Just starting out

[Technoed]

As my current computer's not really up to scratch anymore I've decided upon getting a new one. I really like the idea of building my own machine but would like a few pointers to get me started.

Advice on the best motherboards, CPUs, GFX cards would be really appreciated. My budget, overall, is around $750.

Thanks!

[Technoed]

By the way, I live in the UK.

Does anybody know of any good online retailer of computer hardware?

[squeech]

TechIMO is full of great information on all of these topics. The best thing to do would be to search the specific forums and see what they have to offer. There are enough threads debating AMD vs Intel, Nvidia vs ATI, SiS vs VIA vs Nvidia that it'll make your head spin!

You will find a lot of forums dealing with AMD vs. Intel. Here's another. This one's my favorite.

Or perhaps a discussion of GFX Cards.

The point is, hunt around because these discussions are ongoing

P.S. Newegg.com and googlegear.com are my two favorite retailers.

[krohnjw]

Newegg for sure, not sure about google gear arent very uk friendly. From spookyeddy try these
www.staktrading.com, www.dabs.com, www.overclockers.co.uk


They are all in the UK so you can get your things shipped to you.

[Technoed]

Thanks for your replies guys.

If I ordered a P4 2.4CGhz 800FSB processor, Asus P4P800 "Springdale" socket 478 motherboard, 1GB Dual-Channel DDR RAM, 550W PSU and then fitted them into my current system, keeping my 40GB IDE hard drive, floppy drive, DVD/CD-RW drive, Audigy 2 soundcard, would everything operate smoothly? What I mean is, would Windows still operate or would I need to alter something?

Cheers!

[Atomic Rooster]

It would be best to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the OS. Back up your important info first! There are too many problems that can arrise by just swapping mobos with a HDD that has an OS already installed.

[vass0922]

Agreed with AR, do a CLEAN install!
You'll have a MUCH more stable system

Also why do you need 1 gig of RAM!?
If you're doing graphics work or something like that then maybe.. if you're just gaming or doing normal websurfing stuff.. you're wasting your cash

[Technoed]

Originally posted by Atomic Rooster
It would be best to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the OS. Back up your important info first! There are too many problems that can arrise by just swapping mobos with a HDD that has an OS already installed.

How long, roughly, would it take to reformat a 40GB hard drive?

[Technoed]

Originally posted by vass0922
Also why do you need 1 gig of RAM!?
If you're doing graphics work or something like that then maybe.. if you're just gaming or doing normal websurfing stuff.. you're wasting your cash [/B]

I'm actually doing a Graphics Design (Creative Imaging) course at University, hence the need for 1GB RAM. Plus, there's no harm in preparing for the future.

[soulja]

just get a barebone system, it comes with mobo and PSU... buy the rest