Win 7 questions

So this is my first post on here as I am a new user, and I still haven't made the jump to windows 7 yet. I definitely want to, just haven't had the money yet. My biggest question for all of you is, what do you think I should do, just buy a premade pc, or custom build one? I'm probably going to custom build one, but I'm just curious as to what everyone's ideas of good builds are. I know it depends on what I will be using the computer for, but again, I'm more curious about what everyone's ideas on any kind of build are.

Thanks,
jbaughm1

jbaughm1, welcome to the forum! Actually, I don't know how to build a computer, but do know how to replace some parts. I feel that you'll love Windows 7, once you get going. If you can build a computer, by all means, do so. You won't get all of the "crapware" that degrades your performance, as well as wasting disc space. The OEM's really load the junk onto them these days. And you said it yourself, it does depend on what your intended use of it will be. Newegg sells many packages to suit any budget or need. And if you're going to build your own, go with 64 bit, and Windows 7 Pro would probably suit you better than Home Premium would. Just a few thoughts. Post back anytime, I'm looking forward to seeing pics of your new PC.

Best of Luck,
Cat

Hi jbaughm1 - Welcome to w7forums

I think a good build is one that works for you. Everyone has different opinions on the brands they think is best. One of the best ways to weigh the differences is to compare the customers reviews between the two products in question.

Seeing how you are thinking of building a computer. I am assuming you know how to build. What are your manufacturer preferences in components? AMD or Intel? ATI or nVidia? Are you an extreme gamer? Do you prefer multiple monitors or does a single monitor work for you? What about a RAID configuration with your hard drives? All of these questions are important when it comes to deciding the most significant component in building a computer. The motherboard is and will always be the backbone to a system. Not only does the hardware depend on the motherboard for support, an OEM license for Windows essentially dies with the motherboard and against licensing agreement to transfer to a different motherboard.

Long story short, purchase the motherboard that you want the first time. If you have any questions, there are many people here and will help you get the answers you are looking for.

Welcome to the forum. As already mentioned, first decide what you want to do with your machine, 2nd get current computer magazines that give product tests and see what's available. 3rd, decide on a budget. IMHO you need to be prepared to spend at least $900 to get something basic but usable, it can go up from there, plus there is the cost of a monitor to factor in.
In very general terms Gigabyte and ASUS would seem to be the best quality motherboards around and WD (western digital HDD) are pretty good.
Kingston/corsair Ram is okay, opinions vary a lot about the best video card to get but your motherboard choice might support video anyway so you can save a bit there unless you want to do hard core gaming.
Get a quality powersupply of at least 650 watts, Thermaltake and Atek are good brands, I use Thermaltake myself.
The type of motherboard you buy will determine the processor you get, I've had both AMD and Intel over the years both are fine, their models vary and they swap leads with each new release. Intel i5 and i7 core processors are popular right now.
Try to get hardware that has the best warranty, you can find some motherboards with 2yr warranty & HDD with 5yrs, some memory will be lifetime, power supplies vary from 12months to 5 yrs and video cards 1-2 yrs on average.

Have fun,

Mychael

Another thing, AMD recently came out with a six core processor, the Opteron. Intel's i7-965 Extreme Edition may be in some opinions better, but it's a matter of if the extra $1,000 is worth it. The Opteron can be had from Newegg for $309, a major price break. Your motherboard is the most important part of your system, your processor is right behind that.

The bottom line is, you can build a killer computer for the money spent, compared with an OEM PC. You can probably build for $1,200 a computer that would cost $2,500 or more from an OEM.

One other thing to consider, do you plan to have a Office suite on this PC? If you do, TechNet would be a program for you to consider. For less than the full retail of Ultimate, you have access to every recent OS & Office suites that Microsoft offers. And currently, there's still a discount for the program. Plus, you get three courses per year with the program. It's a great deal, and even greater if you have a family with more than one computer.

Cat

AMD is simple and cheap for new builders:

Work PC, no encoding or gaming, go for an Athlon x2 250 and an 890GX motherboard with a 5670

Gaming PC, go for a six core thuban and an 890FX motherboard with a 5870 or 5970

Encoding PC, go for an Athlon x4 635 and an 890GX motherboard. If you can spare the cash, use a thuban, otherwise the x4 Athlon's are fine, with a 5670.

Otherwise put in 4GB RAM DDR3 1333MHz minimum and a quality PSU; I would recommend only 5 brands - Enermax, Corsair, Seasonic, Antec, PC Power and Cooling. Rest are not worth your time. Also partial to Xigmatek.

Pre built PC's are rubbish.

jbaughm1 - Welcome to the Windows 7 Forums website!

Both AMD and Intel are excellent CPU makers. AMD is less expensive and they make some very good processors, Intel does too.

I was an AMD guy for years and this last build I went with Intel because I do lots of video processing and editing, which Intel does just a little better and faster.

Be sure to get a good quality motherboard, that's the heart of the system. ASUS, Gigabyte, DFI LanParty and MSI all make very good motherboards.

I'm partial to Gigabyte, but that's my opinion. Stay away from ECS and Biostar.

A good power supply is a definite must, The ones mentioned in the previous post are all top-notch quality power supplies. I happen to use a Bgears Tarantula which is another top quality PSU. It got very good reviews on the sites I checked.

Cooler Master, Muskin, and ThermalTake are also good.

The PSU should be at least an: ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Power Supply. Try to get one that is a modular design, which means that you only need to hook up the power cables you actually are going to use. Makes for a much cleaner install and build with no unnecessary cables in the way.

Go to review sites such as AnandTech, Legion Hardware, HardOCP, Overclocker's Club, TechRadar UK, Hardware Canucks, and so on. Read the reviews and make your decisions accordingly.

If you need any more help or guidance feel free to ask at anytime.

Coolermaster isn't that good, and Intel a bit faster? A thuban will shatter your video encoding.

We're all just merely stating basically opinions here, okay?

Sheesh, take a chill pill.

I do hope you are comparing that thuban to an Intel 6 core. If not, I'm not interested in the results.