system. Just make sure that you know someone who is well versed with PC's. I had to ask for assistance on several occasions...

VakeJ

03-04-2005, 08:50 AM

mate build your own AMD system, you get what you need not what your given. Many systems use Intel so that pushes up the price before you start.

If your going to uni then you might be able to get xp for free like i did ask about MSDN allience and if they are part of it.

03-04-2005, 09:57 AM

The shuttle is a great machine to start building with ... it has pretty much everything you need apart from the memory, CPU, and vid card, optical drive and hard drive :O sounds like a lot but its a **** sight less than buliding your own totally from scratch if you need any help with it PM me and i'll be glad to help

03-04-2005, 10:55 AM

http://pricewatch.com

03-04-2005, 11:53 AM

I think i am going to attempt to build one, but i still have a couple months to decide. Mostly because i want to try and i think i may be fun...i hope.

I have a friend that is very familiar with PC's so he is going to help me out in putting the computer together.

Any suggestions for halfway decent LCD displays that don't cost and arm and a leg. I would like it to look good. I have heard that Dell monitors are pretty good. Is that true?

Thanks for the help

03-04-2005, 01:24 PM

Dell monitors are awesome, at least their 2001FP and 2005FPW are. They have a new 24in LCD that is $1200, I haven't seen it in person but the specs look good. Check gotapex.com for Dell deals if buying a Dell monitor, they are on sale just about every other day.

I like to get my PC stuff from newegg.com, there are some sites that may be a couple bucks cheaper on certain items but I know if I order from newegg I'll actually get it and get it quick. Check resellerratings.com before ordering from a site you haven't heard of.

03-04-2005, 01:45 PM

As some have stated above, if you are just looking for a good, but not great machine, you may be able to buy a ready built E machine or Dell for less than building one. However, if you want a killer performer and/or looker go to NewEgg.com and Outpost.com for parts. Also, if you have a Fry's electronics near you, head down there and check out some of the parts you plan on using 'in-person.' This is especially helpful with the cases. For a chip I would go with an AMD 64/FX, and for the motherboard I like the Nvidia N Force series.

-Chris

03-04-2005, 02:06 PM

Dell makes some pretty good systems.

03-04-2005, 05:05 PM

....
any oem build sucks or is horribly overpriced....
go amd for sure if you wanna game
if you need help building a system gimee a price range and ill show u a good setup