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Question

Building a PC on my own for the first time!

Sep 7, 2016 2:17PM PDT

Hello,

I have been using CNET for a while now for my computing needs, but now that I'm ready to upgrade I figured I should join the community!

My previous computer lasted me around 9 years with minimal upgrades, but the time has come to replace it. I'm looking to build a new gaming PC with a budget of roughly $600. I've got some newer hard drives that I plan on keeping, so that won't be necessary.

So, I've got a couple of questions. I don't exactly want anyone to provide me with a build (although suggestions are welcome!). As I browsed Amazon and Newegg for parts, I came to a horrible realization. Despite buying the parts for that last computer, I've never really taken the time to learn how these things go together! I think I can install each part, but I don't know how to decide what motherboard and processor go well together. And from there, what RAM works with those parts? I'm sure there are plenty of resources online, but I figured since I was already here, it couldn't hurt to ask.

The other question I had is regarding those hard drives. I've got a 120 GB Kingston SSD and a 1 TB Western Digital HDD. The SSD has Windows 7 and basically nothing else on it. Will it require a fresh install with this new motherboard? I've heard both ways. I've moved a few times in the last few years and do not have my disk. If only this had happened a couple months earlier, I could have got 10!

Anyway, that's what I've got for now. Hopefully I did this right and thank you in advance for any help!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
About putting together.
Sep 7, 2016 2:47PM PDT
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Answer
Regarding to windows 7,
Sep 7, 2016 9:10PM PDT

is it retail or OEM?. If it's OEM, you'd have to account for about $80 to the cost for a new OS...since you are changing the motherboard.

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Answer
Round numbers
Sep 7, 2016 10:58PM PDT

OS.............100
Case..........50
Cpu...........150
Gpu...........150
Psu..............75
Ram.............75
Mobo.........100

Looks like 700 bucks.

Depending on which parts you pick the price of each may go up or down.