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General Misc => Misc => Topic started by: Trumpkin on March 03, 2008, 03:29:16 PM

Title: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 03, 2008, 03:29:16 PM
Ok my computer that I use to program my robot broke down. I've decide that i'm going to make a computer. i found this instructable http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-your-own-computer but unfortunately the motherboard that he lists is not for sale anymore and the other one doesn't have enough memory slots for me and i want my computer to be more expandable. nobody seems to be answering my questions there so i thought i would ask here. Is there another motherboard that would work for that instructable??
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on March 03, 2008, 04:32:56 PM
www.extremeoverclocking.com go to their forums. they helped me. I'm so out of the loop right now. cant help you. but i do know you should get the crucial ballistix for ~$40 after MIR. they've been serving me great. except they cost $280 when i got them  :'(  ;D
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 03, 2008, 06:33:05 PM
thx  ;D any other help would be greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 13, 2008, 10:55:35 AM
After hours of searching the web i think i have all the parts. Can someone tell me if it will work?
processor http://www.stalliontek.com/product_p/cpc2d-e6550oem.htm
motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131222
memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178154
hard drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
lightscribe dvd burner/CD-rom http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151154
I still have to find a power supply, can some1 tell me how to pick the right one? I really want to know if the parts I picked out will work.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: javafiend on March 13, 2008, 11:40:40 AM
Check out the buyers guides on sharkyextreme.  The guide gives you a good starting point.  Some costs can be knocked down by buying things like a case that includes a PSU or motherboard/processor combo's.

http://www.sharkyextreme.com/ (http://www.sharkyextreme.com/)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: pomprocker on March 13, 2008, 12:16:10 PM
I use a 10 year old laptop that originally had windows 98 on it to program my robot.

I formatted it and loaded up TinyXP Beast Edition. No memory requirements and runs fast as hell.

You could find it in a torrent somewhere.

So you could put it on any old PC to work like a new computer. A lot of Car PC guys use it as well as nLite.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: pomprocker on March 13, 2008, 12:18:55 PM
I still have to find a power supply, can some1 tell me how to pick the right one? I really want to know if the parts I picked out will work.


A power supply with more power will have more molex connectors coming off of it  ;D

So it just depends how many things you want to power off of it. You main concern is that the mainboard is getting the proper voltage.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 13, 2008, 12:41:05 PM
Thanks for all the tips! Pomprocker, my problem is If i got a 250w power supply for something that consumed 500w it just wouldn't work, so I don't know how to calculate what wattage power supply I need!!! Maybe I'm just stupid  ::). Can some1 plz tell me if the parts I listed above will work?
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: javafiend on March 13, 2008, 12:57:52 PM
Your components all look fairly standard and you shouldn't have any conflicts with them.  Have you given any thought to a video card?  I didn't notice if your mobo had built in video.  But even if it does you should REALLY look into getting a video card since the on-board video uses your system RAM.

For power supplies, there really is no such thing as overkill.  You can't go wrong with a nice 500+ watt, Antec PSU (http://www.antec.com/us/pro_powerSupply.php).  I'm partial to Antec, but Sparkle, Thermaltake, and others make decent PSU's as well.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 13, 2008, 01:51:54 PM
Thanks for the help. Yeah i'm thinking of getting a video card. Maybe 1 or 2 of these  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130025
I'm pretty sure my motherboard has built in video so i might wait a bit on those. What do you think? Good to know about the PSUs. It sounds like you have made a few computers. :)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: javafiend on March 13, 2008, 02:08:57 PM
I would suggest going with one solid card, like an 8600 or better.  You won't notice much performance gain, if any, with SLI for most applications, including gaming.  If you're building a gaming rig, you might check the particular games forums or google SLI and the game for compatibility and performance.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 13, 2008, 02:18:32 PM
Nope i'm not building a gaming rig. Since I'm trying to build this pretty cheap, do you think this case and PSU combo will be okay? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156139&ATT=11-156-139&CMP=OTC-Froogle&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Cases+(Computer+Cases+-+ATX+Form)-_-Raidmax-_-11156139
Oh yeah, the hard drive is an OEM so is it possible to get the right hard drive driver somewhere?
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: javafiend on March 13, 2008, 02:32:05 PM
The second review for that case says the power supply went out on startup.  I'd be wary of that one...  Just remember you get what you pay for.  Generally a decent PSU will run about $50 or more (I think mine was about $109).  Add a case on to that and you're edging close to $100 for both.  This one from Raidmax is below $100, gets good reviews, and should meet your power needs - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062).  My PSU and case loyalties lean toward Antec, so I can't say I've had much experience with other brands.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 13, 2008, 04:05:00 PM
Here is what I'm thinking of getting, 450w PSU should be all right, right? http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=541439&Sku=D15-1001
and this case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164040
Sound good?
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: javafiend on March 13, 2008, 05:08:49 PM
Those should work.  Good luck with the build  ;D

