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Build Advice READ THIS FIRST: Build Advice threads - how to post them!

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by LithiumDesign, 26 Jan 2010.

  1. LithiumDesign

    LithiumDesign 3dsMax User

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    Okay, so you want to build a new PC and you don't know what is out there to suit your needs, or you want some clarification from other about a bundle of components you've already picked out.

    Have you already read the monthly buyer's guide? This contains several different build budgets and configurations, put together by the staff writers of Bit-Tech specifically to help first-timers (and anyone else).

    If you still want to post a build-advice thread, here is the solution:

    First, and most importantly, read around the recently posted threads on the same topic! There are lots of folks in your situation, and it's worth reading what they've posted and encountered while building a PC to see if it solves your questions.

    If you still think you can't solve your build queries, use the guidelines below to construct your build advice thread (leaving any unnecessary fields blank) and post it under the "build advice" tag. This information helps the bit-tech community to do their best in offering the right advice for everyone. :D

    * Budget: This is the big one, so try and be as specific as possible so we don't recommend something you can't afford, or give an upper limit so we can give you a range of options if you'd rather spend less. Remember to state it in your local currency, as it will often buy you more in some countries than others, and we can provide you with relevant links to different online retailers.
    * What that budget needs to include. Are you just after a base system? Or do you need to include peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, speakers and a monitor into your budget. Or are you just looking for a motherboard/CPU/RAM upgrade?
    * What the main uses of the PC will be. Different applications (i.e. gaming, video/photo editing, 3D rendering, home theatre/media playback, file servers, web browsing and word processing) will benefit from spending more money in certain areas than others, so this information is extremely useful.
    * The spec of your current PC and whether you are re-using any parts from it. This is particularly useful for lower budget builds as you may be able to save money by re-using certain components from a previous system, allowing you to spend more money elsewhere. If you don't currently have a PC, you can obviously ignore this part.
    * The native resolution of your monitor. This is the one thing most people neglect to include, but it is very important if your main use will be gaming as it could make the difference between us recommending an £80 graphics card or a £300 graphics card. If you don't have a monitor, say so and we'll recommend based on monitors within your budget.
    * Whether you will be overclocking or not. This is quite an important point as many components are recommended based on their overclocking ability (as well as possibly requiring additional expenditure on cooling), but others may be more suited if you are not. If you are unsure of what overclocking is and whether you want to have a go at it or not, have a look at the relevant stickies or try a forum/Google search which will turn up many results. Just remember that it is relatively easy if you are well informed beforehand, and offers a free speed boost (meaning you don't have to buy a more expensive CPU), so is generally recommended around these parts unless you either won't benefit from it or will be using the PC for mission critical work requiring 100% stability.
    * How much storage space you require. This is useful for obvious reasons, although we usually recommend allowing for slightly more than you actually need.
    * Do you have any special requirements? You may not have even considered these yet, but can be anything from low noise/power requirements, size/space restrictions, watercooling, or any other additional features like fans/fan controllers, wireless cards, RAID cards etc. etc.

    Copy and Paste this into a new post and fill it out :)

    Budget:
    Main uses of intended build:
    Parts required:
    Previous build information (list details of parts):
    Monitor resolution:
    Storage requirements:
    Will you be overclocking: yes/no (delete as required)
    Any motherboard requirements (no. of USB, Xfire/SLI, fan headers):
    Extra information about desired system:


    Thanks to smc8788 for the form layout and PureSilver for the support. Mystiiks idea.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: 30 Aug 2011
    JaredC01 likes this.
  2. javaman

    javaman May irritate Eyes

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    Mind If I put the template below and make it easier to copy?

     
    mrbens likes this.
  3. Burnout21

    Burnout21 Mmmm biscuits

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    I fap to this!
     
  4. LithiumDesign

    LithiumDesign 3dsMax User

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    Sure thing javaman, should I edit my post and put the unfilled version in ?
     
  5. javaman

    javaman May irritate Eyes

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    If you want =) I added a bit in about mobo's effectivly splitting the special requiremens section.
     
  6. PureSilver

    PureSilver E-tailer Tailor

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    It's looking good! Might be worth asking if the current build contains a CPU cooler, that's usually pricey and might be carried over. On the other hand, if they bought it separately, it may well be that they'd know if it was transferable. Either way great work so far!
     
  7. barndoor101

    barndoor101 Bring back the demote thread!

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    how about 'do they want a functional case, or one to fap to' (rephrase it if you want)
     
  8. javaman

    javaman May irritate Eyes

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    Freezer pros + OEM sometimes works out cheaper or sticking to stock is uaually ok. It should come under parts in previous build anyway.
     
  9. barndoor101

    barndoor101 Bring back the demote thread!

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    surely the aftermarket cooler would depend on whether they wanted to overclock? if no then stock is fine. fi yes we can tailor something to their budget.
     
  10. javaman

    javaman May irritate Eyes

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    Normally yes, but sometime quieting down the system is nice too. I have found that OEM + something like the freezer pro can work out cheaper than full retail.
     
  11. Krikkit

    Krikkit All glory to the hypnotoad! Super Moderator

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    Added a smidge about the buyer's guide - could be helpful in reducing the sheer volume of threads coming along.
     
  12. songzila

    songzila What's a Dremel?

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    i am building a new pc and this helps a lot. thanks
     
  13. donok

    donok Every Little Helps .....

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    i should have read this before posting d'oh
     
  14. Krikkit

    Krikkit All glory to the hypnotoad! Super Moderator

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    Added a section in the text about reading around - too many build advice threads going up at the moment really, I just feel we're covering the same stuff over and over.
     

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