Modern computer building

[Khamsin]

Back in the day, I used to build my own computers... then I got lazy and just bought them. Out of curiosity, I've been looking lately at the newest components and imagining how they might fit together now, and I have to say... I'm not quite sure I know what I'm doing anymore. But it would be nice to put one together again, for old time's sake.

For example, do the newest CPUs (e.g. i7) require any special cooling besides a heatsink and the stock fan that came with the case? And if I toss in the newest graphics cards? Have form factors changed any? Was in a Best Buy the other day and I noticed some particularly large cases, bigger beasts that I ever used to see, and I thought things were supposed to get smaller as technology advanced...

I suppose there's lots I could ask, but generally, I just want to know what's changed since the last time I could assemble a computer with confidence... namely, back before dual cores, 64-bit, and SLI/crossfire. Hell, I think the last computer I built had an AGP slot in it. I'm sure I could get back into it again, but I'd like to know what I need to catch up on, first.

I know the basics, it's just the technology that's changed on me. I'm afraid if I tried to put something together again the way I used to, I'd blow something up or melt it down.

Help me BG, I'm starting to feel old!

[Kurp]

ATX is the most common motherboard form factor and it's been used for around 15 years, so you've likely worked with it before. Cases come in a variety of sizes and many can fit more than one size of motherboard, like ATX and micro-ATX. The bigger cases will likely have more drive bay slots, more hard drive slots, and more fan mount options/better cooling. High-end video cards are also ridiculously long now and take up a lot of space. They seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

If you're not going to overclock your CPU, it should be fine with the stock fan. You can get aftermarket cooling without spending a whole lot, though.

As far as putting it together, not much has changed. Maybe you haven't used some connectors like Serial ATA (for hard drives and optical drives), but that's not a problem.

[Caiyuo]

I'm in the same spot as OP, I'm still interested in current tech, but I'm so behind on everything at this point that a little catch-up primer would be perfect.

[Isiolia]

About the only major change I can think of is the greater consideration for graphics cards. First, in that most anything past maybe a lower midrange card will have a plug for supplementary power past what they pull from the PCIe bus. Some AGP cards used that too, but it's very common now. Some even need two connections.

Second, the possibility of multiple graphics cards is opened up, and a relatively common option on motherboards - though not necessarily one that many people use.

As mentioned, the cards themselves are often rather large - long, take up two slots, etc.


Stock cooling is typically fine for stock speeds. The only real "new" option might be the self-contained liquid cooling solutions, but that's all aftermarket.


While not -required- to be used in that way, like it was at one point, RAM benefits from matched pairs/trios for dual/triple channel as well.


Generally, things are easier now. You no longer futz with jumpers for much. SATA drives don't need master/slave/cable select and have easier cables to manage.

[Olo401]

On the stock Intel fan thing.. the unit they include in the box, to be honest, is very basic and cheaply designed. It will do what it can, but if you take a reading of your temps they will be high (idle temps in the mid 40s°C) unless your case is well-ventilated. You can bring these temps down some by removing the dry thermal pads that Intel uses (use this stuff not a razor blade!) on the heatsink and replacing it with a pea-size drop of some fresh paste.

Of course, you can also get a inexpensive third-party heatsink that's at least part copper or add a case fan.

[Amastacia]

Isiolia has a lot of good commentary, especially on gotchas like size of video cards (both length and width), and power concerns.

For example, do the newest CPUs (e.g. i7) require any special cooling besides a heatsink and the stock fan that came with the case? And if I toss in the newest graphics cards? Have form factors changed any? Was in a Best Buy the other day and I noticed some particularly large cases, bigger beasts that I ever used to see, and I thought things were supposed to get smaller as technology advanced...

CPUs do not require aftermarket cooling at stock speeds, but do benefit from an upgrade. If you decide to overclock later, the cooling will be there, plus the general benefit of running cooler, which (nominally) reduces failure rate. You can get such good results for under $100, and often under $50, using heatsinks and fans, that there is almost no sane reason to watercool unless you're a maniac with a specific, crazy overclocking goal.

An additional note on GPUs... some of the newer ones, especially on the high end, are tremendously long. Like, long enough that they may not fit in smaller cases. I had to remove a hard drive cage in my case (Antec P182) to get my HD 5870 to fit, because it is such a long card it jammed up against the edge of the cage and didn't seat properly.

For cases, the power supplies that come with them are junk. It's almost always better to get a case without a PSU, and then get a standalone unit that is of higher quality (*significantly* reduced risk of frying expensive goodies). You'll see more marketing these days of full tower cases to go along with the traditional midtowers you're used to seeing. You can certainly still get a more "normal" sized case, but large cases are becoming more popular because they can hold more hard drives, more fans, and bigger video cards.

I suppose there's lots I could ask, but generally, I just want to know what's changed since the last time I could assemble a computer with confidence... namely, back before dual cores, 64-bit, and SLI/crossfire. Hell, I think the last computer I built had an AGP slot in it. I'm sure I could get back into it again, but I'd like to know what I need to catch up on, first.

The slots look different, but everything works the same, for the most part. More is integrated into the motherboard, so less additional cards are needed. Most people will only have a video card, there's much less need for things like discrete audio or network cards.

