How much would it cost to build a PC?
Pages: 12
About how much would it cost to build a computer, if I purchased everything, to build a tower with a reasonable amount of RAM and Hard Drive space, with all the capability a modern PC has (i.e., DVD/CD player, USB ports, Connection to a monitor, Bluetooth also, if possible)?
closed account (N36fSL3A)
The GPU or CPU would probably be the most expensive part. The Monitors can get pretty pricey depending on how many you want and who is making them.
For a gaming pc the most expensive part is the video card. You can go from about 200€ to about 800€ IIRC.
For a modern everyday use pc it's the processor, around 100€. But you can find older models for less.
The least expensive... I guess the DVD drive, or the RAM sticks if you buy little of it. Should be around 20€.
Excluding peripherals, the least I think I could spend to assemble something that's not frustrating to use is 250€. 500€ for a good pc.
OS license excluded too.
I'd recommend going for 400-500€/$ if you can't spend too much. Also consider that monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers are not calculated. Those would probably add 100+.
If you've got money to waste go for 1000.
Note that I'm in no way a professional in the hardware field, these are just my thoughts.
For a modern everyday use pc it's the processor, around 100€. But you can find older models for less.
The least expensive... I guess the DVD drive, or the RAM sticks if you buy little of it. Should be around 20€.
Excluding peripherals, the least I think I could spend to assemble something that's not frustrating to use is 250€. 500€ for a good pc.
OS license excluded too.
| About how much would it cost to build a computer with all the capability a modern PC has |
If you've got money to waste go for 1000.
Note that I'm in no way a professional in the hardware field, these are just my thoughts.
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closed account (3hM2Nwbp)
I spent $1,100 on my last build (~2 years ago). It's decked out with somewhere around 10 USB ports, 4 optional chassis fans, 3 external SATA ports, a SD card reader, a PCMCIA reader, 16 GB main memory, can't recall which processor though without looking in the case. It's either an i5 or i7 unlocked with an upgraded cooling system. At the time, SSD drives were still quite expensive as compared to what is available today, so I went with an 80gb SSD. All powered by the rock solid Asus Z77 sabretooth motherboard.
Quite sad that I hardly use it anymore thanks to my nexus.
Quite sad that I hardly use it anymore thanks to my nexus.
closed account (j3Rz8vqX)
I'd say 400-600 for a average rig and 600-800 for a decent gaming rig.
My current rig with 9550 phenom-i cost me 1100+ USD.
My built non-used rig with the i5-3570k + z77-g41 + hd7850 + 4GB gskill + 500 GB WD + 1080p cheap monitor + antec gx500 tower + mouse/keyboard + 530watt PSU + h_212_Plus + 4x 120mm antec tower fans cost me about 600 USD; felt I was ripped off on the 4GB of ram - in 2011 I purchased 32GB ram for 180 USD, if I was to purchase now it would cost me nearly double.
Edit: After rebates.
It doesn't seem believable, but here is a glimpse of the cpu/mobo combo for 188 USD at my local retailer:
http://www.theblackfriday.com/ads/fry/frys-black-friday-ad2.shtml
My current rig with 9550 phenom-i cost me 1100+ USD.
My built non-used rig with the i5-3570k + z77-g41 + hd7850 + 4GB gskill + 500 GB WD + 1080p cheap monitor + antec gx500 tower + mouse/keyboard + 530watt PSU + h_212_Plus + 4x 120mm antec tower fans cost me about 600 USD; felt I was ripped off on the 4GB of ram - in 2011 I purchased 32GB ram for 180 USD, if I was to purchase now it would cost me nearly double.
Edit: After rebates.
It doesn't seem believable, but here is a glimpse of the cpu/mobo combo for 188 USD at my local retailer:
http://www.theblackfriday.com/ads/fry/frys-black-friday-ad2.shtml
Last edited on
I built an AMD Llano system a couple of years ago. As the Llano has integrated graphics (Raedon), it saved me quite a lot. It was a cheap way to build a 3GHz Quad box.
