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Question

Building a Desktop?

Jun 26, 2014 11:08AM PDT

Hello,

I'm looking to build my first desktop computer. I'm looking for it to be a long process because I'll be waiting until the parts go on sale. I was just wondering if anyone had tips. Thank you Happy

Discussion is locked

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Answer
If you take too long the market moves.
Jun 26, 2014 11:16AM PDT
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Gaming Desktop
Jun 26, 2014 12:45PM PDT

I'm looking to build a gaming desktop...but not one that costs a ridiculous amount of money. One that can run Sims 4 and all its future expansions along with GTA 5.

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Then the gaming desktop example is too much?
Jun 27, 2014 12:50AM PDT

I supplied what is considered a not too expensive high end gaming desktop. Since you found that too expensive then I suggest an AMD A10 build which is about as cheap as it gets. The plus to that is that it doesn't take many parts. Just the APU, motherboard, PSU, HDD and such. No video card since the APU does that.

These AMD A10's hit the mark of gaming on the cheap.
Bob

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Well then what's the budget ?
Jun 27, 2014 10:21AM PDT

Buying 'sale' parts over time is a bad approach mainly because you can't test the parts within the normal return period. Then you're stuck returning the defective product to the mfg vice the vendor you bought the product from.

VAPCMD

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Buying Parts
Jun 28, 2014 10:37AM PDT

Thank you for the tip. So the best option would be to save up until I have enough money to buy all the parts at once?

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Yes....the best way is to buy all at once and where possible
Jun 28, 2014 11:52AM PDT

from one vendor.

Alternatively you could buy selected parts that you could purchase at one time and test together to ensure they work. Then you would have a base to test any new additions from.

For example, if you bought the MB, CPU, RAM, PSU and perhaps an inexpensive video card....that way you could at least check to ensure the MB works, the CPU works, the RAM works and the video works. You could buy a case (without a power supply) and an operating system (OS) but most other items require another component to test them with. You need to be able to test what you buy promptly after receipt .

VAPCMD

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Best place to buy
Jun 28, 2014 12:06PM PDT

The best place to buy parts would be Newegg and Directmart?

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Not directmart
Jun 28, 2014 12:08PM PDT

I meant tiger direct

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My preference is Newegg.
Jun 28, 2014 2:59PM PDT

Last time I tried TigerDirect, they accepted my RAM order and once completed they notified me 'it was out of stock'. TigerDirect never filled the order and the product price for the 32GBs Crucial RAM skyrocketed.

I like Newegg because of large product selection, good product description with pictures, buyer reviews, competitive product pricing, fast order processing, economical shipping, good customer services, etc., etc., etc.,

I like MicroCenter as they're close by but they're not everywhere and they don't have the product selection or product reviews that Newegg has.

Hope this helps.

VAPCMD

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tiger direct
Jul 5, 2014 5:23AM PDT

Oddly enough an envelope arrived here from them today. I opened it and was invite to a Tiger Direct credit card. So, I turn over to see the APR. It was a whopping 29.99% !!!

NO THANKS!

already gone through the shredder.

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We've a Microcenter nearby as well
Jul 5, 2014 5:51AM PDT

In fact, the place started in the town I live. Microcenter beats newegg on many BIY items such as CPUs but is higher on monitors and such. I'd also like to add a "sleeper" called Provantage. They seem to be as low or lower on price than almost anyone but they don't offer free shipping. I do some work for a local school as a volunteer and we've been using Provantage for years as they seem to have just about anything at a lower than average price. They've been super reliable on their shipping. I'd not say they cater to the hobbiest and their site can be difficult to navigate. BTW, this isn't an ad. I still shop Microcenter as I like to walk out with what I want and be able to take it back if not happy.

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Thanks...I've been looking there too recently and they do
Jul 5, 2014 9:59AM PDT

seem to have good prices. Always good to get a personal recommendation on a good online vendor before buying.

VAPCMD

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A Johnny Cash Computer
Jul 4, 2014 2:36AM PDT
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(NT) Awesome.
Jul 4, 2014 3:12AM PDT