Hello, fellow PC-enthusiasts!
Since I'm going to replace my desktop PC this year I wanted to get into the whole "what's what" on computer parts again (didn't pay attention for a few years since I didn't see a reason to upgrade).
Now I realize that I have no clue on where to place series and the pages I looked into on the internet didn't provide any (simple formulated) help.
It begins with simple questions like "does it matter which CPU manufacturer I choose?". The only difference I see as an amateur is that Intel gets more attention and costs more.
So I'd really appreciate it if anyone could explain the differences and when to choose which of those two.
Thanks in advance!
Edit:
Due to the fact that English isn't my native language I hope the following text will be understandable. You can keep any Grammar mistake you find but please report technical mistakes regarding the topic. Thanks!
Since this thread has gone far beyond the "simple" question which CPU manufacturer should be preferred, I'd like to use this thread as a helping beginners guide for assembling your very first desktop PC from scratch.
There are lots of factors and synergies you have to keep in mind when it comes to picking the parts for your PC, like "Can I use just any RAM?" or "Does it matter what mainboard I use with my CPU?".
Simple answers: no you can't and yes it does.
If you don't care about the why and how you can just go ahead and assemble your desktop PC at PCPartPicker.com where you can choose from an arrangement of parts (from CPU to monitors). But be careful, you might end up with expensive parts you don't really need (even with PCPartPickers compatibility mode turned on). For example: if you don't intend to overclock your PC you wont need a mainboard and CPU for overclocking (like Intels K-series; e.g. i7-4770K, and mainboards the like Z87-modells).
Like I mentioned, there are many factors to keep in mind when it comes to picking the parts for your desktop.
Budget
First you need to decide on a budget. Just buying the cheapest isn't necessarily the best you can do. Saving money on the wrong parts can even dicrease the performance of your system.
The most expensive and important parts of your PC are the CPU and GPU, so don't compromise on those parts in favor of getting more expensive RAM or a case.
Purpose
Depending on what you want your PC for your parts may differ. A simple Office PC doesn't need a powerful GPU and gets by with less RAM. For playing video games on ultra settings or editing videos you need more powerful components. There's no need to spend more money on a powerful system if you're never going to use it's full potential.
Re-using parts
You can save some money if you're able to re-use parts of your old PC, like the motherboard, disc drive, cables, even the case.
Upgrading / future plans
Chances are that in a couple of years your PC will hit it's limits in terms of performance. Requirements for software increase over time and if you don't upgrade you'll end up not being able to use certain programs/games.
Also, deciding on the CPU/motherboard will limit your options for upgrades. Intel CPUs aren't usable with motherboards for AMD CPUs and vice versa. Going with an Intel CPU for now and upgrading to an AMD CPU means you have to buy a new motherboard as well.
To be continued....
I know I'm way behind on updating this thread. I have a Word doc that I'm updating from time to time but as long as I haven't finished it you can look at this thread from LinusTechTips.com by the member Windspeed36. It's a very detailed and simple do-it-yourself guide. I really recommend that one.
http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/7766-diy-pc/
Since I'm going to replace my desktop PC this year I wanted to get into the whole "what's what" on computer parts again (didn't pay attention for a few years since I didn't see a reason to upgrade).
Now I realize that I have no clue on where to place series and the pages I looked into on the internet didn't provide any (simple formulated) help.
It begins with simple questions like "does it matter which CPU manufacturer I choose?". The only difference I see as an amateur is that Intel gets more attention and costs more.
So I'd really appreciate it if anyone could explain the differences and when to choose which of those two.
Thanks in advance!
Edit:
Due to the fact that English isn't my native language I hope the following text will be understandable. You can keep any Grammar mistake you find but please report technical mistakes regarding the topic. Thanks!
Since this thread has gone far beyond the "simple" question which CPU manufacturer should be preferred, I'd like to use this thread as a helping beginners guide for assembling your very first desktop PC from scratch.
There are lots of factors and synergies you have to keep in mind when it comes to picking the parts for your PC, like "Can I use just any RAM?" or "Does it matter what mainboard I use with my CPU?".
Simple answers: no you can't and yes it does.
If you don't care about the why and how you can just go ahead and assemble your desktop PC at PCPartPicker.com where you can choose from an arrangement of parts (from CPU to monitors). But be careful, you might end up with expensive parts you don't really need (even with PCPartPickers compatibility mode turned on). For example: if you don't intend to overclock your PC you wont need a mainboard and CPU for overclocking (like Intels K-series; e.g. i7-4770K, and mainboards the like Z87-modells).
Like I mentioned, there are many factors to keep in mind when it comes to picking the parts for your desktop.
- Budget
- Purpose
- Can you re-use any parts from your old/current PC? (optical drive, HDD + OS, case,...)
- Do you want to upgrade parts of the PC in the future? (better GPU/CPU, more external USB ports,...)
- What parts give me the best synergy?
- When are you better off with a pre-assembled PC off the shelf?
Budget
First you need to decide on a budget. Just buying the cheapest isn't necessarily the best you can do. Saving money on the wrong parts can even dicrease the performance of your system.
The most expensive and important parts of your PC are the CPU and GPU, so don't compromise on those parts in favor of getting more expensive RAM or a case.
Purpose
Depending on what you want your PC for your parts may differ. A simple Office PC doesn't need a powerful GPU and gets by with less RAM. For playing video games on ultra settings or editing videos you need more powerful components. There's no need to spend more money on a powerful system if you're never going to use it's full potential.
Re-using parts
You can save some money if you're able to re-use parts of your old PC, like the motherboard, disc drive, cables, even the case.
Upgrading / future plans
Chances are that in a couple of years your PC will hit it's limits in terms of performance. Requirements for software increase over time and if you don't upgrade you'll end up not being able to use certain programs/games.
Also, deciding on the CPU/motherboard will limit your options for upgrades. Intel CPUs aren't usable with motherboards for AMD CPUs and vice versa. Going with an Intel CPU for now and upgrading to an AMD CPU means you have to buy a new motherboard as well.
To be continued....
I know I'm way behind on updating this thread. I have a Word doc that I'm updating from time to time but as long as I haven't finished it you can look at this thread from LinusTechTips.com by the member Windspeed36. It's a very detailed and simple do-it-yourself guide. I really recommend that one.
http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/7766-diy-pc/
Last edited:
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