What components would you use to build a new computer?

[cousinlucky]

My lifelong Boston friend is retiring next month and she has someone to put together a new computer for her; but she does not know which components to look for.

I do not know either! However I do know that quite a few LF members build their own boxes and are up to date on the reliable stuff to buy; so I am seeking your great wisdom to pass on to her.

I am going to mail her an Ubuntu disc that I have in my file cabinet because her many friends ( including me ) have warned her of the dangers of using any windows os on the internet.

What list of components would you suggest, please?
And just where you you purchase them?

Thank You!!

[oz]

I'd recommend checking out NewEgg.com. They offer do it yourself combos where all the components included in each deal are known to be compatible, and you save some money. Of course, you can also select each component individually for building your own system, but you need to be careful that you buy only parts that are compatible with each other because return shipping charges could eat up any savings. Making sure all parts will work properly together can take some time and serious research if you don't build computers very often.

Of course, there are many other computer stores offer the same type of DIY deals.

[jayd512]

I was gonna offer the same link that oz just gave...
but it appears he's a little quicker on the draw!

[ryokimball]

NewEgg.com and TigerDirect.com are two places I usually buy desktop hardware from; both offer great deals and service.

As for which components to get, let me try to do a simple run-down

Necessities:
*Case (to hold stuff in)
*Motherboard
*Processor
*RAM (random-access memory)
*hard drive
*optical drive
*audio/video cards (maybe)

The motherboard must fit the case (most are ATX).
The chipset on the motherboard must be compatible with the processor.
The RAM (probably DDR2 or DDR3) must be supported by the motherboard.

Most hard drives and optical drives are SATA these days, and most motherboards support it.

Audio is often integrated onto the motherboard, although an upgrade may be desirable. Video is the same way, but is considerably more often left off, meaning you need to get a graphics card as well. Any cards (usually PCI or PCI-E) must be compatible and have slots open on the motherboard.

It may sound complicated, but it's not. I'd advise finding a local geek to just step through it with you. Find the geek down the road and he'd probably help for free (although $20 would make him feel good, too).

Quite often on NewEgg and TigerDirect, you'll find "barebones kits" having everything but a hard drive or something, or sometimes everything but an operating system.

[GNU-Fan]

Hi,

I don't quite see the reason why she wants to buy her computer partwise.
Why not buy a preassembed system with Ubuntu preinstalled?
It will be cheaper and she'll have warranty+support.

How about this one:
PCs For Everyone : System - Intel UTA3 Special

[cousinlucky]

These suggestions are giving me goosebumps. I will relay all of the information to her. Thanks Gentlemen!!

[ryokimball]

Oh yeah, I forgot power supply. Those are important, too --must fit the case and have enough juice to power all components. Unless you're breaking the bank, 500 watts is probably more than enough.

GNU-Fan is right --the average user will probably never need to build a computer of their own. Still, nothing wrong with learning something new