[m_ridzon]

With an old friend (no contact with them anymore), I built a PC about 10yrs ago. It wasn't hard at all, but they helped pick all the hardware since that part was out of my expertise. I need to build another PC in coming months and was looking for some guidance about picking hardware (motherboard, RAM, processor, SSD, graphics, etc.). I can buy everything from Newegg (or other comparable online source), but does everything have to match and be compatible?

FYI...it's a light duty machine only for home use (i.e., no heavy gaming or large, demanding, commercial software). I run the Windows OS with standard home-use, light-duty software (e.g., MS Office, etc.)

P.S. I know I can run to BestBuy and buy a cheapo pre-built off the shelf. But I don't want to do that. I enjoy the process of actually building it myself and knowing what's inside it. Not to mention, in that case, I should also revoke my membership to DIY Chatroom (i.e., I wouldn't be posting here if I didn't want to do it myself)

 

[F250]

Everything has to be compatible, or it either won't run as well as it could, parts won't fit together, or it won't run at all, depending upon the degree of incompatibility.

 

[ZZZZZ]

I've built dozens of PCs for my own use and for resale.

The motherboard is the key. it must support everything you want to plug into it. Check the specs before you buy it, such as maximum RAM, what type and speed RAM, # of drives and types, on and on.

I gave up building my own because is just isn't worth the time and energy to DIY. You really don't save any money.

And if you are going to install a retail version of Windows 10, that alone usually runs around $100.

Now I just buy "reconditioned" PCs from Dell or HP and add extra hardware as necessary.

Good luck.
.
.

 

[diyorpay]

Mid range motherboard based upon Intel or AMD processor.
Get processor pre-mounted to MB or be good with heat paste.
Plan for expansion (empty slots) for later.
If you have room, mid to full tower. Ease of swapping drives.
Solid state drive(s) for boot up and other speed.
Large memory components of type that will fit.
Video output preferences for a monitor.
Audio preferences/speakers.
DVD/CD up to you.
Card reader slots.

 

[Mystriss]

My system build experience is in higher end gaming builds so I'm not sure if I can help with cost effective hardware all that much.

However, I use this site https://pcpartpicker.com/ to plan builds all the time. It generally spits out an error if you set up a system that's got incomparable hardware (down to "that CPU cooler is too tall for that chassis" level) If you pick out a motherboard it's got a listing of cpus, memory, that are frequently bought with it which cuts down a lot of the guess work as well.

 

[user_12345a]

What do you intend to use the machine for?

The typical user who doesn't play games or professionally edits video doesn't need more than a pentium dual core or equivalent amd.

No harm in getting an i3/quad core chip or equivalent. These are reasonably priced and faster than the old i5s.

8Gb of ram plenty.

SSD for the operating system drive is a must have.

Quality of motherboard and power supply are more important than anything else for stability and lifespan. The brand name pcs are terrible in this regard - they come with large hard drives, fast processors but everything else inside is junk. The cases themselves can be junk and not allow for adequate cooling.

Kind of like how new home-builders use nice finish materials but entire houses are made from particle board and vinyl.

 

[m_ridzon]

So from what I can tell here, several have said the motherboard must be chosen first. My build 10yrs ago used AMD at my friend's recommendation. It's done a great job, so I'll probably stick with that.

And if you are going to install a retail version of Windows 10, that alone usually runs around $100.

Through my university (I'm working on a Masters degree), I have access to steeply discounted MS software of all sorts.

However, I use this site https://pcpartpicker.com/ to plan builds all the time. It generally spits out an error if you set up a system that's got incomparable hardware (down to "that CPU cooler is too tall for that chassis" level) If you pick out a motherboard it's got a listing of cpus, memory, that are frequently bought with it which cuts down a lot of the guess work as well.

Thanks for the website! That's kind of what I was looking for...something to help me pick the parts. Putting them together and installing the software is pretty straightforward for me.

What do you intend to use the machine for?

It's a light duty machine only for home use (i.e., no heavy gaming or large, demanding, commercial software). I run the Windows OS with standard home-use, light-duty software (e.g., MS Office, etc.)