It ran Solaris (with GNOME) initially but has been running FreeBSD (headless) since.
Downside, all the virtualisation effort has been using Intel, so AMD kit's been left in the cold. Luckily, I don't need virtualisation on that box.
It ran Solaris (with GNOME) initially but has been running FreeBSD (headless) since.
Downside, all the virtualisation effort has been using Intel, so AMD kit's been left in the cold. Luckily, I don't need virtualisation on that box.
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How much would building only the computer (tower) cost, if I wanted a computer with a lot of computing power.
Also, Dput, is your
in US Dollars?
Also, Dput, is your
| 400-600 for a average rig |
It depends on what you mean by "a lot of computing power". What do you plan to do with it?
closed account (j3Rz8vqX)
The price will vary depending on the usage of the computer. How much computational power is actually necessary? What is it going to be used for?
Examples: compression/extraction, heavy-gaming (What games?), and rendering (how fast is fast enough?).
If you're a bit more detailed, I'm sure a great many of us can help you average/guesstimate a price.
Necessary components for a tower: (210 to 1100 USD)
1) CPU: 50 to 220 USD; unless your into i7's or some of amd's new lineup.
2) Motherboard: 40 to 150 USD.
3) Memory: 40 to 200 USD; 20 USD if you're planning to use 2GB - DDR4 may be arriving?
4) Power Supply Unit: 20 to 80 USD.
5) Tower/Case: 20 to 100 USD.
6) Hard Drive: 40 to 300 USD.
If including mouse/keyboard/monitor: (100 to 480 USD)
7) Mouse: 10 to 80 USD.
8) Keyboard: 10 to 80 USD.
9) Monitor: 80 to 300 USD.
If including gaming GPU, or if GPU not provided: (70 to 300 USD)
10) Graphics card: 70 to 300 USD.
Optional are: (40 to 140)
11) CD/DVD: 20 to 80 USD; I consider this optional, you may not.
12) Wireless card: 20 to 60 USD
It truly depends on your needs and wants; everything depreciates - I do not believe in future proofing.
(Prices may vary - prices were estimated/based on Newegg 1-19-2014)
Examples: compression/extraction, heavy-gaming (What games?), and rendering (how fast is fast enough?).
If you're a bit more detailed, I'm sure a great many of us can help you average/guesstimate a price.
Necessary components for a tower: (210 to 1100 USD)
1) CPU: 50 to 220 USD; unless your into i7's or some of amd's new lineup.
2) Motherboard: 40 to 150 USD.
3) Memory: 40 to 200 USD; 20 USD if you're planning to use 2GB - DDR4 may be arriving?
4) Power Supply Unit: 20 to 80 USD.
5) Tower/Case: 20 to 100 USD.
6) Hard Drive: 40 to 300 USD.
If including mouse/keyboard/monitor: (100 to 480 USD)
7) Mouse: 10 to 80 USD.
8) Keyboard: 10 to 80 USD.
9) Monitor: 80 to 300 USD.
If including gaming GPU, or if GPU not provided: (70 to 300 USD)
10) Graphics card: 70 to 300 USD.
Optional are: (40 to 140)
11) CD/DVD: 20 to 80 USD; I consider this optional, you may not.
12) Wireless card: 20 to 60 USD
It truly depends on your needs and wants; everything depreciates - I do not believe in future proofing.
(Prices may vary - prices were estimated/based on Newegg 1-19-2014)
For 35 GBP, you can get a raspberry Pi. It's only of the cheaper computers our there.
It is a motherboard, ARM CPU, 512 MB RAM, 2x USB ports, 1x Ethernet, 1x HDMI, 1x Sound, 1x SD card (this is where the OS gets booted from).
