First time computer builder

I'm about to build my very own first computer and I was just wondering, is it a bad idea to buy the cheapest components possible? Would they fail or blow up as soon as I turned the computer on? I know about all the different standards etc like ATA-150 and PC3200 I just want to know if cheap componenets are poor quality.

Thanks

-Nathe

 

if you want to use your computer for a longer time (say 2 years +) without any problems, then go for a bit better quality components.

 

Cheap as in inexpensive, does not always translate into low quality. How much you spend on building your system, depends on what you want to do with it. Do some shopping around, you can find some 'high quality' computer components at reasonable prices. A good place to look is Pricewatch.com

 

Some things are worth it some arn't it just depends, on the parts.Most builders start out wanting to build a pc for as cheap as possible,its like getting one over on the big stores,but you soon realize that little extra you saved buying quality parts is not worth the stress when the computer doesnt work or is short lived.

A few things-Dont buy generic memory,get kingston,corsair,crucial value ram
Buy a decent mobo,abit,msi,asus,gigabyte,dfi,ect
dont go for a high watt psu try and get a low watt name brand with strong 12v rails or rail.the weight is a good indication.
Sounds silly but build it well within 30 days so all the parts can be returned to the store and get as many parts as you can with a 3 year warranty.

 

Don't cheap out on the case! Make sure it is of proper size so that future upgrades won't require a new case. I'm a big fan of the Soho-II server tower which you can get at CompUSA for ~$110. It comes with a good 400W-450W power supply. My brothers and I have been running from these cases for 3 years with no complaints.

 

If you wanted a slightly cheaper case, with similar specifications try this one. http://3btech.net/blandredezg7.html

 

i think the only places where you can skimp on and not regret it, is the case and the cd drive, and maybe the key board and mouse. I've seen cases for as little as 20$ and so long you put quality components in, performance won't suffer

 

I agree with Pyrate just make sure the case has enough spots for case fans like in the front the back and the side and you can find some pretty decent cases that fit that description just do not use the generic power supply that comes with them.

 

2 things that are essential to go with a trusted name on are the Motherboard, and the RAM.

Quality motherboards are (just to name ones that come to mind):
Intel
Asus
Abit
MSI
Gigabyte

Quality RAM is:
Corsair
OCZ
Kingston
Mushkin
Geil
Micron
TwinMOS
Patriot

just to give you an idea. For motherboard, you're going to want to make sure you have a nice chipset (nvidia nforce for AMD, and either nforce or Intel for Intel)

and for RAM, i'm not sure how much you know, but never buy above Cas2.5 (unless you're buying DDR2 for an intel board) and try to get low timings.

 

My own personal experiences say stay clear of Asus boards, but I might have just had a bad experience.

 

Heya, thanks for all your help. I live in england so I'll only be able to buy from english stores because as I'm trying to cut costs, I won't want to pay extra shipping!
I'm planning to spend no more then £290 which comes to $536.78. Is that sufficient?

What is Cas 2.5? And I've never quite understood the difference between different chipsets on boards. Any one be bothered to explain, please?

I'll make sure I get recognised brand names for all my components !