building a new system

I plan on building my 1st system from scratch in 07. Over the course of 6 months of so, I want to research the components that I think will work best for me and look for good deals on them. I will probably order many parts from online stores. For those of you who have done this before I am looking for advise on reputable online stores to purchase from and pitfalls to avoid when putting together a new system for first time. I will primarily use the system for gaming, storing and listening to music, video playback, and of course internet access. I figure I would start by choosing a motherboard and a case and then gradually fill in the rest of the components till I have a workable system.
Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

I've purchased exclusively from newegg.com for about three years now. Quality products at great prices, and great shipping and customer service to boot!

Let me say this though. Instead of buying a few parts here and there and waiting to you have everything. Create a second savings account, and wait until you have all the money you need for everything, then buy it all at once. That way you are getting all the best prices at the time you would have been buying your last component and you don't have to worry about the next best thing coming out right in the middle of a system build.

What ever your choice though, good luck! And Happy New Year!

 

Personally I would recomend directron.com.

For a little extra ($10 at last check) they will test your motherboard, processor, and power supply. They also have the option of double boxing your components to help make sure they get there in one piece. Even if you have to pay for it, its nice to know that they are willing to go the extra mile to ensure your parts don't arrive DOA.

A few things to keep in mind:
- If you buy your processor OEM, it WILL need a heatsink/fan. And don't forget the theral paste.
- If your new case comes with a power supply, consider replacing it. Most of the PSU's don't put out enough power for decent gaming. Nothing worse than finding out that 350 Watt PSU doesn't crank enough juice for your new game.

And, I second OverCooked's idea of getting them all at one time.

Happy shopping, and Happy New Years!!

 

Personally, I would buy from a local computer shop. Not one of the chain stores, but a small, independent local dealer. You can see and touch the components before you buy them, ask questions about the product you're looking at, get all kinds of assistance and help, and you keep your hard earned dollars in the local economy. You may pay a bit more, but I think that it's definitely worth it. Also, if you have trouble with the PC, you have a place to take it to for trouble-shooting and you're more likely to get good service from the same shop you bought your PC from; and the shop will help with any warranty issues - locally - which is a whole lot better than talking to someone in India in a customer support warehouse call center. And- when you want to upgrade a video card (for example) many independent shops will give you a trade-in discount on your new card when you give 'em the old one. Try getting a trade-in discount from New Egg!!!! Well, that's my two cents. Nothing against New Egg, or Tiger Direct, or anyone else, I just personally like to see and touch and inquire before spending, and I think it's important to keep money local and to support the independent PC stores.

hopperdave2000
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

Yes I have used new egg in the past and been very happy with the service and will likely order from them again. directron.com looks promising as well.

For a little extra ($10 at last check) they will test your motherboard, processor, and power supply.

Is that check all three for $10 or $10 each?

I would like to buy from a local computer shop but where I live there are only 2 that I know of and neither one have been that great to deal with in the past.

Can someone recommend a site that would help me match up processors with mother boards and with ram etc. So I can get an idea of which components will work together. So I can start putting together a list and getting prices.

Thanks for the replies so far!

 

No matter where you get your stuff you want to eliminate problems as much as possible.
There is not much debate on a 500 watt power supply from PC Power and Cooling as being trouble free. You can argue whether others are "as good", but none are better and you pay for it.
Antec may not make the prettiest case, but they are solid and things fit. Coolermaster and some others also makes good cases.
Those two things you should pay for the good stuff. even if you don't overclock, game, hack or whatever; a stable power supply and good case cooling are a must.
You will reuse these at least once more for your next computer.
It does not matter where you buy if you never need to return it!

 

Directron will help you match up processors, mobo's, RAM, psu's, etc.

And, its $10 for psu, and $10 for mobo and CPU if picked from the same menu. Meaning, when you pick your mobo, you can choose to add a processor, RAM, etc. and it will be tested together.

I believe they will even build it for you and test it (but i think you have to buy an OS) for $27.

There are also systems that you can configure to your liking. And make sure to check the clearance section. That's where I got my new case and PSU together for $40. The case was normally $70 and the 550W PSU was an extra 25.

One more thing, I believe that Directron is one of the few places that you can find "round" IDE cables, just in case you need to hook up an old HD.

 

do any of u guys know of any good and UK websites for buying hardware and cases etc?
~scol