When you want to trick out your box, check out these sites:
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/ (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/)
http://www.gruntville.com/ (http://www.gruntville.com/)

Those folks are way smarter than me  ::)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 13, 2008, 07:22:59 PM
Ok, thx!
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on March 13, 2008, 07:56:53 PM
dont skimp on the PSU. if you get a cheap one, it might blow and take the whole system with it.

the 7300gt is ok, but if you can find the one with gddr3 memory it'll be better.

goodpower are a ok brand of psu. there is a good powersupply sticky at the forum i mentioned
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 14, 2008, 07:58:44 AM
Quote
the 7300gt is ok, but if you can find the one with gddr3 memory it'll be better.
You mean with the video card, right? The cheapest one at tiger direct is $220 and the most expensive is almost 3k! Went to Newegg and found a good one for a reasonable price http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127295. That might have to be an add on later tho.

Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on March 14, 2008, 01:41:37 PM
sorry to confuse you. i meant a 7300gt with ddr3 ram. 2 varieties of the 7300gt were made, but seeing the price of the 8XXX cards, a 8600gt will be more than enough for you if you dont plan on gaming, and still most games will run on high-medium
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 20, 2008, 01:37:29 PM
Okay I have picked out all the parts. I think i'll just be able to buy the parts to make the computer work. I'll add the extras later. So here it is:
RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144
more RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178154
Processor http://www.stalliontek.com/product_p/cpc2d-e6550oem.htm
case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164040
MOBO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131222
Hard drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
Lightscribe dvd/CD-ROM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151154
PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182016
Video card http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3048552&CatId=1560
I think that's it, thanks for your help everyone! Using the parts above, how would you rate the computer on a scale from 1 to 10? (10 being the best)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: airman00 on March 20, 2008, 01:46:27 PM
ma ma mia!

where are you getting all the cash to spend on this?
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on March 20, 2008, 03:08:15 PM
Umm, I found out a couple of old PDAs i had are worth a couple hundred bucks apiece so i sold those. I have a bunch of other stuff i'm going to sell 2. I probably won't get the video card and extra Ram right away so that will cut down the price a little. I almost have enough money to build the basic computer right now.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: airman00 on March 20, 2008, 03:10:41 PM
Umm, I found out a couple of old PDAs i had are worth a couple hundred bucks apiece so i sold those.

how much did you make per PDA ? I have some old ones I might sell as well
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on April 24, 2008, 03:24:08 PM
sorry it took me so long to reply, for some reason it didn't show up on the unread posts thing.I sold them both for $300. Now the guy I sold them to says there is a problem.  >:( It took him over a month to say something, and they were working when I had them  >:( >:(. I've decided to go ahead and try to get enough money to build a computer anyway. Incase you were wondering the were symbol spt 1550 PDAs. I just want to double check that these RAM sticks are okay with the motherboard  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on April 24, 2008, 04:05:28 PM
will do but you dont need the 8500 ram. anything over 6400 wil be overkill unless your planning on overclocking
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on April 29, 2008, 01:46:56 PM
I ordered my first couple of parts, I ended up going with this PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182030 I'll be running Ubuntu.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on May 06, 2008, 04:32:08 PM
I'm kinda confused with drivers and stuff.....can someone tell me how to install all the necessary drivers? Since I'm going to use Ubuntu I will need different drivers than what comes with the products, right? If so where can I find said drivers??? Ughh I feel like a noob all over again  :-[  :P.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on May 06, 2008, 08:15:45 PM
the vast and mysterious internets AKA (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/RussianCommy/smilies/google.gif)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on May 07, 2008, 01:29:58 PM
tried it.  ;)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Nyx on May 07, 2008, 08:01:00 PM
Ubuntu will likely have the necessary drivers for your essential hardware, like the network card, etc. Just install it, get it on the internet, and then download the nvidia drivers to take better advantage of your videocard.

