Post by @paul
I am hoping to build a desktop PC and finally get away from my 5 laptops.
I am putting together a list of parts and the prices are making my eyes explode.
So, a few questions for the fine folks of the Fediverse.
What parts are ok to go second hand? (I know that storage is probably best to get new).
If the CPU I am looking at has a stock cooler, do I need to get a separate heatsink and fan cooler, or will the stock one be fine?
The case I'm looking at has 3 fans at the front and 1 at the back, do I need any more fans?
Thermal paste - what's the best one to get? Does it actually matter?
#AskFedi #PleaseBoost #PCBuild
EDIT: Forgot to say, this will be my first desktop PC and my first PC build, so all my knowledge thus far has come from LinusTechTips videos.
@orbitalmartian@polymaths.social probably get storage, power supplies and cooling fans new.
Everything else is probably OK second hand. Especially memory right now!
CPUs: I'm still working and gaming on an i7 gen 6 CPU which has been heavily used for 11 years now - I'm sure you can get a 8th or even 10th gen for a good price right now too.
Thermal paste: I'm sure some elite gamers are going to say there's a difference but honestly for most tasks as long as there's something it's fine - the worst you'll need to do is take the heatsink off and replace the paste. No big deal. Normally a heatsink will come with some anyway.
For the actual heatsink and cooler - if you're doing intensive stuff probably get a third party cooler, but generally stock coolers are OK.
3 fans is fine.
Forget everything Linus has taught you, he's an idiot. You're probably better off listening to Henry Cavill 😁
@paul And in terms of where to get second hand stuff. The only place that jumps straight to my mind is eBay, but is there anywhere else?
@orbitalmartian@polymaths.social eBay, yeah probably.
Am I right in thinking you're in the UK? There's a company called Microdream who sell second hand gear. Typically they do rebuilt computers, but do sell components too. Microdream.co.uk
Or bargainhardware.co.uk, though they tend to be more server equipment than desktop.