No harm in getting an i3/quad core chip or equivalent. These are reasonably priced and faster than the old i5s.

8Gb of ram plenty.

SSD for the operating system drive is a must have.

Quality of motherboard and power supply are more important than anything else for stability and lifespan. The brand name pcs are terrible in this regard - they come with large hard drives, fast processors but everything else inside is junk. The cases themselves can be junk and not allow for adequate cooling.

I agree with all of this. For a light-duty machine at home, I don't need to get crazy. I currently have 4Gb RAM and notice it seems overloaded at times. SSD is a must, for its speed. And yes, quality of motherboard, power supply, and even the case are important points. I didn't cheap out on the last build 10yrs ago, but didn't break the bank either. So I'll do likewise again.

 

[huesmann]

Unless you need hi power for gaming or rendering, your best bet is to just get the best refurb you can afford from one of the major retailers.

 

[Colbyt]

I do it a bit differently than posted above.


I pick the processor that I want to use then I pick a MB that supports that processor. I buy the tested and approved ram for that board and cpu. Then I add the other devices.


I usually go for the mid-point of the current Intel line. I've had such trouble free service from this Asus MB I would surely shop them first next time.



The one I am typing on was built in 2012 and I have no immediate plans to upgrade.


I am not a gamer and this system upgraded to and runs windows 10 as fast or faster than it ran win 7.

 

[user_12345a]

It's a light duty machine only for home use (i.e., no heavy gaming or large, demanding, commercial software). I run the Windows OS with standard home-use, light-duty software (e.g., MS Office, etc.)

Get an i3/quad core or the equivalent amd if it's in the budget.

Otherwise one of the value chips will do.

Some of the amds have decent graphic processors built in - a plus if you don't want to buy a video card but don't want to be stuck with poor integrated video performance.

 

[ZZZZZ]

Definitely quad over duo.

And 64-bit all the way around.
.
.

 

[Colbyt]

Personally I would be looking at the i5's.


This is the one I have no intention of replacing anytime soon


Intel® Core™ i5-3550 Processor

6M Cache, up to 3.70 GHz


Performance

• # of Cores 4
• # of Threads 4
• Processor Base Frequency 3.30 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency 3.70 GHz
• Cache 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
• Bus Speed 5 GT/s

 

[Deja-vue]

Before I make any suggestions, may I ask what your Budget for the rig is?
I've built a few Thousand machines and might be able to help you with a few pointers.

 

[Mystriss]

I was unclear there, sorry been distracted with setting up whole home audio. CPU and MB are kinda picked together... Let me clarify a bit:

Alright so there's different sized chassis and MB's, like footprint wise. First you gotta decide if ya want a baby PC [ITX or MiniATX - which is like the size of console game systems], a standard sized chassis [ATX], or a monster gamer rig with extra PCI slots/onboard SSD, etc.

For comparison here's some pics of my old build; On the top I have a standard ATX MB inside a modified Home Theater PC chassis (this chassis is sized specifically to fit with stereo rack components.]

In the middle I have an ITX [console size MB] inside a second HTPC chassis.

On the bottom is my A/V receiver:

ITX MB in HTPC chassis (the silver boxes on the left are a CD drive and HDD's and above it is a full size PSU and a couple SSDs) - they make chassis that snug fit these little guys [so adorbs!] I've even seen chassis that can VESA mount on the back of a monitor:

Typical ATX MB in the same size (though heavily modified) HTPC case as above - you can use this standard size MB in mini-towers, thin or compact towers, mid-towers, and full-size towers:

And the rig I'm [not really] working on and using right now is a standard ATX MB inside a monster chassis that would fit even the largest MATX board lol:

It's kind of a game of narrowing down yer choices Tetris style. Like, once you have the MB size THEN you figure out what kinda gear you'll be running. Like if I need a MB that can run quad GPUs without 1x'ing them, or if I want two M.2 drives, or if I'm building a graphics editing rig and I need 128GB of DDR4-3k... Ultimately my MB, both size and capability, is gonna dictate my CPU options quite a bit.

