New PC help - - cont:

[caveman16]

     Hey Guys and Ladies,    

     This post is getting too far down the list and I need just one more piece of advice .     Should I just go ahead and order the parts already decided on  in hopes of getting that "GPU".  If it just never becomes available  - - -  is there another  "GPU" that would WORK just as well  ???

     I dislike dragging this post on and on and wish to  " GET WITH IT ".      Also don't like taking advantage  of your patience and much help.  

      So appreciative,       caveman

[ctjoyce]

Well the whole tech industry is constintly changeing. for instance only one week after I built my system the 6XX series prescotts and Radeon X850 series came out. It kinda sucked to find out that my $1200 rig was only worth $800 now (and $600 on todays market, before all my addons). However the current rig you have scoped out will do you just fine, and I would buy ASAP if I were you, before you talk yourself out of it.

Cheers
Cameron

[congo]

Can you get them on the phone and get an ETA on the card?

I would try and prise a delivery date out of them before sending off payment.

The video cards are being snapped up as soon as they hit the stores, you won't get one unless you order it.

I wouldn't change the spec based on immediate availability unless there was good reason. newegg are probably recieving cards at least twice a week.

[ctjoyce]

7900GT and 7900GTX are on newegg and well stocked as we speak.

Cheers
Cameron

[rootbeer]

I built my own computer in the summer of 2002. What a hassle!! I had driver problems, compatibility problems, OS problems. I swore "Never again." My hat is off to those of you who build your own. But not this guy...

[beaky]

My first PC was also my first build... maybe I just got lucky, but the assembly and initial setup went very well. I have a lot of A/V tech and general mechanical experience, but I was in very unfamiliar waters with this project. If I can do it, so can you.
If you still decide to buy a "turnkey" system, whatever you do, don't just walk into a retail place and expect the sales staff to hook you up with exactly what you want... better to order a rig from some place that will customize for you.
I can't recommend any particular hardware, but here's some pointers for what it's worth:
-Don't get hung up on "future-proofing". Just get what you need now, and expect to upgrade. It's inevitable.
-The trickiest part of selecting components by ordering from NewEgg or whoever is determining compatibility. Most distributors don't offer that kind of support; expect to do a lot of research... as you can see, there are some savvy builders right here; they can assess your "wish list" for you.
-If your CPU heatsink comes with thermal paste on it already and you want to use your own, be sure to remove the factory paste first... I... uh... know some moron who made that mistake; what an idiot!

[Fozzer]

I've always built my computers at home to my own specification...
But that's been easy for me as an experienced electrical/electronic engineer... ...!

For anyone else, who hasn't got a clue, I would highly recommend getting hold of a local knowledgeable friend to give advice, and do the job for you whilst you look on and observe and remember the proceedings...
...otherwise it can all end in tears, frustration, and considerable expense...
It's not a job for the faint-hearted...
..trust me... ...!

Paul...Electric Trickery is my job... ...!

[caveman16]

     Hey Rootbeer,   Sorry to read that you had so much trouble building your PC.   I sure hope that you got all the problems worked out ok.   Like myself - - -  I'm sure building your PC was very important to you.     I wished that you had  these  "GUYS " that are helping me.

     Since I joined this forum, - - - I've been privileged  to meet some very  nice people  that have gone way out of their way to help me.    I keep turning to them   and I've discovered  their  patience is unlimited  and their advice is priceless.

     It's  always a good feeling knowing others are  "right there" ready to help when needed.      Here's wishing you the best should you try again - - - you've got a lot of good guys here to help you.

     caveman

[Tom.]

Another way to Go about building your own pc is to use your old one or buy some chepo old thing of ebay with like - http://cgi.ebay.com/HOT-Dell-CELERON-1- ... dZViewItem
then take every thing out and aseble it again and get it to work it will save you more than it cost in broken parts because you know what to do
but you probably didnt understand my little rabble there

[congo]

but you probably didnt understand my little rabble there

Not a problem Tom, your psychic abilities more than make up for your lack of communication skills.    ;D