I'm planning to try and build a pc for the first time. I've added hd's, ram, cards, etc in the past to ready built pc's before. I'm looking to build something in a small case that would be for media, not hard core gaming. Any suggestions on where to buy? I've checked out TigerDirect and NewEgg. Are there any kits with everything? Also, any online guides with a checklist?
Almost forgot, I want to add XP MCE as my OS. I already own one and have it in one of my pc's. Can I just buy another license? Do I need a whole other disk?
thanks,
RC
first time pc builder, need advice
Started by
rscaramelo
, Apr 06 2006 04:01 PM
16 replies to this topic
#2
Posted 06 April 2006 - 05:01 PM
Many people hate TigerDirect due to their shady rebate dealings. Just to let you know.
#3
Posted 06 April 2006 - 05:09 PM
"Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is only available pre-installed on computers sold by PC manufacturers. You can purchase a PC with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 pre-installed at retail consumer electronic stores, direct from PC manufacturers, or through online consumer electronics Web sites."
http://www.microsoft...uy/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft...uy/default.mspx
#4
Posted 06 April 2006 - 05:27 PM
If you have a disc that will install on whatever you want, I wouldn't bother with another license. MS probably won't care (or notice) if you install a single copy on two or three computers in the same household.Almost forgot, I want to add XP MCE as my OS. I already own one and have it in one of my pc's. Can I just buy another license? Do I need a whole other disk?
However, if you want, you can buy an OEM copy of the software - http://www.newegg.co...N82E16832102357
#5
Posted 06 April 2006 - 05:44 PM
all you need is PCmechanic.com That is the last site you will need for info.
Newegg and tigerdirect are great for pricing. I have not once had a problem with Tigerdirect.
If you have done the other stuff building one is no different. Sometimes builders recommend that certain PCi cards go in certain PCI slots for best performance (ie audio in PCI slot 3) etc.
Again go to PCmech.com and research what motherboards etc to get.
Good luck
Newegg and tigerdirect are great for pricing. I have not once had a problem with Tigerdirect.
If you have done the other stuff building one is no different. Sometimes builders recommend that certain PCi cards go in certain PCI slots for best performance (ie audio in PCI slot 3) etc.
Again go to PCmech.com and research what motherboards etc to get.
Good luck
#6
Posted 06 April 2006 - 06:07 PM
I like www.pricewatch.com for my PC parts.
But now I'm ready for D/P, excited and terrified. It's going to eat so many hours of my life.
I am a pussy
Brawl FC: 3480 - 2198 - 7321 Name: KEN
#7
Posted 06 April 2006 - 06:18 PM
mwave.com has really cheap ram if your looking for some. That, pricewatch, and newegg is all Id use to buy from. Never buy from B+M stores, cut out the middle man and buy online.
#8
Posted 06 April 2006 - 06:34 PM
Wow, loads of info. Thanks everyone. I bought my MCE disk at a local computer builder. He priced out what I want at a shade under 1K for what I want. I kind of want to try it myself not only because of cost. He included the cost of MCE. I'm going to check these links and try to put something together.
RC
RC
#10
Posted 06 April 2006 - 06:46 PM
another option if your too lazy to build is to check out the clearanced pcs at office depot. I picked up the computer im on now for 215 after rebates... Its a 3000+ 64 emachines system that imo was hella worth it since it came with a 15 inch lcd which alone would be around 200. Take a look, sometimes you can find real steals there.
#11
Posted 06 April 2006 - 06:54 PM
If you are looking for something small, I would go with shuttle.
When they first came out I built some for people and they were very easy to deal with.
When they first came out I built some for people and they were very easy to deal with.
#12
Posted 06 April 2006 - 07:00 PM
If you are looking for something small, I would go with shuttle.
When they first came out I built some for people and they were very easy to deal with.
agreed shuttles are nice... But since everything is a bit closer together it may turn new builders off since cables might get in his way if he doesnt really kno what hes doing yet.
#13
Posted 06 April 2006 - 07:03 PM
I am looking for something like a shuttle. My main goal for the pc is for it to be like a portable "tivo". I was specifically looking at an Asus S-presso.
RC
RC
#14
Posted 06 April 2006 - 07:13 PM
Shuttles are cool but expensive and very limited in terms of what you can throw into them.
#15
Posted 06 April 2006 - 07:16 PM
Shuttles are cool but expensive and very limited in terms of what you can throw into them.
Not to mention overheat like a mofo.
Shuttles were awesome until the X800 came out, now all graphics cards are little furnaces.
That, with a hot-ass AMD chip, and you can expect your fans to work overdrive, not to mention shut down after 3-4 hours of heavy use.
Home : http://www.wesleyellismusic.com
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnat...com/wesleyellis
Facebook: http://www.facebook....yellismusic.com
Flickr: http://www.flickr.co...tos/wesleyellis
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wesleyellis
Tumblr: http://wesleyellismusic.tumblr.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wesellis
YouTube: http://www.youtube.c...esleyellismusic
#16
Posted 06 April 2006 - 07:18 PM
I ran an old Soyo then shuttle and now run asus. Never really had a problem either but Mooky is right the new cards are smoking hot.
#17
Posted 17 April 2006 - 12:50 PM
Well I put one together this weekend. I used a http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811144161 with a P4 2.8 and a 200 gb SATA HD. I like the case for a first time build because it's width is basically 1 and a half of a shuttle with the short height. I was planning on going with a barebones kit but I took the plunge with all individual components. I'm still shopping around for the tv tuner and a dvd burner. For now I'm using an old cd burner in it. I'm hoping I plugged in everything in the right place 
.
It booted up ok after installing XP MCE. I am getting a "uload" error when I boot up the computer....any idea what it is?
One question related to another pc I have.... I needed to format a laptop that was loaded with junk. I no longer have the install disks for it but I have a XP disk from an old pc that's no longer being used. It installed without a hitch except for activation time. I tried the Code that is on the sticker right under the laptop and it didn't work. I tried the code from the actual disk I installed and for some reason it won't take the "a" or the "z". I press the keys but they don't register. huh? They work when I try them in IE and in notepad. Any thoughts?
RC
. It booted up ok after installing XP MCE. I am getting a "uload" error when I boot up the computer....any idea what it is?
One question related to another pc I have.... I needed to format a laptop that was loaded with junk. I no longer have the install disks for it but I have a XP disk from an old pc that's no longer being used. It installed without a hitch except for activation time. I tried the Code that is on the sticker right under the laptop and it didn't work. I tried the code from the actual disk I installed and for some reason it won't take the "a" or the "z". I press the keys but they don't register. huh? They work when I try them in IE and in notepad. Any thoughts?
RC