So while the CPU is the real heart of the rig's performance no doubt, you gotta figure out some basic MB stuff first. Once you have a MB that meets your specific needs, then you know what kinda memory you need. After that you pick out a compatible CPU and cooler. Then PCI gear like dedicated GPU's. Then find a chassis that fits your board, GPU, and cooling solution. Then figure out a compatible and strong enough PSU (like some ITX and m-ITX MBs, and some chassis, are built for smaller power supplies like SilverStone's SFX series, or an external PSU brick like you'd find on a gaming console.) Then you can get into your drives. And finally your perfs - keyboard, mouse/trackball/touchpad, mics, webcams, blah blah blah.


Anyway, so AMD's are all I use, but to be fair that's because I'm gaming. Intel's are nice and I don't have anything against em.

Something to think about speaking of my little ITX which is a GPU/CPU combo so I don't have an external GPU and thus can get a "weaker" PSU.

The AMD Ryzen processor series has decent built in graphics. The https://www.amazon.com/AMD-Ryzen-Pr...eywords=amd+itx+cpu+gpu&qid=1582231638&sr=8-8 is a pretty nice chip and there's ITX (tiny size) MB's that they fit in.

You also might consider a pre-built mini-pc - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mini+pc&ref=nb_sb_noss_2


I'd order the most important bits to put money into a little different, mine goes CPU, PSU, MB, GPU, Cooling, HDD, Memory.

 

[Deja-vue]

Quickly agree with the Ryzen CPU's, would install the Ryzen 5 with integrated Video, unless you are going for the 4K Eyecandy, then maybe add a good Video adapter.
Skip the SSD and go with one of the new Nvme Drives, I did a post one the different Speeds.
I truly believe Gigabyte makes the most stable Motherboards, I used over a thousand of them, with less than 0.5 % failure. Some new Gigabyte Ryzen Boards are available for as little as $65.00.

I'd go with 16 GB of Memory, despite what others say, I like the extra overhead and have it ready when a power hungry App comes around. I also have tons of different Programs open at all times.

Don't skimp on a good Power supply, it is often overlooked.
Some good 750 Watt power supplies are available for under $100, on sale maybe $65.00
Did I miss anything? Obviously no longer need a DVD or Blu-Ray drive built in, but may come in handy for legacy installs.
The Case, whatever floats your Boat, I love the Lian Li Cases, I still have one here from the Year 2000, that thing is rock solid, all Aluminum built.

 

[Deja-vue]

I was unclear there, sorry been distracted with setting up whole home audio. CPU and MB are kinda picked together... Let me clarify a bit:

Alright so there's different sized chassis and MB's, like footprint wise. First you gotta decide if ya want a baby PC [ITX or MiniATX - which is like the size of console game systems], a standard sized chassis [ATX], or a monster gamer rig with extra PCI slots/onboard SSD, etc.

For comparison here's some pics of my old build; On the top I have a standard ATX MB inside a modified Home Theater PC chassis (this chassis is sized specifically to fit with stereo rack components.]

In the middle I have an ITX [console size MB] inside a second HTPC chassis.

On the bottom is my A/V receiver:

View attachment 586607

ITX MB in HTPC chassis (the silver boxes on the left are a CD drive and HDD's and above it is a full size PSU and a couple SSDs) - they make chassis that snug fit these little guys [so adorbs!] I've even seen chassis that can VESA mount on the back of a monitor:
View attachment 586603

Typical ATX MB in the same size (though heavily modified) HTPC case as above - you can use this standard size MB in mini-towers, thin or compact towers, mid-towers, and full-size towers:
View attachment 586605

And the rig I'm [not really] working on and using right now is a standard ATX MB inside a monster chassis that would fit even the largest MATX board lol:
View attachment 586621 View attachment 586619


It's kind of a game of narrowing down yer choices Tetris style. Like, once you have the MB size THEN you figure out what kinda gear you'll be running. Like if I need a MB that can run quad GPUs without 1x'ing them, or if I want two M.2 drives, or if I'm building a graphics editing rig and I need 128GB of DDR4-3k... Ultimately my MB, both size and capability, is gonna dictate my CPU options quite a bit.

