|
|
|
We reveal our suggestions for components to build three different computers
In Computeractive issue 377 and 378 (out on 2nd August and 16 August respectively) we explain how to build your own PC at three price pints: one for about £420 that's fit for everyday tasks; one at £680, that will offer better performance for video editing; and a games PC at around the £1,000 mark.
Part one of the magazine article explains how to choose the right components, while the second part covers assembly and configuration.
To find out more about Computeractive - the UK's best-selling computer magazine - see our free issue preview and check out latest print, digital and iPad edition subscriptions
You can also visit us at Facebook.
Everyday computing PC
Video Editing PC
Gaming PC
Article tags
Related articles
Replace an old hard disk and turn it into an external USB drive for a few pounds
Smart TVs are the latest thing. You can make your own – and save hundreds of pounds – by linking your PC to your TV or laptop. We explain how to get started
Do you need a new PC but can't afford shop prices in today's economic climate? We show you how to build a fast PC for just £150
Content Recommendation
Q.Why is Windows Backup skipping files?
Q.Why do my scanned documents display gibberish?
Q.How can I convert MTS files to edit in Windows Movie...
Updating your subscription status 
Grahics Interchange Format. A type of image file often used on the web, but now largely superseded by...
Save money by switching to fast 3G broadband
Supply
Could C/A Supply the components for the everyday computing PC For the sum of 349 pounds sterling.
Posted by Ivor Parry, 23 Jul 2012
Part 'Unavailable'...
Dear CA, Unfortunately, your suggested case is no longer available at the link you provide. Perhaps you could point to an acceptable alternative.
Posted by D J Blake, 01 Aug 2012
Sufficient RAM?
I notice you recommend only 4Gb of RAM in the Gaming PC. I was always of the belief that "more is better" and the motherboard in question appears to support up to 16Gb. Any particular reason for the low"ish" RAM spec? Anything to do with SSD drives?
Posted by Andy Harvey, 11 Aug 2012
Hard disc with solid state disk.Why?
Please clarify the need to have both drives in combination in your Gaming PC.Or-can I have a new brain please!
Posted by Dave Jones, 16 Aug 2012
A couple of answers
Hi there @Andy It was part of getting the PC to a balanced budget. The nice thing about RAM is that it's easy and cheap to upgrade later compared to other components that might have to be discarded on upgrading such as the graphics card. @Dave, SSDs are fast but relatively low capacity. There's not much advantage to storing your music or video on them (such as my ~30GB of video transfered from family movies on my grandmothers camcorder). So it seemed a good idea to include a big secondary HD. Tim
Posted by Tim Smith, 17 Aug 2012
It Works!
Further to my earlier post. Purchased and fitted Scan VB25i Asus M/Board/CPUbundle/RAM & fan (spec up to 16GB RAM & Arctic Cooling Freezer) into old ATX case. 256 Crucial SSD + 2 x 500GB WD5000AZRX HDDs. Cheapo Samsung DVD RW. Reused existing 500w power supply. O M G its fast in operation. Its very fast and boots fully to Win7 in 13 secs from entering password. Did I mention its fast?!? First home build since 2002. If I can do it most people reading this can. Great recommendation - thanks. Oh and its very fast!
Posted by Andy Harvey, 26 Aug 2012