This summer I went about accomplishing a task that is both laborious and questionable (in terms of
time and money). I set about making my own computer. Here in this pseudo diary I will recount every
week in occumulation (what happened, what were my thoughts and such).
Week One: Conception and Research(Part I) [June 6 - 14]
In school, I started thinking about the biggest, baddest machine I could conjure. It was no
mystery I wanted the biggest and baddest, but did I have the money? Did I have the necessary
will power to invest in such a thing that would probably be outdated withing half a year? Probably not,
but that didn't stop me from going home that day after finals and checking prices and reviews for
all of the core stuff. For the first couple of days, it was all research on which parts to buy, and not
manufacter or price. It came close to about $2500.
Later, I realized that most of the core parts, no matter how expensive, could not be changed if
I wanted a computer that was ahead of its time and could take the newest gear years ahead. The PSU,
the motherboard, and case. Without those elements, in my opinion, you cannot guarantee forecapability.
But what makes the core components FC? These are questions I asked myself and the answer is:
-If there are two versions of basically the same motherboard, let's say a motherboard with
Nvidias 680i and 650i chipsets, you have to choose between them. I found that the main difference
between the 80 and the 50 is when using a SLI configuration, you can only use x8 PCIe slots
on the 50 version whereas the 80 chipset lets me do SLI on x16. That's a lot more speed. Further
down the road, I might want a better card, and guess what? It will probably either want a x16 config.
or it would be like throwing 100 bucks into the can if I didn't use the 80 chipset. If you are the average
gamer and not a diehard (it isn't always the best thing to be a diehard), you might go for the 50. After all,
you can still use the x16 PCIe slots for single cards that might be just as good as two of today's latest
cards on SLI (in which case it wouldn't matter).
-The PSU (Power Supply Unit), cannot be a greater factor in one's computer. It is what makes it
go. Without it, you might as well have a chinese abacus because your computer is a paperweight
without power. I got 1010 watts of power, thinking, I'd probably need it, and figures later I switched to
less power intensive parts, but if I ever upgrade, I'll get components that will not even start without
a high wattage PSU. Face it, if that GPU fan isn't spinning, your GPU is probably not working.
-Your case is also a big factor in upgradability - Buy it now, and it probably won't change in price that
much (all things do). It doesn't take much to manufacture bent steel with a little eye-candy.
Are you going mini tower? Full tower? Atom size tower (for the nano computing enthusiast)?
I got a full tower. I think one of the biggest things you will need to worry about it size of your PSU and
graphics card. Yes, I said it, GFX card. The 8800 GTX is very long. In a computer model I made that
was to-scale, it was alittle bit off the motherboard. What does this mean of your HDD slots are almost
to your motherboard? Well, your going to either return that GTX or buy a new case. Nvidia might come out
with a 65 nm chip manufacturing solution (they use 90 nm which is why the damn chip is so big), but
sources say that they didn't like the way their Geforce FX struggled because of the new manufacturing
technique. I also have a nifty feature on my case that allows for water cooling without needing to drill
holes (yes they prefabed the case with rubber holes for pipes).
Whew! You might say that is a long list. I haven't seen one like it on the nets when I was searching. You may find
it useful. I researched A LOT; that is an understatement. I researched until it was my new hobby. You don't screw
around when buying a 2000+ dollar computer.
Some useful sites to know (by heart):
www.newegg.com
www.tomshardware.com
www.techspot.com
www.nvidia.com
www.slizone.com
www.ati.com
www.overclock.net
...to list a few (did I mention Google?)
During this week, I also found that a budget is something to stick to. It gives you something to check yourself with.
I know now that a PC built by a student, I am one myself, cannot not be too high-end. I have a job, but honestly,
being a clerk at the local shoppe doesn't cut it; I still have many side jobs over the summer (scanning pictures).
If you really want to build an awesome PC, put some parts on paper and ask any tech savy person you know whether
the specs are ridiculous, or well-thought out. Be reasonable even with the fantasy part. If your 18, there is no way in hell
you can spend 7000 dollars on a pixar quality GFX card.
Some of this was common sense to me (like that Pixar GFX card), but most of it wasn't. So, if you think that you are in way
over your head, or a tech savy person you consulted does, you are not alone.