By the way, my upgrade (which I should get tomorrow) got you beat... Muahahaah:
- Core 2 Quad 2.4
- 4GB DDR2
- EVGA 9800 GTX

;)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: airman00 on May 08, 2008, 07:28:58 AM
yep just like nyx said

drivers for ubuntu are downloaded automatically , and if you can't find it for some reason ( which I highly doubt) generic drivers are available
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on May 08, 2008, 07:35:09 AM
Thanks guys, I think that clears up everything!



btw, nyx, this is my first build and I'm only 13, MUHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! ;D

Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on July 19, 2008, 03:41:23 PM
Hey, all,
Still building my computer and should have enough money to finish it soon. I have yet another question, if I use these RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144 with this motherboard http://www.gigabyte-usa.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ClassValue=Motherboard&ProductID=2608&ProductName=GA-P31-S3G11110
Will it work even though the RAM isn't on the supported memory list for the motherboard?
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on July 19, 2008, 04:44:03 PM
99.9% yes unless theres some stupid reason no.

i have a same motherboard w/ different northbridge and similar ram

wow this thread is old  :D
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Cotowar on July 19, 2008, 06:20:52 PM
Here is my advice. Seeing as I am A+ certified, and have been building computers for a while now, I feel there are a few important things to be noted.

First, do not skimp on the PSU. This is the most important part of your whole system, and you want it to be of good quality.

Secondly, metal cases generally stand up better to time and wear than do plastic cases. In my opinion, they also look better, but the case really only has to hold all your stuff, so material is a second thought.

Third, if you are only using the board to program your robot, you might look into getting a MoBo, CPU, VGA set. its lower end, but it will save you from having to buy a graphics card, and you might be able to find a small form factor, meaning a cheaper case as well.

Fourth, expansion cards are generally universal. As long as you are connected to the internet, you can generally just power off, plug in, power on, and it should work. You will probably have to go though initial set-up and whatnot, but thats to be expected.

I don't know what kind of budget you're looking at, but you could build a decent rig that programms PICs for under $600 if you tried.

If you want to take a look at how I'm setting up my own programming comp, PM me. I'd be more than happy to discuss specific components
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on July 19, 2008, 08:27:18 PM
I ended up not skimping on the PSU although I did buy a clear acrilyc case just because I thought it looked cooler, it seems to be very sturdy. I won't be using this just for programming my robot I will probably do a little bit of gaming and maybe some movie editing.

btw, heres what I have so far:
case,
cd drive,
hard drive,
PSU

I'm planning on ordering the rest of the goods tommorow.
 
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on July 19, 2008, 08:33:40 PM
plastic cases? never seen those. or are you talking about the acrylic ones?

sounds great. let us know when its up and running.

what os?
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: airman00 on July 19, 2008, 08:42:16 PM
plastic cases? never seen those. or are you talking about the acrylic ones?

sounds great. let us know when its up and running.

what os?

would be a shame to run Windows on there.....
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on July 19, 2008, 08:42:45 PM
eh. xp aint half bad
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on July 19, 2008, 08:47:34 PM
I'm gonna run Ubuntu on it. Yep, I'm talkin about the acrylic ones.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on July 20, 2008, 08:33:48 PM
I ordered the parts today, I ended getting a different processor (this one, http://www.stalliontek.com/product_p/cpc2d-e6750.htm) and graphics card (this one, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150285)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: ed1380 on July 20, 2008, 09:06:16 PM
that gfx card wil work. are you going to be buying from seperate places? if so dont forget shipping will be extra
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on July 21, 2008, 10:45:03 AM
just to elaborate on my last post.....
I ordered the mobo, RAM, graphics card, and processor yesterday (which was sunday), so I should be able to get this thing running next week. I'll let you know when I have it running.  ;D
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: airman00 on July 21, 2008, 10:52:26 AM
how much did it end up costing you?

and what are the final stats of ur computer?

