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Deleted member 289973
Guest
Hey everyone, I'm Jonathan from Asheville, NC. I'm looking to build a gaming PC but I've never done it before and a coworker suggested I post here on this forum. I'm kinda gearing towards a SFF computer, as I want to make it similar to a gaming console. I saw the sticky with questions so I copied and pasted them here with my answers.
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
Almost exclusively gaming (via steam) - everything else I can do on a 2-in-1 tablet
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
No
3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Flexible, I'd like to keep it around $1000 if possible, but this is not a hard limit
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
There is a BestBuy, otherwise I'll probably have to order everything online
5. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
CPU, RAM, motherboard, SSD, video card, case, power supply, not sure what else I might need (sound card, maybe?)
6. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
None, building from scratch
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
REQUIRED: at least 2 USB 2.0, HDMI
WANTED: 2 USB 3.0, but this isn't a big deal
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
4K/UHD - I'll be using a Vizio UHD TV for the screen, only need single screen output
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.
I want to fit it on a shelf on my entertainment center, basically like a console. I don't need an optical drive
10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I'm not familiar or comfortable with it at all
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Not too important, but I don't want something that is extremely loud
12. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
Not very mobile, it will stay on the entertainment shelf 99% of the time
13. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
I have a legit Windows 10 license, not sure if it's transferable though
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
As soon as possible
I appreciate the help. I'm really not familiar with computer parts beyond the basics, and I've never tried to build one before. But I hope I can put together a really cool machine.
Thanks,
Jonathan
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
Almost exclusively gaming (via steam) - everything else I can do on a 2-in-1 tablet
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
No
3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Flexible, I'd like to keep it around $1000 if possible, but this is not a hard limit
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
There is a BestBuy, otherwise I'll probably have to order everything online
5. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
CPU, RAM, motherboard, SSD, video card, case, power supply, not sure what else I might need (sound card, maybe?)
6. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
None, building from scratch
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
REQUIRED: at least 2 USB 2.0, HDMI
WANTED: 2 USB 3.0, but this isn't a big deal
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
4K/UHD - I'll be using a Vizio UHD TV for the screen, only need single screen output
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.
I want to fit it on a shelf on my entertainment center, basically like a console. I don't need an optical drive
10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I'm not familiar or comfortable with it at all
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Not too important, but I don't want something that is extremely loud
12. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
Not very mobile, it will stay on the entertainment shelf 99% of the time
13. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
I have a legit Windows 10 license, not sure if it's transferable though
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
As soon as possible
I appreciate the help. I'm really not familiar with computer parts beyond the basics, and I've never tried to build one before. But I hope I can put together a really cool machine.
Thanks,
Jonathan