There is no case, but you can make one from a margerine container. Use a USB hub to attach an external CD/DVD if you really need one. Use your current mouse/keyboard, and hook it up to your HDMI TV. That's the cheapest way have a new computer.
It is a motherboard, ARM CPU, 512 MB RAM, 2x USB ports, 1x Ethernet, 1x HDMI, 1x Sound, 1x SD card (this is where the OS gets booted from).
There is no case, but you can make one from a margerine container. Use a USB hub to attach an external CD/DVD if you really need one. Use your current mouse/keyboard, and hook it up to your HDMI TV. That's the cheapest way have a new computer.
I do not have much experience in this area, but these are the basic components I want in my computer (this is only the tower), in addition to all the necessary components:
-4 USB ports
-CD/DVD Drive
-1-2 Terabytes of Hard Drive Space
-Wireless capability
-Bluetooth
-Ethernet capability
This computer I want to use mainly for programming, the internet, office (as in word processing), and Genealogy work (with RootsMagic).
-4 USB ports
-CD/DVD Drive
-1-2 Terabytes of Hard Drive Space
-Wireless capability
-Bluetooth
-Ethernet capability
This computer I want to use mainly for programming, the internet, office (as in word processing), and Genealogy work (with RootsMagic).
Website programming, Software Programming, Android Development (maybe iOS development), and eventually an OS (though I think by the time I have the experience to build an OS, I will have built another computer with newer technology).
The nessesary components are:
1. CPU
2. Motherboard
3. Memory
4. Video card
5. Hard-drive
6. Power-supply
7. Case
8. Peripherals (Wireless/bluetooth/ethernet/optical cards or drives)
This is also the order you want to choose things... Here are the details on what to get:
CPU
It looks like you don't need anything overpowered. You could go with an i5 instead of an i7 to save on some cost here. Make this decision and the "socket" will determine which motherboards will be compatible.
Motherboard (MoBo)
This is the most important part. Find one with enough USB ports. Some have integrated graphics which is fine for you since you don't plan on doing anything graphics-heavy. If you want to save on the cost of a video card, look for these. Also ensure the one you select either has ethernet/bluetooth/wireless, or has enough PCI-express slots to add these in later. If you don't have integrated video, ensure you have at least one PCI-express x16 slot for a video card.
Memory
Don't need to spend much here, just ensure that the type (DDR2, DDR3, DDR4?) and rate match your processor/motherboard specs. Get a pair of chips of descent size. You can add more later if desired so you don't have to fill the motherboard right away.
Video card (GPU)
Only buy if you don't have an integrated chip or if you want good graphics. Spend as much as you want, but you don't need to go over $200. I like NVIDIA, but brand doesn't really matter unless you are in Linux and you might have problems with ATI drivers.
Hard-drive (HDD/SDD)
Get SATA III if you want speed. If you really need 1-2 TB, go for a conventional HDD. SDDs get really expensive at that size range. SDDs are MUCH faster, but more expensive. An option is to get a small SDD for your OS and a large HDD for your media.
Power supply (PSU)
The components you selected will have power ratings (at least CPU/Mobo and video card will). Get at least that size of power-supply. If your video card needs an extra power plug, make sure your PSU has that head available.
Case
ATX is a full-sized case. If your MoBo is a micro-ATX, then you can get a smaller case but make sure your video card will still fit. Micro-ATX Mobo's also fit in ATX cases, so when in doubt, just go ATX.
Peripherals
Anything that isn't on your mobo already can be added as a PCI-express or USB extension. You can add extra USB ports, wireless card, bluetooth, etc. I use a USB DVD drive. You can also use a SATA DVD drive. For the DVD, don't spend extra money on SATA-III since the bottleneck is in the disk speed, not the bus-speed. SATA-I or SATA-II is fine. USB hubs are also good if you really need more.
Hope that helps. My first build took sooo much research, but after my 5th or 6th, it got easy. It's just about the realization that it's all about the Mobo and then it isn't complicated at all.
