The best way to learn is to replace your current computer (that you are using to post in ET, right now) with the new parts, one at a time. First start with the video and sound cards. Then Hard Drives, RAM, CPU, Cooling device and etc. In the end, try replacing the newly updated components into your new case. This shouldn't take more than a few hours and in the end, you'll get hang of replacing it. I think the only tricky part is setting up your BIOS. But of course, if things don't work, you can always put back your system to where it worked last. Other than that google search about building your own computer. Also, just make sure you're grounded to eliminate static elec. from your surroundings. Also, make sure you have the parts that are compatible/capable of working.
It could easily take entire day. Two hours for mobo/cpu/case/power supply/ operating system/basic drivers. Then you need to test the stability. If ok then shut down everything, open the case, continue with sound card, extra HD & rest of the junk. And once again, drivers, updates, stability tests. Any problems- take everything a part piece by piece and hunt. You can save the money if you're going for the top machine, like $3000 Dell, you can build it for $2000. Otherwise, just go with original.
fxp125, NOOOOOO!!!! Do NOT do it! Don't build it for all the great reasons given in the responses. I had mine built and do I regret it!!!! Too many unexpected problems and believe me it becomes verrrry expensive: little things eat up $ fast!!! Look into buying a Sager: great Company and LIFETIME support, etc.! Nothing like a notebook; forget desktop! http://www.sagernotebook.com/index.html However, if you insist you cannot do better than buying your parts from: http://www.newegg.com/ Buy from Sager and get on with what you know best: making $!!! I hope this helps. Tom
Ok thanks guys I appreciate all the help. I got a few positives about building it but mostly negatives and trading doesn't require the top of the line parts so I may just go the safer way.
I've built some. Not worth it IMHO. Costs way too much for individual parts. Also, I had one where the motherboard wasn't good, and once you put the CPU in with the thermal adhesive it is a pain to take it back out without screwing up the pins (at least with AMD it was). I had to manually straighten the pins of the CPU with a credit card -- let me tell you, it wasn't that simple. Then you have to buy the software OS, tools etc.. The only plus is you can put in whatever video card, MB, hard drive... etc that you want. And the original OS isn't loaded with junk from the retailers like dell. If you really want to learn, get one of those magazine/books with detailed pictures on each step of installation. Pretty easy to follow.
You're right about the installation instructions ... the pictures make it easy. I built my first one just before Xmas. Core2Duo e6600, 2G of 800Mhz ram, etc etc. It cost 30% less than it would have cost from dell and I could choose the best motherboards, OS, etc (no Vista crap if I was doing it now). If you find a competitive components seller its cheaper than buying a system from HP or dell as well as better. Took me about 3 hours on a Saturday afternoon. I think it would still take me 2 hours to do it again.
There's no shame in going down the commercial system path as long as you get your prirorities right when specifying the system. IMO, for a trading system the key core elements are, in order of importance: * Motherboard * Memory spec and configuraton * Disk subsystem and config * CPU * Monitor arrangement For trading I view graphics as totally commoditized and not worth much thought. That said, the order of importance I set out above comes down to the way I use my system. You're probably doing things different...you haven't said much about what kind of load you'll be putting on the box. Thx D
Don't listen to these guys they have no idea what they are talking about. Its easy to build computer. There is ton of people who build their own computers. And these are in general more reliable than dell or hp becuz you buy better quality parts. Only negative about getting a computer built is if something goes wrong you have to get it fixed. Usually most of these products have warranty so its not a problem. Heres link to some computer parts with the bestdeals mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?ATT=13141002&CMP=AFC-SlickDeals&Item=N82E16813141002 DVD rom/burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151141 Memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?ATT=20146563&CMP=AFC-SlickDeals&Item=N82E16820146563 power supply - http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=373100 computer case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119094 Hard drive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148144 If you want slightly cheaper parts memory - http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4354017 Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?ATT=13128012&CMP=AFC-SlickDeals&Item=N82E16813128012 Dvd rom/burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?ATT=27152076&CMP=AFC-SlickDeals&Item=N82E16827152076 If you are planning on buying intel cpu wait for another 2 weeks becuz they are slashing their prices by pretty big margins especially e6600 and e6700 You cant go wrong with any of the parts above. They are top quality and will be much better than dell