Thinking about building my next computer. Can you point me to good resources/help?

[dogknob]

I'd love to build a laptop, but if I can put together a compact enough desktop that is easy to move around, then that's not out of the question.

I need top graphics, top audio and lots of high-speed ports for connecting audio hardware (lowest possible latency is the goal here -- and most pro audio gear plays badly with hubs).

I had a mac back in the snow leopard days, but I'm now using Win7. Any system I build will probably be a dual-boot Linux/Win7 -- I just don't like where Apple is going in their attempts to dictate everything; they've sort of become what Microsoft was like before Firefox kicked their ass and Vista shamed them into humility. Once Apple gets the ass-kickin' that's definitely coming to them, I might consider OSX again.

If anyone here can point me to useful resources/advice for building my own rig, I'd be much obliged.

P.S. I know my remarks about Apple are going to incur the ire of many. Let me say in advance "point taken." I'd like help building a computer, not a "less filling/tastes great" debate thread.

[BootinUp]

1. Heres some I used to rely on

Haven't been into reading about hardware last couple years, but I think you can still find something here:

http://www.hardocp.com/

http://www.anandtech.com/

http://www.tomshardware.com/

http://www.extremetech.com/

http://www.theinquirer.net/

[dogknob]

2. Thanks!

[hobbit709]

3. Can't really build a laptop from scratch.

nobody sells do it yourself motherboards. As far as a desktop goes, depending on computing power need check into some mini ITX boards and cases. They're much smaller than regular tower cases and easier to move.
Small Form Factor cases that work with microATX boards are a little larger but still way smaller than a regular one. The problem with small cases is you're usually limited to low profile add on cards and lower power cpus since cooling ability is restricted. USB ports are no problem-most motherboards come with at least 4 and sometimes 6 ports on the back and internal headers for 6 more.

I've built several small computers-one is my HTPC which has a 2.0GHz low power AMD X4 cpu that only uses 25 watts. I put in in a SFF case with a 250 Watt power supply, 2 Gb RAM and a 2Tb hard drive and DVD-RW. It connects to my TV through an HDMI cable and to my stereo for sound. With a wireless keyboard with a built in trackball, I can sit in my chair across the livng room andselect what movie out of 400 or so I have on the hard drive expand to full screen and watch.

[dogknob]

4. Thanks...

Looking to go 8GB on RAM and the best CPU I can afford, as I do a lot of multimedia stuff. 6 USB ports sounds about right. I'd like to have at least one eSATA as well.

[eppur_se_muova]

5. Don't know if this would interest you ...

http://lifehacker.com/321913/build-a-hackintosh-mac-for-under-800

at least there's some HW recommendations there, plus you can have a multiboot desktop.

You're not the only old Machead who has felt Apple heading in a direction he didn't want to follow ... I was at the '99 WWDC and got a Gold Release version of OSX when it first came out, but OSX has never suited me. I haven't bought a new Mac in ages, and I'm running older versions of the OS on several computers -- 8.6, 9.1, 10.3, 10.6. Every time Apple announce the new goodies in its latest OS, I wince to see how much crap I don't want and don't need has been added, while some of the handiest little features have not survived from Classic OS. My next computer is going to boot in Linux Mint, and maybe Windows.

[struggle4progress]

6. I always try to read user reviews at newegg

Pricing there can be volatile, and what's available can sometimes be hit-miss -- but when there are enough user reviews, the reviews can be quite informative

It seems to me lots of folk have been having problems with power supplies in recent years

The rule for self-building is doublecheck! doublecheck! doublecheck! And impulse buying can sometimes be a major mistake

[HopeHoops]

7. In the past that was a good idea. Now it will cost you more. Configure one online.

I'm serious. You can't put together a machine for anything CLOSE to the cost of a configured unit. HP's stuff is great and their configuration system is excellent. Besides that, they often come with packaged software like M$ Office that you won't use very often but might need some day. Unless you have money to burn, let the company build the machine for you. THEN modify it yourself!

[struggle4progress]

8. I'm no expert, but it's my distinct impression that the right answer is: "It depends"

The manufacturers have some economy-of-scale advantages: they pay wholesale for their parts, and they do the same thing repeatedly. So they're generally in a position to offer good deals. But they don't always pass along their savings -- and they're also led to try to offer generic packages that try to please a large number of consumers, without necessarily helping the individual get exactly what's needed

Example: The manufacturers can get a good deal on Windows and install it with the build, so if I need that can be helpful and cuts costs. But if I don't usually need Windows, why pay for it? Losing Windows takes a big chunk of the cost off a home build.

Example: If I don't need an Intel processor, why pay for it?

[HopeHoops]

9. I'm partial to AMD. I like HP's "build your own" approach. The models are distinct.

I'll take Intel if that's what's available but there isn't anywhere near the price difference that there was in the past. Even though the cases and many components are identical between models, they do a pretty good job of making it clear if a machine is designed for gaming, business, or student/home use. My daughter's college requires M$ Office products and virus protection (good idea ANYWAY), and I was able to get her a really beefy machine three years ago and customize it to fit her needs. It's still pretty hefty even by today's standards. Cheaper often isn't better because going for top-end gives you more service life in the long-run. My tower is a 24GB i7 with 3TB internal. It's two years old now but I doubt I'll need to replace it for many years to come.

I've built machines from scratch (scavenged parts mostly) and installed a few different flavors of Linux. It works, but to buy the components new wouldn't be nearly as cost efficient. It's not just the M$ products you save on by using a manufacturer. The essential components are much cheaper because, as you said, "economy-of-scale". Hell, I remember upgrading a 386 from 4 to 8 MB and that cost $300!! You can buy a low-end laptop for that now.

[wandy]

10. I'm also going to go along with 'it depends'. For a reasonably powerfully PC I've fond Dell......

to be a good choice. For 'barn burners' Using SSD for the res drive WD Raptor for the work drive and twin 1 TByte common store drives, AMD FX x8 processor and hi end audio such as M-Audio.....
I've found that..
"Mother Please I'd Rather Do It Myself'.
Works best