Biggest caveat is what Isiolia mentioned about power for higher end graphics cards. Midrange cards usually use one 6-pin PCIe connector (which almost all decent PSUs provide). Higher end ones use two. Most PSUs provide two PCIe connectors, but you do need to make sure to check. SLI/Crossfire for high end cards will require 4 or more, which only high-end enthusiast parts will provide.

For gaming PCs, wattage is increasing as well. A 300-350W power supply is not enough for a gaming rig with a high-end video card. You'll usually see 500-600W setups, and higher than that with SLI/Crossfire. Normal power draw is much lower than that, but peak draw will be in the maximized efficiency range of those larger PSUs.

Generally, things are easier now. You no longer futz with jumpers for much. SATA drives don't need master/slave/cable select and have easier cables to manage.

This is very true. Modern PC building is much more plug and play. Generally speaking, connector types are consistent and only used for one type of application. You'll spend more time sweating airflow than you will getting everything in and put together.

[Blabj]

Call of Computer: Modern Computer Building 2

Throwing CPUs and dual RAM-guns.

[shidobu]

You'll spend more time sweating airflow than you will getting everything in and put together.

i was a nervous fuckin wreck putting my rig together when putting everything on the motherboard. But after that, shit was a breeze. Have fun

[dannyl]

Back in the day, I used to build my own computers... then I got lazy and just bought them. Out of curiosity, I've been looking lately at the newest components and imagining how they might fit together now, and I have to say... I'm not quite sure I know what I'm doing anymore. But it would be nice to put one together again, for old time's sake.

For example, do the newest CPUs (e.g. i7) require any special cooling besides a heatsink and the stock fan that came with the case? And if I toss in the newest graphics cards? Have form factors changed any? Was in a Best Buy the other day and I noticed some particularly large cases, bigger beasts that I ever used to see, and I thought things were supposed to get smaller as technology advanced...

I suppose there's lots I could ask, but generally, I just want to know what's changed since the last time I could assemble a computer with confidence... namely, back before dual cores, 64-bit, and SLI/crossfire. Hell, I think the last computer I built had an AGP slot in it. I'm sure I could get back into it again, but I'd like to know what I need to catch up on, first.

I know the basics, it's just the technology that's changed on me. I'm afraid if I tried to put something together again the way I used to, I'd blow something up or melt it down.

Help me BG, I'm starting to feel old!

The more things change, the more it kind of stays the same. Least thats been my motto since I've been building machines for over... hmmm.. I wanna say for over 10 years now.

The basic components are the same, its mainly just comptability now.
First thing's first, you want to build your entire system around your motherboard and cpu combination. Everything else will fall into place. For example, if you're looking at either Intel or AMD, just do your homework on which tier and which one to get. That will drive what mobo you'll need. Those alone have various tiers and there is always room for expansion. Then that drives what kind of RAM to get. I think we're at DDR3 now. Just look for G.Skill ram, probably the best and most staple of all. Video cards are one that I haven't paid too much attention on lately because of the constant release of newer chips, but at the end of the day, how much better graphics can you get. Just look at the new nVidia lines and work your way from there.

If you were able to build AGP systems in the past, you won't and shouldn't have any issues in the current market. Just make sure its all compatible, ie buying DDR3 RAM when a mobo is for DDR2 or if your chip-type is wrong, but those should be no-brainers to you by now.

GL

[Jodwahh]

Sorry to hijack with a fairly nooblish question. To run dual video cards do you just connect them both into the pcie slots and then configure from windows? Is there anything more than just plugging the fuckers into the slots?

edit: also what size power supply would you recommend for running 2 highish end video cards in SLI/crossfire.

[Amastacia]

Cards in PCIe x16 slots, usually a SLI/Crossfire bridge between cards, a quick peek in BIOS to check for anything wonky (there shouldn't be), and then drivers for Winderz.

I'd recommend minimum 750W, more like 850W. And make sure you have 4 PCIe power cables on your PSU.

Oh, and a 28-30" display, because there's practically no need to SLI/Crossfire with anything smaller (my single HD 5870 has basically no problems running anything at native, settings jacked, on a 26" monitor).

[Isiolia]

Sorry to hijack with a fairly nooblish question. To run dual video cards do you just connect them both into the pcie slots and then configure from windows? Is there anything more than just plugging the fuckers into the slots?

If you're running an SLI/Crossfire configuration, you'll also typically have a bridge connection.

IE:
http://www.ozone3d.net/public/news/2...00-gtx-sli.jpg

Compatible cards should have the connector, and will often include the bridge in the retail package (though if you're buying for the purpose, double check, as I've seen ones that don't).

[Jodwahh]

Thanks for the awesome replies. Kudos.

[Norellicus]

Another thing to note just for caution's sake is that stock PSUs that come in cases now are rarely adequate; even if they provide the connections you need, they have a bad habit of doubling up rails (+5 and +12V in particular) which creates strain on the PSU and possibly undervoltage on devices. If you're buying new components, even if the wattage in the case PSU is enough, buy a new PSU anyway; they usually have better cable management too which is another plus.