So with our taxes finally filed and knowing how much we are getting back in return, my wife gave me the OK to build a computer which I told her I would like to do. 2 years ago I used part of our tax return to get a (gaming) laptop as I was still taking classes at a university and a computer that was mobile was the ideal solution, but since I'm wrapping up online with only one semester to go, having a laptop isn't important anymore and I would rather build a PC and then sell my laptop which I think I could get a good sum for as its quite powerful in terms of running games. Anyways...
The last time I built a PC, I did nothing. My buddy made all the decisions and put it together for me. Great and all, that was 5 years ago and I learned nothing about building a computer from that. So I'm starting my scratch in terms of how to go about this. I'm looking for ideas of where to start looking and how I should order things of importance as it pertains to this endeavor.
As said in the title, I want to build a computer that will last for years with as few minimal potential upgrades that I would need to do. I thought about waiting to see when Nvidia's Pascal releases but maybe it might be best to wait a bit as bugs and things are worked out and then get a Pascal card in a year or two, so I've essentially decided to get a 980 TI (and if possible, make this my bottleneck), but I want a computer that should have little to no problems running the next generation of graphics cards when I decide to make the jump. And that's where I don't know were to begin. I know nothing and understand less about CPUs and motherboards and also the idea of finding hardware that works well together is... daunting.
So I come to you, the community I have been apart of for almost 5 years now, for help and guidance. Just like with my laptop where I was able to pick your guy's brain, this one might require a little more hand holding until I get my feet up and running. Just some general question I have right now:
- What should I be looking for in a CPU and how would I know if it is one I can use for years and years?
- What are some good places to shop online to get deals and reliable hardware? I'm willing to wait to get things if it goes on sale often enough
- How to know if hardware will work well together (CPU, GPU, Motherboard are compatible)?
- Commonly overlooked things that are important but a first timer wouldn't realize/know?
- How should I cool this PC? Water? Fans? Other options?
- Trustworthy brands that create reliable products
That's kind of where I've started thinking as it pertains to the computer. Any help and guidance would be most appreciated. Guess it should be noted: I'm willing to put in quite a bit into this computer if need be, BUT I don't want to be throwing money at it if I don't have to. I guess if I have to put a number on it that I would like to not exceed...probably $2,000. Thanks again.
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