I am new to this forum and not sure if this question has already been answered and even if I am in posting on the right discussion. My 9 year old son is absolutely and totally a Minecraft kid since this summer. He has built elaborate structures, even a house for me that is really something. He has introduced me to playing on the iPad while he is on the iPod Touch.
But the challenge is computer use. We only own one computer (An Apple) and his Minecraft use and now server time with a friend means we need to get him his own computer. His grandfather gave to us an old computer but it apparently lags and is not working well with Minecraft.
So, my question is, what type of computer do we get as another Apple is cost prohibitive. I am not PC savvy yet it seems a PC is a better option anyway for games he likes now and wants to get (Don't Starve and Stacking).
what would your budget be? generally buying parts seperately will be cheaper and more reliable then buying a pre assembled computer, and it takes maybe 3 hours ish to assemble, think expensive lego
What is the absolute extent the child is using the computer for? Is he playing intensive games like Call of Duty or Battlefield, or is he simply staying in games such as Minecraft and Don't Starve?
At any rate, what I find to be a fun bonding exercise (note that this is my opinion) is to assemble the computer together, from the parts you order. This is also a great way to save money and ensure you have quality parts.
And as already stated, a general idea of what you wish to spend on a computer would be very helpful.
For what you say he's doing, I doubt you would need to spend more than $700 on the complete bundle of parts for an adequate computer, that will last for a good while.
We can assist you with multiple tutorial videos and the list of parts for the computer if you choose the route of assembling it on your own. If you choose not to assemble it yourself, there is always the option of having a local tech assemble everything for you. If again you would rather purchase something already together, do not buy anything from Alienware, Dell, HP, Acer, etc.
If you are not inclined to build one with him, just say so, there are many already built we could recommend.
However first we would need a budget and country of residence, and to know what else he plays aside from Minecraft.
For the rest of you posters, an APU build will probably be best for something like this, Mc/COD/etc. would run fine on an A10 or newer A8. 4GB/320GB or 500GB/300w/standard case/mobo seems good too.
It might also be a good idea to get him something with Win8, as it would be easier to navigate at his age. Kids figure things out faster than we do.
I tend to lean towards APUs for cheap budgets as is.
I feel like we're scaring the OP though, with all this technical talk.
I'm also anticipating they need a Monitor, keyboard, mouse and some speakers or a headset, depending if the child is playing with friend and talking over skype, etc.
Wow! You all are totally the best! Thanks a million for the very thoughtful and detailed suggestions. I had never thought of ordering separate components and then working with him to build it and the bonding aspect of that. But I really like that idea and was figuring around $500 but could go higher so the recommendations above are within that. While I may not be much help as he did not get the tech genes from me, I bet he could figure it out with tutorials and help from his father. My son is a frequent viewer of YouTube Minecraft tutorials and that has taught him everything so far and now he is passing along to his friends. (Minus the not so great language that we have come across on some of the YouTube tutorials and stear away from :))
Thanks again for the very quick and helpful directions. This Mom is very grateful and my son will be too when he hears he is getting a new computer that we can work on building at home.
(To answer a previous question, I don't expect him to be playing the Call of Duty or Battlefield type games as he so far has been interested only in building, puzzles and logic/skill type games and asked for a list of those types of games for Christmas e.g., in addition to Stacking, Don't Starve and Portal 1 and 2.)
Last question: BKrenz mentioned the need for other components. For the very old PC we have been trying to use but lags, we have a USB Mac keyboard, a flat panel monitor Insignia brand 16 inch we got last month from Best Buy and then a BlueTooth mini mouse. Will all these work with the new computer we would build?
Last question: BKrenz mentioned the need for other components. For the very old PC we have been trying to use but lags, we have a USB Mac keyboard, a flat panel monitor Insignia brand 16 inch we got last month from Best Buy and then a BlueTooth mini mouse. Will all these work with the new computer we would build?
I'm not sure about the Mac keyboard. I would assume it would work, but I'm not entirely sure.
