Building Cmputer vs. Buying one; Components?

[Belogna]

Which is cheaper because I certainly do not want to be wasting my money.

I don't have much experience on computers except processors, RAM, and storage. Other than that I am brainless.

Other than my brothers friend probably helping me on this, I was wondering you guys could teach me a bit on computers other than what I just mentioned above.

[Ad Bot]

[Nickelob Ultra]

Building it is cheaper but it requires a lot of knowledge on what the hell you're doing.

If you think you couldn't do it, just buy one.

[Belogna]

My brother has a friend who knows tons of stuff about computers. He could help me with it, plus it'll give me a good learning experience. I only trust the internet enough to teach me some words and how mod games and stuff.

[Nickelob Ultra]

In that case, building it is still cheaper.

When you buy a pre-built the manufacturer charges extra to cover for the workers that put it together.  And the licensing for stuff like Windows and all that.

[Belogna]

When you buy a pre-built the manufacturer charges extra to cover for the workers that put it together.  And the licensing for stuff like Windows and all that.

Kind of obvious.

[Cyanian]

Kind of obvious.

Then why the forget did you ask?

[Nickelob Ultra]

Case - holds the computer in a box. typically comes with fans, sometimes lights. the more you pay, the prettier and bigger it can be.
Power supply - takes power from outlet and distributes it across your system.  be cautious not to forget this up.
Motherboard - Think of this as the nerves of the computer.  connects everything together and sends data all across to each other.
CPU - Think of this as the brain.  Basically does a lot.  Calculate physics, video encoding/converting, etc. lots of stuff.
RAM - Sort of the muscles of this system.  The more muscles, the easier it is to lift things.  Likewise, more RAM means faster access and enough RAM for your programs which ensures your system will flow smoothly.
GPU - Makes pretty pictures.  The more expensive, the better.  The better, the bigger; the bigger, the more power consuming.  Make sure you have a very good power supply for a high-end GPU.
Hard Drive - Stores everything.  Self explanatory.
DVD drive - self explanatory again.
Operating System - The interface through which your computer will live and be used in.  Generally, Windows 7.

[Belogna]

Then why the forget did you ask?

Because I am loving tired and don't realize everything I say.

Case - holds the computer in a box. typically comes with fans, sometimes lights. the more you pay, the prettier and bigger it can be.

cigarettes there lights man. Just a big dull blue coloured case for me.

[Tokthree]

Putting a PC together is easy, the hard part is knowing what to buy.
If you give the forums your budget, purchasing options and what you intend to run most of the guys here are usually kind enough to put a list of components up for you, then they'll start correcting each-others choices and eventually you'll get the perfect rig for what you want and at the best price from the most reliable retailers.

Though some of these people will also yell at you and tell you to ask on a computer help forum, but they'll just get flamed and leave anyway

[blockguy123]

my dad built the computer im typing on.

its just rly old but it goes super fast.

Specs:
Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce 8400 (pci tho)
Processor (oh god wat waz it its like 2.0 mhz or ghz i dunno)
Asus motherboard (goes FAST when fresh and nuthin iz on C)
finaaly,
OS: Windows XP

goes so fast man

[captain blue]

building a computer is like playing with big, expensive legos.

[brickybob]

my dad built the computer im typing on.

its just rly old but it goes super fast.

Specs:
Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce 8400 (pci tho)
Processor (oh god wat waz it its like 2.0 mhz or ghz i dunno)
Asus motherboard (goes FAST when fresh and nuthin iz on C)
finaaly,
OS: Windows XP

goes so fast man

Uh...what?

If it was MHz, you wouldn't even be typing right now.
Motherboard does very little with performance, in fact, it mostly just caps performance.

[|Shadow]

my dad built the computer im typing on.

its just rly old but it goes super fast.

Specs:
Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce 8400 (pci tho)
Processor (oh god wat waz it its like 2.0 mhz or ghz i dunno)
Asus motherboard (goes FAST when fresh and nuthin iz on C)
finaaly,
OS: Windows XP

goes so fast man

[Belogna]

Like I said in my previous topic is my budget'll be $1000-$1500. Also bump.

[indyjones]

Like I said in my previous topic is my budget'll be $1000-$1500. Also bump.

For that price buy a decent one and upgrade it.