Exactly what the title says. I know the prices of computer parts have been skyrocketing because of all the “generative” “AI” bullshit that’s been forced on the world, and I’m lucky my computer is just good enough to still be doing what I need it to several years later. It’s a laptop, though, so basically no ability to swap components.
I want to get into PC building, more out of necessity then desire, but I’m nervous about ruining good parts. I’m totally fine with building a mediocre machine with cheap, old stuff just to get a feel for how everything goes together. If I can make it run Linux and maybe emulate a PS1 game, I’ll be happy. Additionally, I have a HUGE rack mounted server PC from the mid 2000s that, if nothing else, can be gutted for it’s spacious casing.
Is building a cheap test machine like this worth while? If so, I’d appreciate any advice on what parts to scoop up and maybe where I could find them.
It’s simply that I’ve never taken one apart or put one together before. I’ve heard the stories of people frying things, fucking up the CPU while trying to install it, and just general small mistakes leading to big costs. It all makes me feel I need to do a test run before tackling whatever my final rig ends up being. I need it to last a long time, so that means it’ll be costly, and I don’t think top-tier parts are fit for my untrained hands lol
Building a PC is basically grown-up Lego. All the parts (except a few very rare cases) are designed to only fit where they are meant to. If something doesn’t fit right, then that’s not where it goes.
CPUs in particular nowadays are much easier to install than they used to be. No pins to mess up anymore, and the top is covered by a heat spreader, so you’re not going to chip the core like what used to happen a few decades ago.