Want to build a computer

fletcher08 · 04-25-2010, 04:22 PM

Yes, I found several threads on this topic, but they were all either several years old or they did not match what I need a computer for.

So I want to build a desktop computer. I will be running Linux Mint on it, probably the LXDE community edition. I use it for school (homework and studying), research on the net (general browsing and specific research on Linux stuff since I hope to one day open my own Linux computer store), and for listening to music and watching videos, things like that.

I am not a power user, adn I don't plan to be one any time soon. But I am learning how to work in GNU/Linux, since I want to make a living that way. Currently, though, I just need a good computer made out of new components, that will work correctly.

So I would like some advice on what kinds of components to get. I need a motherboard, a CPU (I prefer AMD), a hard drive (I will run SATA), and RAM. I have a DVD burner on my current computer, and I can use that in my new system. I plan to put my new computer together in the tower my current computer is using.

I am just looking for some knowledgeable suggestions here for what to get to run my computer the best.

Thank you in advance for all help.

bret381 · 04-25-2010, 04:42 PM

first off... what kind of tower do you currently have? In my opinion, a good tower from somewhere like Newegg would be ideal. I'm partial to cooler master, but everyone has there own opinions. Secondly, how much money are you looking at spending? Do you want dual core quad core? How much RAM are you looking for? +/- 4GB? It's hard to just spit off some parts without knowing a little more. ideally, what you posted in what you want to do with it, you could buy cheap parts and throw something together and it should work just fine.

This is what I have, I didn't have a lot of money to throw into a computer, but my parts list from Newegg is listed below:

Code:

1 x ($49.99) CASE COOLERMAS|CAC-T05-UW BLK RT - Retail    $49.99
1 x ($79.99) PSU ANTEC|BP550 PLUS RT - Retail             $79.99
2 x ($47.99) HD 250G|ST 7K 8M SATA2 ST3250310AS - OEM     $95.98
1 x ($184.99) CPU INTEL|C2Q Q8400 2.66G 1333 R - Retail   $184.99
1 x ($14.99) MOBILE RACK TRAY KINGWIN|KF-91-T-BK - Retail $14.99
1 x ($99.99) MB ASUS P5Q SE/R 775 P45 RT - Retail         $99.99
1 x ($32.99) VGA ASUS EN8400GS SILENT/HTP/512M R - Retail $32.99
1 x ($19.99) MOBILE RACK KINGWIN|KF-91-BK RT - Retail     $19.99
1 x ($54.99) MEM 2Gx2|PATRIOT PDC24G8500C7K R - Retail    $54.99
1 x ($39.99) KB&MS LOGITECH|CRDLSS DKT S520 REC% - OEM    $39.99
1 x ($119.99) MNTR SMSNG|LCD 18.5" 5MS 943SWX R - Retail  $119.99
1 x ($19.99) DVD ROM LITE-ON|iHDS118-04 18X % - OEM       $19.99

I already had a DVD burner and installed that with my system.

It's definately not top of the line, but for what I do it works and works pretty darn good

Mr-Bisquit · 04-25-2010, 04:53 PM

I've done mine different. I used spare parts to make a complete computer.
Personal opinion: base your machine on what you want to do with it.

johnsfine · 04-25-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fletcher08

I plan to put my new computer together in the tower my current computer is using.

Pay some attention to the specs on the power supply. Since you didn't mention a power supply, I'm guessing you hope to use the one already in that tower case. Depending on how old it is, it might not have the right ratio of currents across the various voltages, or it might not even have the right connector. So even if it has enough watts, it might not be adequate.

I recommend a motherboard with integrated graphics. That will reduce your cost and will reduce the required power supply capacity.

Any more specific advice should depend on your price range.