What do you actually need to get a computer up and running? (Sorry for the ignorance)

[Frex]

I'm sort of left out in the dark here, what do you actually need to get a computer up and running and connected to the internet?

CPU/MoBo/GPU/RAM/HDD/PSU/PSU Heatsink/Case/CDROM/OS

What else? Kind of feels like something is missing for me, shouldn't there be something for the internet? or anything else?

[oplawlz]

Your mobo should have a built in network adapter, if you plan on using wireless you would need to either buy one seperately or get a mobo with one built in (not that common). Other than that you've covered everything necessary. Generally you'd buy your cpu with a heatsink and fan in the box, and you would have to check if your computer case has fans already installed or you need to buy them seperately.

[Deleted]

Well, you need a Mobo ye ofc some RAM, CPU, PSU, and a HDD i guess that's it really if you get a H61 or Z68 chipset and a CPU that have buildin graphic and OS you would either download or have on a USB stick

and no that internet connecting or ethernet plug is buildin to the most moden Mobo's

You could get a soundcard but most people doesn't need that.

[Frex]

Ok thanks guys. So my current build is this:

CPU: Intel core i3-2100 3.1ghz
MoBo: ASRock h61-m micro atx
GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 6850
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8Gb (2x4gb)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB
PSU: Corsair Builder CX500 500W
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic
CDROM: Asus DVD Burner 24X
Monitor: ASUS 22" VW224U

So if this is what I'm going for, what am I missing except a wireless adapter?

[noteworthynerd]

Do you have an operating system and peripherals lined up? If so, you should be good to go...

Something to note: most micro-ATX mobos only use a 4-pin power connector in the top left, but the one attached to the PSU might be 6/8, it will fit, you just have to line the pegs up. Had to help a friend with this exact problem a couple weeks ago, he was building a budget PC for his brother and couldn't get it to start because he didn't have anything plugged into the 4-pin power because he didn't know you could plug a 6-pin into it.

[Frex]

Do you have an operating system and peripherals lined up? If so, you should be good to go...

Something to note: most micro-ATX mobos only use a 4-pin power connector in the top left, but the one attached to the PSU might be 6/8, it will fit, you just have to line the pegs up. Had to help a friend with this exact problem a couple weeks ago, he was building a budget PC for his brother and couldn't get it to start because he didn't have anything plugged into the 4-pin power because he didn't know you could plug a 6-pin into it.

Alright thank you. By peripherals you mean monitor/mouse/keyboard etc.? Then I'm buying them also just didn't feel the need to list them 'cause it's obvious you need them.

About the OS, if I have the cd burned I just install it normally and follow instructions or is there a certain way to do this?

Also, sounds like I'll have some problems with what you said about the 4-pin/6-pin plug, but I'll make sure to make a thread if I encounter any problems with building.

One more small question, I don't need a heatsink or fans or anything with that build, correct?

[furriusmurrius]

A few other basics you may or may not know to be aware of while building.

NO magnetic screwdrivers.
Ground yourself by touching one hand to the metal of the case before touching any other components while installing.
Be careful while applying gel (if you have to) and while installing heatsinks. These are the biggest cause for catastrophic system failure after the install is said and done, and its quite a hassle to fix.

[Frex]

A few other basics you may or may not know to be aware of while building.

NO magnetic screwdrivers.
Ground yourself by touching one hand to the metal of the case before touching any other components while installing.
Be careful while applying gel (if you have to) and while installing heatsinks. These are the biggest cause for catastrophic system failure after the install is said and done, and its quite a hassle to fix.

Thank you.
Do I need a heatsink with my build though? No one answered that question yet. Don't want to be stuck paying extra $40 for something I don't need.

[Rixis]

no, the stock one you get with the cpu will be fine

[Diavolui]

That's a very tiny motherboard for that case, though.

[Deleted]

That's a very tiny motherboard for that case, though.

The mATX board for that build is fine, nothing to worry about.

[Frex]

Ok thanks guys, I got a great deal from newegg on this build, not sure why but there are a lot of discounts on everything. I'll probably make a thread if I'll have any questions/problems while building this baby which will also be my first computer I'll be building (:

[noteworthynerd]

The PC I mentioned in my first post was a Micro-ATX board in a NZXT Gamma Classic, it looks pretty good if you ask me... For a budget build, you can't get much better than that case, and Micro-ATX boards (by their very nature) are (usually) less expensive - I'd stick with what you have listed OP.

[Frex]

Ok thanks again! All of your help is much appreciated.
No better feeling than knowing you're getting the best bang-for-buck setup that fits your desires & needs.
Also the feeling of knowing every little piece in your computer, which up until now I didn't know anything about.

Once again, thank you for all the help.

[Deleted]

Yeah I know what you mean, don't hesitate to ask any questions. As you can see in my signature I have a build similar to yours and it runs most games quite well and it's great /price/performance.

[Deleted]

You don't need a CD-rom by the way (or dvd, blueray etc). I haven't had one for like 10 years now and not missing out on anything:P Sure, it's cheap but not needed at all.

[Deleted]

Unless you actually install your OS from a DVD, like to burn stuff (no pun intended) etc.

[Frex]

Another question, the NZXT Gamma classic is currently out of stock and I saw some cases that actually come with power supply (Cooler Master Elite 310/330), will those might be a better option? Will save around $60 from getting a PSU.

Another question, somehow when I put all of the items in the shopping cart about 2 hours ago the price came up to $580~ (including monitor, keyboard, mouse) and now when I put it together since it got reset (the shopping cart) it goes up to about $800~, how is that even possible?

[noteworthynerd]

I recommend getting a CD-Rom Drive... A good one costs around $20 and they're just convenient to have. Sure, you don't technically need one, but I can install Skyrim in 10 minutes compared to the four hours it took my friend (sitting right beside me) to download it + the updates.

Edit: PSUs that usually come in cases are cheap units, I would stick with buying them separate.

[Frex]

I recommend getting a CD-Rom Drive... A good one costs around $20 and they're just convenient to have. Sure, you don't technically need one, but I can install Skyrim in 10 minutes compared to the four hours it took my friend (sitting right beside me) to download it + the updates.

Edit: PSUs that usually come in cases are cheap units, I would stick with buying them separate.

Thank you, noted.
Any ideas about the trend of prices on newegg?