Build your own custom PC!

Already knew about computers but read over it anyways to make sure you knew what you were doing. Good job.

 

I didn't had the time now to read the whole thing, however I am planning to build a new computer and I will definetely use your guide.

 

As an experienced builder I want to make one suggestion:
-Do not spend all of your money on peripherals (mouse, keyboard, monitor). Spend your money on making your PC as fast as possible and then come back and purchase peripherals when you have more funds. If is a whole lot cheaper in the long run not having to upgrade your CPU/GPU/Mobo.

 

It all comes down to preference. Some people care less about their peripherals than others. I would rather not have $1500 worth of hardware with a CRT monitor and a $10 mouse/kb combo set. A balanced build will always give you a better end experience.

 

+1 to that.

Generic KB is fine(IMO), a good mouse is NEEDED from the start. Monitor, might aswell grab a 23" 1080p straight off the bat.

I'll go with a good headset, mouse & monitor straight off the bat, just cause then I don't have to waste a ton more money getting better ones. Keyboard doesn't bother me to much.

 

RAM is basically dirt cheap these days, compared to a few years ago when you were paying almost 200$ for 2x2gb dimms, which is just ridiculous in hindsight. Better go with 64 bit windows and 8gb ram for intensive games (bf3 for example is bottlenecked with 4gb ram, discovered this when I recently upgraded to 8gb ram and fixed all my issues with it) Perhaps add a section covering OS's and the benefits of 64bit/32bit.

Oh and as for aussie stores, MSY has a fair bit of bad reputation, but pccasegear is an excellent and cheap shop with reasonable aus-wide delivery. You can also look up staticice for prices on certain components and find a cheaper one in a shop nearby to you.

But man, I've been building computers for like 7 years now and I still get a rush of excitement every time I order a new part, or have to put an entire build together. So fun to just unwrap everything haha.

 

Some MSY shops are shit.

The one in Geelong is excellent IMO. Ordered my parts online, went in paid etc within 5minutes.