1. CPU
2. Motherboard
3. Memory
4. Video card
5. Hard-drive
6. Power-supply
7. Case
8. Peripherals (Wireless/bluetooth/ethernet/optical cards or drives)
This is also the order you want to choose things... Here are the details on what to get:
CPU
It looks like you don't need anything overpowered. You could go with an i5 instead of an i7 to save on some cost here. Make this decision and the "socket" will determine which motherboards will be compatible.
Motherboard (MoBo)
This is the most important part. Find one with enough USB ports. Some have integrated graphics which is fine for you since you don't plan on doing anything graphics-heavy. If you want to save on the cost of a video card, look for these. Also ensure the one you select either has ethernet/bluetooth/wireless, or has enough PCI-express slots to add these in later. If you don't have integrated video, ensure you have at least one PCI-express x16 slot for a video card.
Memory
Don't need to spend much here, just ensure that the type (DDR2, DDR3, DDR4?) and rate match your processor/motherboard specs. Get a pair of chips of descent size. You can add more later if desired so you don't have to fill the motherboard right away.
Video card (GPU)
Only buy if you don't have an integrated chip or if you want good graphics. Spend as much as you want, but you don't need to go over $200. I like NVIDIA, but brand doesn't really matter unless you are in Linux and you might have problems with ATI drivers.
Hard-drive (HDD/SDD)
Get SATA III if you want speed. If you really need 1-2 TB, go for a conventional HDD. SDDs get really expensive at that size range. SDDs are MUCH faster, but more expensive. An option is to get a small SDD for your OS and a large HDD for your media.
Power supply (PSU)
The components you selected will have power ratings (at least CPU/Mobo and video card will). Get at least that size of power-supply. If your video card needs an extra power plug, make sure your PSU has that head available.
Case
ATX is a full-sized case. If your MoBo is a micro-ATX, then you can get a smaller case but make sure your video card will still fit. Micro-ATX Mobo's also fit in ATX cases, so when in doubt, just go ATX.
Peripherals
Anything that isn't on your mobo already can be added as a PCI-express or USB extension. You can add extra USB ports, wireless card, bluetooth, etc. I use a USB DVD drive. You can also use a SATA DVD drive. For the DVD, don't spend extra money on SATA-III since the bottleneck is in the disk speed, not the bus-speed. SATA-I or SATA-II is fine. USB hubs are also good if you really need more.
Hope that helps. My first build took sooo much research, but after my 5th or 6th, it got easy. It's just about the realization that it's all about the Mobo and then it isn't complicated at all.
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Where could I purchase the parts, and where are some guildes to building a PC, i.e., some step-by-step directions.
Thank you, Stewbond, for you information.
Thank you, Stewbond, for you information.
You can find Computer parts stores. Best-buy won't have it, but there will probably be something close to you.
In Canada, I either shopped online here:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/
I was in Houston a few weeks ago and this place had tons of parts in-store:
http://www.frys.com/
In the Netherlands I go to this place:
http://mycom.nl/
Here's a very cheap build from Tiger-direct which meets your needs. It's not going to have any kind of wow effect, but it will work. It has an i3, 4 GB RAM,
Mobo/CPU/Integrated video combo: $180
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7738744&Sku=M69-7078
RAM (4GB DDR3 single-channel): $30.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8033817&CatId=4534
1 TB hard-drive $70.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744346&Sku=TSD-1000AS7
Case: $20.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7647320&CatId=3427
Fan: $8.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1148926&CatId=806
550W Power supply: $25.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276574&Sku=ULT-LSP550
Wireless PCI card: $17.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3246388&CatId=2697
DVD drive: $18.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8020886&CatId=89
Total: $368
Note it'll probably be worse than what you're using right now, so keep that in mind. Your motherboard/components usually come with cables, so you don't need to worry about buying extra SATA cables or power cables. You WILL probably need a VGA/DVI cable though (but you probably already have one on your current monitor.