So while the CPU is the real heart of the rig's performance no doubt, you gotta figure out some basic MB stuff first. Once you have a MB that meets your specific needs, then you know what kinda memory you need. After that you pick out a compatible CPU and cooler. Then PCI gear like dedicated GPU's. Then find a chassis that fits your board, GPU, and cooling solution. Then figure out a compatible and strong enough PSU (like some ITX and m-ITX MBs, and some chassis, are built for smaller power supplies like SilverStone's SFX series, or an external PSU brick like you'd find on a gaming console.) Then you can get into your drives. And finally your perfs - keyboard, mouse/trackball/touchpad, mics, webcams, blah blah blah.


Anyway, so AMD's are all I use, but to be fair that's because I'm gaming. Intel's are nice and I don't have anything against em.

Something to think about speaking of my little ITX which is a GPU/CPU combo so I don't have an external GPU and thus can get a "weaker" PSU.

The AMD Ryzen processor series has decent built in graphics. The https://www.amazon.com/AMD-Ryzen-Pr...eywords=amd+itx+cpu+gpu&qid=1582231638&sr=8-8 is a pretty nice chip and there's ITX (tiny size) MB's that they fit in.

You also might consider a pre-built mini-pc - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mini+pc&ref=nb_sb_noss_2


I'd order the most important bits to put money into a little different, mine goes CPU, PSU, MB, GPU, Cooling, HDD, Memory.

Lol, @Mystriss, what is that round tube like thing on the bottom of your Case? A Flux-Capacitor?:biggrin2:

 

[Mystriss]

I'll Second Gigabyte MBs, I'm running one right now and its been solid for half the cost I usually put into a MB.

PSU, don't skimp. Love EVGA's, SilverStone is second choice, Corsair third choice --- I wouldn't buy ANY other brand unless I had to get a PSU brick for a bookshelf system (in which case I'd buy a silverstone chassis/psu combo.

I really like Silverstone chassis, solid stuff. Fractal makes some real nice, but expensive boxes. I'm kinda okay with the Thermaltake case I've got now, but lots-a-plastic.

CPU cooler, for air - if you can get a SilverStone NT06-E [ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O0DOBW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ] to fit on your CPU, that thing with a decent low pressure fan is a wicked performer. I've actually used my 8350FX passive with that sucker!

 

[Mystriss]

Lol, @Mystriss, what is that round tube like thing on the bottom of your Case? A Flux-Capacitor?:biggrin2:

HA, no that's a wicked sweet 100% customizable res system from the Monsoon MMRS line. Coolest thing possibly evar

That's a dual loop horizontal with a 100mm res & AquaAero D5 pump on one side for my GPUs and a 50mm res & AquaAero D5 pump on the other for the CPU & Aquaero controller. (not hooked up on the new system cause like I was sayin' my Silverstone CPU cooler is a beast lol)

You can set up these res's a million different ways. Really slick system. More info, examples, videos, etc:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Monsoon+MMRS&FORM=HDRSC2

 

[Mystriss]

Just for GP: Aquaero D5 pump in the MMRS black parts on either end of the res and my Aquaero 5 and Aquaero 6 installed.

[AQE inside the chassis]

And how it looks... (looked heh) on the outside of the chassis:

AquaEro is really sweet for water cooling or fan controls because it's a setup and forget it type system - all temp and flow controlled automatically so you end up with a super quiet rig most of the time. I had this customized "faux window" via AIDA64 (software) on my upper right of my third monitor's desktop to keep an eye on my temps while gaming/processing, so the AQE display in the chassis was usually turned off (and behind the flip up cover)

 

[Dave Sal]

My system build experience is in higher end gaming builds so I'm not sure if I can help with cost effective hardware all that much.

However, I use this site https://pcpartpicker.com/ to plan builds all the time. It generally spits out an error if you set up a system that's got incomparable hardware (down to "that CPU cooler is too tall for that chassis" level) If you pick out a motherboard it's got a listing of cpus, memory, that are frequently bought with it which cuts down a lot of the guess work as well.

That's what I used when I built my machine about 5 years ago. Still working fine after all those years. I like that it helped identify incompatability between components and you could check for alternative parts and see how much they cost. My total system was about $650 at the time and blew away my old Alienware computer that it replaced, which was almost $3k.