New computer built

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Bazza
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Not been around much lately as I have been busy doing with my son a computer build from scratch. First of all the question was "what do I want another computer for?". The answer was to build a dedicated computer to use for photo/video use. So the search was in for the best components I could afford and ended up with a specialist computer component supplier.

Next step was to pick out the components and research and read reviews on each part, this did take some time but well worth the effort. Well the components arrived and checked against the invoice, please to say every bit was there, plus a free wireless mouse-dongle and keypad as the total cost ran well into four figures.
Well the assembly at last started and I didn't realise how much there was into building a computer, apart from the components the number of internal cables and where they went was daunting. what with about 6 fans- water cooling- heat transfer thingies and special graphics cards I was lost.


Ok startup time and OPPS didn't work, so it was a strip down (not me the computer) and the i7 Processor where it connected to the motherboard half the pins were bent. Have to say at this point the i7 WAS placed very carefully in place and I suspect the motherboard was already faulty.

So new motherboard and a refit, this time everything came alive. That was just the start, next came loading all the drivers including windows 7 professional (came with previous computer but never used).
Apart from the computer I purchased a new Dell ultrasharp IPS monitor and a Western Digital external backup to do a continue back up.

Ok my thoughts on the total build is don't try it unless you know what your doing. However every component is known to me not something slapped in and sold in store which could well be out of date, a big advantage if upgrading down the line. As for actually working with it going from Windows XP to Windows7 takes some getting used to and this computer being 64bit a lot of programs either don't work on it or have to be upgraded.

Am I pleased with it? you bet, Having also purchase Photoshop Elements 10 ( I have 9 on the other computers) it gives a few extra bits and pieces which I have yet to try out. Most noticable about the whole project was speed (8gig RAM) and the vastly improved screen over the 2 Samsungs.
I just couldn't believe the difference, working on a couple of photos alone made them look more professional than just the ordinary run of the mill.

Don't know if this does the photo justice but here goes after editing on the new computer

englishwildlifecentreli.jpg


Realspeed
 
I've built several (very complex) machines - it's always satisfying getting all the boxes and building a working computer yourself :)

Was the watercooling a sealed kit?
 
Interesting comments thank you. I have deliberately avoided mentioning components or suppliers as everyone has their own thoughts on what should or should not be included in a new build or who to buy from. What I would say is I had a target figure price wise to allow for and it came just about within budget.
So very sorry to not be more specific but it could lead to comments such as "you should have bought this instead" or "why didn't you go for that". The only component I mentioned was the i7 processor, having read writeups it is better for video/stills work than the i5 version.
What I have learned from my son about doing builds is how much variation there is in a build and it does depend very much on what the user has it for so what one person wants may be completely different from another.
In addition buying components and assembling them yourself it saves hundreds of £'s over shop prices and you get what you want.

Hope this may answer your queries

Realspeed
 
Interesting comments thank you. I have deliberately avoided mentioning components or suppliers as everyone has their own thoughts on what should or should not be included in a new build or who to buy from. What I would say is I had a target figure price wise to allow for and it came just about within budget.
So very sorry to not be more specific but it could lead to comments such as "you should have bought this instead" or "why didn't you go for that". The only component I mentioned was the i7 processor, having read writeups it is better for video/stills work than the i5 version.
What I have learned from my son about doing builds is how much variation there is in a build and it does depend very much on what the user has it for so what one person wants may be completely different from another.
In addition buying components and assembling them yourself it saves hundreds of £'s over shop prices and you get what you want.

Hope this may answer your queries

Realspeed

I see where you are coming from. I was curious about the watercooling as you've been quite brave to include it as part of a first build - good on you. I'd be even more impressed if you had to build the cooling loop yourself! :)
Well done either way :thumbs:
 
Congrats on your new baby Bazza :thumbs: Computers aren`t clever :shake: they just think they are. Just done a rebuild myself, quad core, 8gig Blah! Blah! All going well for two days, wife was using it yesterday no probs. she came off of it and it was left idle for about 20min, I go to use it and as I sat down the screen goes Blank, ok thought I had forgot to switch power saving off. Jiggles the mouse but it fails to respond. Shuts it down via keyboard and fire it up again, boot error :gag: To cut a long story short after 30 min of messing about thinking its gonna be a new drive and install again I found the problem. I had purchased a new wireless mouse and usb keyboard, the dongle for the mouse was knackered, after taking the dongle out and reboot it is all back to normal, now where is the Phew!! Smiley.
 
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