Planning to build a new computer? Don't know where to start? Read Here first!
Ask questions in this thread about upgrades and new system builds. Read through the OP and compare it to your own situation.
Things to remember: These builds do not include any OS, Keyboard, Mice, Speakers or Monitors. That is up to the builder to choose.
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Common PC questions
Processors (CPU's)
Different types of Sockets
Installing your Heatsink?: Use a proper thermal compound application
Liquid vs Air Cooling
Video Cards:
Can't decide which video card to buy?:
Compare them by year
2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009
Performance Per Dollar by Techpowerup
Want to upgrade your video card? Check here first
Memory:
Ensure your Dual channel memory is appropriately configured. (Dated but relevant)
What are Memory Timings?
Software
Backup, copy, and restore your computer:
Acronis True Image
Western Digital Drive Backup Software
Use Windows 10 to backup your computer.
Put your new system to the test:
Benchmark it with Unigine: Heaven, Superposition - 3dmark - Final Fantasy XV
Differences between Windows 10 versions
Never Installed Windows before?: Watch this video
Storage:
Tom's "Best SSD for the money 2019"
Motherboards
Newegg's Motherborad Buying Guide
Guide to Motherboard Selection
Power Supplies (Or PSU's):
2019 Power Supply guide
PSU reviews: Anandtech - Jonnyguru
Think your PSU is bad?: test it here. (post in the thread if you need assistance)
They now also make testers you can buy
Want to save money?: Don't cut corners on the PSU.
Power supply Efficiency levels
How much power do I need?
Power requirement estimator #1(uses data from trusted review sources)
Power requirement estimator #2 (less accurate but more part options)
How to choose a power supply
Power requirements for video cards
Video Tutorials on PC Building
Short video, more up to date on building a PC (20 minutes)
This series is much longer but also older, you'll learn more watching it than the shorter one.
Pt.1 Basic PC introduction and Component selection.
Pt.2 Assembling your system
Pt.3 Installing your OS, other odds and ends.
Thread Updated as Hardware is Released
I use NewEgg as a reference for PC components. Please shop around and find the best prices if they can be found elsewhere. In my experience NewEgg has fair prices though.
Prices might not be 100% accurate. Check them carefully. Some items include additional mail in rebates as well. Those savings are not reflected in my prices so your build may actually be cheaper in the end.
Ask questions in this thread about upgrades and new system builds. Read through the OP and compare it to your own situation.
Things to remember: These builds do not include any OS, Keyboard, Mice, Speakers or Monitors. That is up to the builder to choose.
==================================================
==================================================
Common PC questions
Processors (CPU's)
Different types of Sockets
Installing your Heatsink?: Use a proper thermal compound application
Liquid vs Air Cooling
Video Cards:
Can't decide which video card to buy?:
Compare them by year
2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009
Performance Per Dollar by Techpowerup
Want to upgrade your video card? Check here first
Memory:
Ensure your Dual channel memory is appropriately configured. (Dated but relevant)
What are Memory Timings?
Software
Backup, copy, and restore your computer:
Acronis True Image
Western Digital Drive Backup Software
Use Windows 10 to backup your computer.
Put your new system to the test:
Benchmark it with Unigine: Heaven, Superposition - 3dmark - Final Fantasy XV
Differences between Windows 10 versions
Never Installed Windows before?: Watch this video
Storage:
Tom's "Best SSD for the money 2019"
Motherboards
Newegg's Motherborad Buying Guide
Guide to Motherboard Selection
Power Supplies (Or PSU's):
2019 Power Supply guide
PSU reviews: Anandtech - Jonnyguru
Think your PSU is bad?: test it here. (post in the thread if you need assistance)
They now also make testers you can buy
Want to save money?: Don't cut corners on the PSU.
Power supply Efficiency levels
How much power do I need?
Power requirement estimator #1(uses data from trusted review sources)
Power requirement estimator #2 (less accurate but more part options)
How to choose a power supply
Power requirements for video cards
Video Tutorials on PC Building
Short video, more up to date on building a PC (20 minutes)
This series is much longer but also older, you'll learn more watching it than the shorter one.
Pt.1 Basic PC introduction and Component selection.
Pt.2 Assembling your system
Pt.3 Installing your OS, other odds and ends.
Thread Updated as Hardware is Released
I use NewEgg as a reference for PC components. Please shop around and find the best prices if they can be found elsewhere. In my experience NewEgg has fair prices though.
Prices might not be 100% accurate. Check them carefully. Some items include additional mail in rebates as well. Those savings are not reflected in my prices so your build may actually be cheaper in the end.
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