build a new computer

First of all, I’d like to explain that yes, my current pc is WAY overdue for an update. For those who would care to know, it’s a Hewlett Packard w/ Windows XP & it’s gotta be at least 6 yrs old.

The main reason is because there’s very little space left on my computer & I love playing games(not a good combination). So I’ve decided to build a new computer. Please share your recommendations of parts that I should try to get. I’ve got a short list so far, but I’ll post more of it as I find whatever sounds interesting.

Things I know I want for sure:

Memory: Either 1 or 1.5 TB of memory.

CPU Motherboard:

Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS/640 or GeForce 9500 GT?

Processor: Intel Core 2 Q9550 Quad Core Processor(Or is this too much? I really only need a dual core processor, but from what I’ve been seeing, for just a bit more, a quad core doesn’t seem that bad.)

i spent a whole day reading, researching, comparing parts & planning. i ended up going with a 3.16 GHz Core Duo (which I have since overclocked to 4.00 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 RAM with 64-bit Vista, aftermarket cpu heatsink/fan & a sweet case. It works great, super fast, & i havn’t had any conflicts with the 64-bit OS & all the programs & peripherals I need. It runs MATLAB & my engineering programs very nicely =D

...my current machine is almost 3 years old. if only i could make up my mind regarding the chipset (intel vs. nvidia)... quad core intel cpu, nvidia 9800 GTX SLI or nvidia 9800 GX2, 8 gigs of DDR3 ram, raid 0+1 and of course liquid cooling…

I’ve build 3 computers in the past, and I’ve been reading up on the new parts. Building a computer isn’t difficult really, just have to make sure you have all the parts, their sockets match, and you have enough power, while keeping the machine cool. My computer right now is decent, but it crashes sometimes, I get disconnected from games when I try and play online (or they just flat out crash), and for some reason my internet loads slow despite the T1 connection I have. I’m pretty sure it is a memory problem, but I’ve replaced the RAM, and it didn’t solve anything. It makes me think that the motherboard sockets might be failing. The hard drive seems to be going as well, and a conductor fell off my video card so it doesn’t hold the charge it should. I figured I might as well build a new one since I won’t really be able to replace what I have with new stuff and make it work.

...but is it worth it?

I’ve built a computer for my dad this Christmas—most of the parts came from NewEgg and TigerDirect, and I’m happy with how it turned out so far but he hasn’t had the opportunity to use it much yet.

What I really want to is put together a timeline for replacing my current computer at home that I built in 2003. I’ve always tried to support AMD CPUs (bought my first Intel in a while last year via my MacBook), and I’m under the impression they’re not as much as a value anymore. Building my dad’s computer was a good exercise for understanding what I’d want for my own replacement as well, though.

Hi
I am Barry, (queensland Australia)
i am in the process of building a new computer, the trick is finnishing it with all the bills comeing in.

it is going to be an:
AMD athlonx2 6000+ AM2 dual core
4Gb of memory
1Tb of hdd space (2×500 raid)
with nvidia 8800 ultra running in SLi mode
a 22” lcd monitor
running Vista Ultimate 64bit
i will also have a 1700kva UPS because the power in my suburb is of poor quality,(i keep looseing power suplys)

Being the tech geek that I am I’ve pretty much wanted a new computer since I bought my last one. There’s always something bigger and better along the horizon, and because of that I’ve never dropped a ton of money on a machine since you seem to regret it after the fact.

I’ve built machines in the past, but I’ve never had the chance to put together a honkin’ machine that can take on most anything out there. For the past four years I’ve “made due” with my current machine with cost effective upgrades and the like. Well – NO MORE! I’m going to budget around $2500 for this build (I’ve never spent more than $800 on any computer in the past) and go for all the bells and whistles including some type of liquid cooling.

Since money doesn’t grow on trees I want to build this sucker somewhere in the beginning of next year.

I was just making sure all the specs and stuff would fit what I wanted it to do. nothing to fancy. my bro and his freind did the labor and the shopping. did a great job though.

and used to save money. nowadays I would buy one, unless I had highly esoteric hardware needs.