Cheers
In Canada, I either shopped online here:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/
I was in Houston a few weeks ago and this place had tons of parts in-store:
http://www.frys.com/
In the Netherlands I go to this place:
http://mycom.nl/
Here's a very cheap build from Tiger-direct which meets your needs. It's not going to have any kind of wow effect, but it will work. It has an i3, 4 GB RAM,
Mobo/CPU/Integrated video combo: $180
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7738744&Sku=M69-7078
RAM (4GB DDR3 single-channel): $30.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8033817&CatId=4534
1 TB hard-drive $70.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744346&Sku=TSD-1000AS7
Case: $20.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7647320&CatId=3427
Fan: $8.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1148926&CatId=806
550W Power supply: $25.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276574&Sku=ULT-LSP550
Wireless PCI card: $17.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3246388&CatId=2697
DVD drive: $18.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8020886&CatId=89
Total: $368
Note it'll probably be worse than what you're using right now, so keep that in mind. Your motherboard/components usually come with cables, so you don't need to worry about buying extra SATA cables or power cables. You WILL probably need a VGA/DVI cable though (but you probably already have one on your current monitor.
Cheers
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closed account (j3Rz8vqX)
Everyone's got to start somewhere...
Computer construction tutorial process
This first video will inform you about the parts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw
This second video will show the construction of a computer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls
This last video will show the installation of an Operating system (In this case windows 7), driver setup - windows, and some Question/Answers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaVBsXEiok
Shopping
Frys is unmatched in deals during black friday.
I do nearly all of my online computer component shopping at http://www.newegg.com/
Never shopped at Microcenter before, but they seem to have some of the best cpu/motherboard combo deals - Available for In-Store Pickup Only (cpu/motherboard bundles).
Intel: http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/intel-processor-bundles.aspx
AMD APU/FX: http://www.microcenter.com/site/products/amd_bundles.aspx
[Edited]: Merchandise linked no longer available.
Notes
-Integrated Graphics Processing Unit:
Intel's hd4000(+)'s or AMD's apu's are currently the best solutions for IGPU.
IGPU with their associated CPU's:
3rd gen intel cpus: http://ark.intel.com/products/family/65503
4th gen intel cpus: http://ark.intel.com/products/family/75025
AMD APU: http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/processors/a-series/Pages/a-series-apu.aspx#4
-CPU/Motherboard:
Most parts of a computer are interchangeable, except the cpu and motherboard. They are bound to socket types and support of bios; 1155, 1150, 2011, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM3, AM3+.
Have fun.
Computer construction tutorial process
This first video will inform you about the parts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw
This second video will show the construction of a computer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls
This last video will show the installation of an Operating system (In this case windows 7), driver setup - windows, and some Question/Answers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaVBsXEiok
Shopping
Frys is unmatched in deals during black friday.
I do nearly all of my online computer component shopping at http://www.newegg.com/
Never shopped at Microcenter before, but they seem to have some of the best cpu/motherboard combo deals - Available for In-Store Pickup Only (cpu/motherboard bundles).
Intel: http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/intel-processor-bundles.aspx
AMD APU/FX: http://www.microcenter.com/site/products/amd_bundles.aspx
[Edited]: Merchandise linked no longer available.
Notes
-Integrated Graphics Processing Unit:
Intel's hd4000(+)'s or AMD's apu's are currently the best solutions for IGPU.
IGPU with their associated CPU's:
3rd gen intel cpus: http://ark.intel.com/products/family/65503
4th gen intel cpus: http://ark.intel.com/products/family/75025
AMD APU: http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/processors/a-series/Pages/a-series-apu.aspx#4
-CPU/Motherboard:
Most parts of a computer are interchangeable, except the cpu and motherboard. They are bound to socket types and support of bios; 1155, 1150, 2011, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM3, AM3+.
Have fun.
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