Yes, that monitor will work, but you would get a much better picture if you went to a monitor that supports the 1920x1080 resolution, which generally only occurs on 21.5" monitors and up. Plus, it's a bigger screen. It's not necessary, but helpful.
The mouse should work fine. Though, a new keyboard and wired optical mouse combo is $15 at most, generally. Any would do really.
As far as what components you would need, here is my recommended list. I basically took the other build, and upped the APU to a better one, which increases the cost $20. Alternatively, you can lower the processor to the A8-5600k.
I would get cheaper RAM and possibly a 1x4 kit, to save money as I doubt the child will need over 4GB, and Windows 7, maybe. As it may be easier for the child and the mother to work with. I'm sure the Source is cheaper, while offering the same features. Everything else looks solid, good job man.
Holy. The Merc Alpha jumped $20 in price overnight. I'll change that.
Yeah, 4 gigs is probably enough. I'll change it. Though, it's an APU, which absolutely loves 1866 RAM.
From what I can tell, they don't have much prior experience with Windows. I'll leave it up to the mom to decide between Win7 and Win8. I love 8, but some people hate it.
Go with 7. It's pretty much stock on every computer at the minute, and I doubt the child and his mother want to fiddle with the new stuff. Saying that, I've never used W8.
Yeah, forgot it was an APU. 4GB should still be more than enough.
You have to remember they are coming from Mac. They'll be learning it all new no matter which OS they choose.
I'm not sure about the Mac keyboard. I would assume it would work, but I'm not entirely sure.
Yes, that monitor will work, but you would get a much better picture if you went to a monitor that supports the 1920x1080 resolution, which generally only occurs on 21.5" monitors and up. Plus, it's a bigger screen. It's not necessary, but helpful.
The mouse should work fine. Though, a new keyboard and wired optical mouse combo is $15 at most, generally. Any would do really.
As far as what components you would need, here is my recommended list. I basically took the other build, and upped the APU to a better one, which increases the cost $20. Alternatively, you can lower the processor to the A8-5600k.
Excellent. Thank you BKrenz. I like that build and will go with that one. (Think I will wait on the monitor and maybe kick that in later, maybe for his birthday this summer.)
For some of us, this sort of thing is our job. I personally have built a business around fixing/building computers when I was 19 (21 now). We're always happy to help.
In that case, then yes the parts other posters listed would certainly do your son well for playing Minecraft and puzzle/logic-type games, as well as flash games, the portal games (which are phenomenal, many teachers use them to teach basic aspects of physics and momentum), and games like don't starve.
I will let them refine the actual build and parts though as I'm a bit busier.
For tutorials if you are interested in building with your son/his dad, there are quite a few videos on youtube that go pretty in-depth. I'd personally recommend Newegg TV's series, part two (the main part of building, but you should watch all of part 1, all of part 2, and some of part 3 preferably) is embedded below, with links to parts 1 and 3:
The actual building is not too hard at all, and your risk of damaging components is (mostly) minimal. Many people on this forum have done this on their own as young as 8 and 10 years old, so it shouldn't be bad at all if you follow the instructions properly. The only slight annoyance will be the front panel connectors, which can be a pain and are labeled in very small text on the motherboard.
**>>If you have ANY problems at all if you decide to do this, and when you decide to please don't hesitate to post again and ask here. We are all more than happy and willing to help.
Please also note some rules before beginning to build:
Do not do this while wearing a sweater, wool, fleece, or anything that can pick up static electricity easily, static electricity and static shocks can damage components.
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Be sure to ground yourself often, this involves just touching the case (the metal parts of it anyways) every once in a while, and/or plugging the power supply into the wall socket, flipping the I/O switch on the back to I (I = 1 meaning on, O = 0 meaning off) and touching the metal housing, since this will also be grounded.
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Do not handle the processor/CPU by the pins, or by the top. The oils on your hands will interfere with connections and the thermal paste on the heatsink (note: if you brush it accidentally or only slightly touch for a second, it is fine, this is more of a precaution than a "rule"). Try to only handle it by the sides. When putting it into the socket (lift up the lever first) on the motherboard, just lightly drop it in, and give it a few very light nudges to the side to make sure it is in place, then lock it down as instructed in the below videos. Note that there is a triangle on one corner, the CPU will only properly be installed this one way, so take note of that and put it in carefully.
