Hi. I recently opened up my computer for the first time, and managed to replace the RAM. Having jettisoned some of my fear of working on my computer (ESD damage, shorting something out, etc.). On another thread, some seasoned users/moderators advised me that building a computer from scratch is the best way to learn/gain confidence with working with components. Initially, I had decided to build a high-end system out of a parts list that had been recommended to me. Upon more reflection, I now realize that it may be more prudent for me to take some 'baby-steps' in building. One member suggested that a video card upgrade is a good, intermediate, building step that will give me some experience and help me to decide if computer assembly is really something that I want to get into. After hearing my concerns about my inexperience, a pal of mine suggested that I consider buying a lower-end computer case that has the motherboard pre-installed. That way, I will still be challenged to install the peripheral devices such as memory, video card, CPU, etc., but I wil be able to defer the more difficult task of installing the motherboard itself until after I have gained more familiarity and comfort in handling computer components. Does anyone know of any links/ where one can buy these 'pre-fabricated' towers w/motherboard? I tried doing a few searches on newegg.com but came up empty. Also, is this a sound, intermediate approach to learning how to build a computer? Thanks!

Most new cases have motherboard trays that slide out and make the job so much easier. 9 little screws... have you got an old PC that you could rip apart for practice?

Inserting a graphics card is easier than putting RAM in sometimes... I helped a friend put together a system not so long ago, Its scary at first, but you learn that you dont have to be as gentle as you think with the hardware, sure you cant smack the board over a persons head and expect it to still work but the stuff is still durable.

Thanks, Paulzig. Actually, I do have a three year-old Gateway (550) desktop. It stopped displaying a picture on the screen (we tried two different graphics cards) a while back. The friend looking it over guessed that something went bad on the motherboard- maybe the connectors that lock into the graphics card. He's been holding it for me, but I really didn't know what to do with it. Kind of a shame since it has 1GB of RAM, a Pentium 4 3.2mhz, ATI x700. Was a perfectly good computer for a web-surfer, letter typer, etc. I suppose I have my answer now. Perfect Frankenstein specimen to take apart and reassemble, eh?

Having said all of this, I don't know if it had one of the slide out trays that you described. I'll have to get it and look it over when I travel to me old town over Labor Day weekend. Thanks for the idea. I guess that even broken stuff has some kind of use

All I can suggest to you is to try doing one from the ground up..The sense of satisfaction you get from it is pretty good.

If you need step by step instruction/assistance whatever, there is always someone in here willing to lend a hand

The one word of additional advice I would offer is to start with a high quality full tower case. Having a lot of room to work on your first build takes a lot of the terror out of the project. And, as you get better, you'll appreciate the extra room for things like water cooling, 8800 size cards, and lots of drives.

As Paul indicated, there is always someone here willing to help out. We were all contemplating our first build at some point, so we know how you feel.

90% of building is research. Bolting it together is definitely scary the first time but is really the best way to go. As said above there is always help available here and like Arlie said, we all had to build the first one and all had the same fears.

I thank our esteemed s for making technically-challenged newcomers feel so welcome. Sometimes with hobby forums, members and admins have little patience for folks who don't have a minimum level of competency (re: complete newbs:) Extracting any information entails being insulted, made to feel dumb, etc. The welcoming and supportive tone of the threads here at ASUS INDPENEDENT are a refreshing change. With respect to this particular thread, I am grateful that no one has blown a lot of smoke/condescended by telling me how easy it is to build a computer from scratch. Rather, I see many seasoned users who acknowledge that it can be a challenging task for a first timer, but also advise that they (and many others) stand ready to lend assistance to someone who asks for it. I respect this honesty and willingness to help others. Having said all that, I have a lot of thinking to do. I don't know if I'm ready to jump in with both feet, buying $1,000.00 if parts from newegg.com and assembling (even with counsel). I may first try taking apart my broken desktop, reinstalling parts to get myself more familiar/comfortable with using the tools and placing the parts by hand (I am rather ham-fisted). Anyway, thanks again for the encouragement and honesty, above all.That's what makes this forum so great (IMHO).

Honestly. I'd leave it in one piece and use it as a guide for building your own. Having a real world working model there to compare to is a big benefit. I wrote up a 5 or 6 piece, can't remember now article, on building your own for a Buffalo Bills site I am a member of. It is very basic which is why it is over there but I think I'll cut and paste it to this forum and maybe it will be helpful. I'll link it in a few minutes.