I'm thinking of building one myself   ;D
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on July 29, 2008, 02:21:27 PM
it ended up costing me something like $600. My final stats are:
250gb harddrive
1066 2gb ddr2 ram
(i think)525 watt power supply
1gb ddr2 8600gt graphics card
1333 2.66ghz 4m processor
if you want to see the stats of my mobo check here  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128077

I got my computer working a couple of days ago!!!! I like Ubuntu MUCH better than windows.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: airman00 on July 29, 2008, 02:35:39 PM
if you want to see the stats of my mobo check here  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128077

you should read the comments and reviews on that page . It has a lot of useful stuff about your mobo you wouldn't have known before

for example-  it doesnt have RAID support
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: izua on July 29, 2008, 02:44:23 PM
Yes, RAID is godlike for users. They have no idea what it is or what it's good for. I doubt end users like us have use for RAID (unless you are having a server farm at home, but that rules you out of the end users category).

This reminds me, do you know what 0 stands for in RAID0? How many files you will recover when one drive in the raid cluster crashes XD
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Trumpkin on September 13, 2008, 12:44:29 PM
I finally got some pictures of my computer put up on instructables! http://www.instructables.com/id/Computer_2/
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Joesavage1 on January 25, 2009, 02:08:01 AM
Always wanted to make my own computer, but i havnt got the budget, maybe another time; BTW check out this awsome computer i found (its a bit expensive though):  http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0533918419.1232870337@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfhadegfjkmjfgcflgceggdhhmdgml.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=525252&category_oid=-35410 (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0533918419.1232870337@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfhadegfjkmjfgcflgceggdhhmdgml.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=525252&category_oid=-35410)


Thanks

Joe
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: HDL_CinC_Dragon on January 25, 2009, 12:51:31 PM
1) Whats with people reviving so many dead threads lately? lol
2) 3 red flags are going up for me about that computer.
    A) Never heard of the manufacturer, Packard Bell. A quick net search sees that they are part of Acer... im not trusting of Acers reliablity
    B) Windows Vista
    C) Not built myself ;)

I dont buy prebuilt computers anymore. Im tired of dealing with their bull crap.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: fuzzyt on January 26, 2009, 06:17:52 PM
1) Whats with people reviving so many dead threads lately? lol
2) 3 red flags are going up for me about that computer.
    A) Never heard of the manufacturer, Packard Bell. A quick net search sees that they are part of Acer... im not trusting of Acers reliablity
    B) Windows Vista
    C) Not built myself ;)

I dont buy prebuilt computers anymore. Im tired of dealing with their bull crap.

Packard Bell was one of the first major companies to make affordable "cheap" PCs.  They were the leaders in proprietary PCs that led the way for Dell and HP aka Compaq to make a profit.  PB died in the end due to poor quality ( in my opinion ) and growing competition, but they did provide for the poor man which I respect ( I upgraded to one in the 486 days ).  :)
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: crarm on January 26, 2009, 07:45:01 PM
That is sweet. ;D

What is the outside made of?

What kind of graphics card?
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Admin on February 04, 2009, 09:05:37 PM
Quote
Whats with people reviving so many dead threads lately? lol
I blame it on the 'Related Topics' at the bottom of each thread. :-\
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: HDL_CinC_Dragon on February 05, 2009, 10:44:58 PM
ah yeah, good point
Maybe anything more than 30 days old or so should show up in red.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: izaktj on February 06, 2009, 04:03:43 AM
Quote
Whats with people reviving so many dead threads lately? lol
I blame it on the 'Related Topics' at the bottom of each thread. :-\
That's right, I've been just about to revive threads many times. Until I realize they are too old when the warning appears.
Title: Re: about a homemade computer
Post by: Admin on February 06, 2009, 05:03:30 AM
The forum doesn't allow blocking new posts on really old threads . . . I just put in a request with SMF (http://www.simplemachines.org/).

(apologies for thread jacking)