Need helping building custom computer!?

Question

I've been wanting to build a custom computer for awhile now. I have the money saved up, and already know which parts I want to buy. Here comes my first question: If I happen to buy all the parts, is there any kind of computer store I can take them too that will assemble it for me? Or will I have to choose the custom parts on the internet, have them build it for me, then ship it too me? How much will it cost(not including the price of the parts, only how much it costs for them to build it.) I could always try an online tutorial, but there is NO WAY i'm going to risk messing something up...

Answer 1

I Think Its The Second Choice.

Answer 2

It's actually a lot easier than you think. Just stay away from carpeted areas that build up static electricity or you could short something out.  If you could get a motherboard with the CPU and the heatsink and fan installed (with thermal paste) everything else is pretty easy. Mounting a CPU isn't too bad but you have to be careful not to bend the pins.  A reputable online tutorial may be able to guide you through it.  I'm not sure how much a store would charge for something like that.  I would do some reading on some sites, especially ones with pics to show you what's going on with installing all the components.

Answer 3

The best thing to do is to hire a tech to do it for you... I am fortunate enough to have a friend who used to work tech support for Dell, and he put mine together for free.  I watched him put it together and I'm glad I had him do it for me... I wouldn't have even had the right tools, and might have broken something trying to put it together.  The real problem seems to be with loading the disk drivers. They have to be installed from floppy disk for some reason, so you have to buy a floppy drive (outdated, but still necessary).  Thankfully they're cheap.  That means you'll have to download the disk driver onto a floppy, and there might be special formatting necessary... ask a tech about it.  There's also a lot of wiring involved, and making sure jumper switches are set properly on everything.  If you put it together yourself, make sure you also have some of those wire ties to organize the wires before you're done.  You don't want a stray wire getting into one of your fans.  It actually takes a while to put together, and to format and install the drivers and the OS, so having a professional do it is worth the money.  You'll have to ask around for prices.

Answer 4

you can try contacting Dell... they can custom made for you! anyway... assembling a computer is not that hard... just follow the tutorial... or maybe u can get some of your friend to help...

Answer 5

Do you understand what it takes to build a computer? Nothing. Seriously, just get a grounding bracelet and a screwdriver and that's all you need.

If you aren't going to do it yourself, then what's the point of paying someone to build it for you?

I mean, seriously. You might as well go to Best Buy and buy a Dell or something.

Also, you're going to have to know A LOT about BIOS setup in order to do it yourself. Getting it started on an operating system is a pain in the butt if one thing goes wrong.

Answer 6

If you have enough knowledge to select the proper parts to your new build, I think you can handle a tutorial on how to install them. The internet has so many help screens and videos, I can't believe you could not do it yourself. It really is not that difficult. There are only a few precautions to follow and they will be dictated in the install instructions. Take your time and research. Install one componet at a time. Ask about the next step. You will be amazed at yourself afterwards.

Answer 7

I had a custom computer built for me, what I did was this: I researched all the parts I wanted and checked if they were all compatible. Then I went to a local independent computer store and I gave them my list and I asked them how much it would cost to build this computer if they buy the parts or if I bring the parts. they gave me a good deal for 2 grand so I let them buy the parts. But you can probably order the parts from this site:

http://www.newegg.com/ (us site)

If you intend to buy the parts yourself, then a good question to ask the computer store would be what the cost of labor would be for them to assemble the computer.

Good luck! hope you enjoy your new computer.

Answer 8

Build it yourself. It's easier than you think. The grounding bracelet will keep you at the same charge as the parts of the computer. This means all of you, not just your hand. Reasonable question though.

I think you will be fine. Nowadays building a computer is basically just snapping in a bunch of silicon chips and plugging in a few cables. Easy as pie. The only thing to be careful of is putting the processor and heatsink into the socket. make sure you have it lined up right, and make sure it wont fall out or you will have a nice new doorstop.

Answer 9

http://www.maximumpc.com

Check out their forums, very helpful hints / info plus some system configuration ideas. I built my rig from recommendations there, all with parts from newegg.com.

Trust me, unless you're trying to build Deep Blue, building your own PC is pretty much easy as pie.

Answer 10

never mind, he lives in ct

Answer 11

Risk is the name of the game, if there is no way you want to take any risk forget it and buy built, the saving is negligible putting already constructed boards and parts together anyway but you won't get the buzz of knowing you had a hand in building it.. if it works!  There are always plenty of computer repairers/builders to help for a price as long as you don't live out in the sticks.