Link is here http://asustech.15.forumer.com/index.php?a...st=0#entry24997

Thanks for sharing the primer, Merc. To be perfectly honest, I was more confused/felt more overwhelmed during and while reading it the first time. But, the second time through, my mind began to compartmentalize more of the information and I got more out of it. I will read it yet again. If there's one fundamental point I've take away so far, it is that it is critical to choose a motherboard that lends itself to meeting your goals. The motherboard determines all of the other parts that can be used in your computer, especially the CPU and RAM. I like playing PC games, but I'm not one of those competitive FPS players. I just appreciate nice graphics while playing. I'm not yet sure what kind of motherboard would make for a good build for me: I feel like a 'tweener' in a sense. Also, thank you for demystifying sound cards and explaining that they are largely overrated for the average user's purposes. I had a most unpleasant experience with buying a 7.1 Creative speaker system and never being able to get more than three speakers to work with my computer. I found out later it is because Creative makes you install one of their proprietary cards (they use a non-standard number of connector holes). But I have Realtek onboard audio. It's good to know that onboard's quality is just fine (as long as I stay away from Creative speakers). You've given me a lot to chew on. I suspect that I will have more questions for you. One other thing I want to ask : did you intentionally not give specific part recommendations (that is what I prefer)? Was that intentionally done by you as a learning aid? That is to say, is that part of the point: you have to learn to choose your parts yourself (and will get more out of it) rather than using a list of configured parts someone gives you? Thanks

After you build your first you'll never go back to buying one from a system builder..Lets face it putting one of these things is sooooo easy a small child could do it

Sorry.. had to do it since you remarked that no-one has told you how easy it is yet..

Hi sturmgrenadier welcome to the forum.

I know exactly where you are coming from. I remember replacing RAM for the first time and getting the bug to build your own PC. I took the plunge and after spending many hours reading I put together a spec for my build. Once I had that I posted it and some kind soul checked it would work if put together right.

It did work and first time! It was like passing my driving -*test*-('") all over again. The satisfaction is great. The advice from Arnie about getting a quality full-size tower case for your build is excellent advice.

I'm now on my second build and will eventually go for watercooling etc. You wont look back and it is too easy to miuss out on. All your mates will think your a geek but they will still come to you when they have problems

Go for it, read loads of mags/forums and post your spec. The friendly folks here will help you and if its an ASUS board you wont find better advice anywhere.

LOL, it is a lot to chew on and that is why I wrote it in 6 parts. The amount of data you are ex[osed to when you start digging into this stuff is absolutely overwhelming but as I said earlier omn, research is 90% of the build, the actual assembly is relatively easy.

BYO means you are on your own as far as tech support (hence all the sites like this one) so it is incumbent that you understand what each part does and how it relates to the others. That is half the fun of BYO, you finally begin to understand that high tech box next to your desk and can actually work on it.

I didn't specify any particular parts because:
1. These types of things tend to remain up for a long time and the parts scene changes to quickly to recommend anything that wouldn't be re,evant a year from now.
2. There are too many variables to consider when building a PC to suggest any one or even three configurations. Universals are don't skimp on the Power Supply (PSU), buy a quality motherboard (mobo) and leave room for expansion and growth.
3. Don't buy last generation stuff unless you plan on never upgrading. Most folks never change a thing in their PC and just want it to work solidly for a few years and toss it. In that cased it is fine to take the discount on "old parts" but if you plan on growing with the rig you need to know where the markt is going. and shop for it.
4. When you are ready to build go to a reputable site and get some inputs on what the best parts are at that time. Match things to your needs, propose a build and see how much flack it takes.

Like Paul said, you'll never buy another one after you build because you'll never be satisfied with an OEM box.

Some more general suggestions:
1. Buy an oversized, high quality PSU. A bigger PSU won't use any more power as a PSU draws only what it needs.
2. Get a quality case with some growing space.
(The PSU and case can lst you threough sevral builds if you buy right.)
3. Set a budget and do the best you can to sticj]k to it. You will get a lot of calls to upgrade this or that and some will be wortwhile while others won't but expect to spend more than you plan as some stuff will sound just to good to pass up.
4. Factor in an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). They are worth the money and will save you a dozen times.

Here is a really nice gaming rig for under $1250 with some room for growth and no overkill. Solid parts all around that work well together and are easy to use. Noyt the la-*test*-('") but will overclcok very well with adequate cooling. There are a thusand variations on the below but you'd get great results with this build.

LIAN LI PC-60APLUSII Silver Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811112069

PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817703005

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache $227
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115003

ASUS P5N32-E SLI Plus $180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813131153

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $107 ($67 after $40 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820145034

XFX PVT80GTHE9 GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported HDCP Video Card $396 ($356 after rebate)

Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822144417

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16832116056

Total $1255 subtract $90 if you have an OS Use CD drives and Floppy from old PC.