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Dead on arrival and fail parts may happen do not panic. All websites you order from (NCIX, newegg, amazon) will provide you with 30 days to initiate the RMA (return merchandise authorization, basically a return to the manufacturer) process and send a replacement. Some instructions can be hard to follow, however it is pretty simple for the most part.
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Do not put the motherboard or any components on the anti-static bag that they come in (however it is fine to put them on the box the components come in, as demonstrated in the below videos).
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Try to not put too much torque (bending) on the motherboard or any components when installing them. Some things (the 24 pin power connector, the RAM, and some heatsinks) can require a bit of force to put in, but don't panic or rush, just try to brace the back of it if you can without bending it.
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If the computer does not turn on, or all the fans turn on but nothing happens, or the computer beeps more than once (one beep is a successful boot if you have the PCB speaker installed) do not panic. The motherboard manual will help you diagnose the beeps, and if nothing happens or the fans just spin, there are very common mistakes first time builders make that can easily be fixed and do not damage anything. Again, I can't stress, this is very common, and is usually a simple oversight so do not panic.
Also take note that each individual part has it's own warranty (usually 2-5 years depending on the item) from the manufacturer to cover defects and certain damage. However, you shouldn't worry about that too much unless something arrives dead (which again, does happen but is nothing to worry about at all).
Other than that, it's a bit like building with Legos.
Last question: BKrenz mentioned the need for other components. For the very old PC we have been trying to use but lags, we have a USB Mac keyboard, a flat panel monitor Insignia brand 16 inch we got last month from Best Buy and then a BlueTooth mini mouse. Will all these work with the new computer we would build?
Thanks again1
The USB keyboard and monitor should both work fine, as well as the mouse. Depending on them, however, you may or may not need to install the drivers (either provided with a CD in the packaging, or you can download them off the manufacturer's website under support > drivers/downloads).
However, they should all work with the default Windows drivers as well. As soon as you successfully install and boot into windows (and can use the computer/desktop) go to windows update in the control panel and update windows. This might take a few hours and will require a few restarts, but it is necessary to keep the system properly functioning and safe.
Other than that, if you have anything else just ask away.
The build has a couple of problems that we will revise.
Do you or your son have a preference over Windows 7 or Windows 8?
There is quite a (visual) difference between the two, with 7 being similar to older operating systems (start menu, text menus, etc.) while 8 is more similar to 'apps' and slightly similar to some aspects of OSX as well.
Go with 7. It's pretty much stock on every computer at the minute, and I doubt the child and his mother want to fiddle with the new stuff. Saying that, I've never used W8.
Yeah, forgot it was an APU. 4GB should still be more than enough.
I'd probably stick with win8, given their situation. 4GB is definitely enough as well.
The build has a couple of problems that we will revise.
Do you or your son have a preference over Windows 7 or Windows 8?
There is quite a (visual) difference between the two, with 7 being similar to older operating systems (start menu, text menus, etc.) while 8 is more similar to 'apps' and slightly similar to some aspects of OSX as well.
I'd probably stick with win8, given their situation. 4GB is definitely enough as well.
We have no preference on an OS because no one in our house uses a PC so everything would be new to us. Even the old PC that we got from his grandfather has only been used a few times because of the lag problem with Minecraft so my son is not used to PC (it has windows 7) Anything that is closer to an Apple OS would be an easier transition for us as now he uses Minecraft on our Mac.
We have no preference on an OS because no one in our house uses a PC so everything would be new to us. Even the old PC that we got from his grandfather has only been used a few times because of the lag problem with Minecraft so my son is not used to PC (it has windows 7) Anything that is closer to an Apple OS would be an easier transition for us as now he uses Minecraft on our Mac.
In that case I would definitely recommend going for Windows 8. It's not exactly similar to how the Apple OS looks and feels, but it is more similar than windows 7.
(I think, as of this post, 8 might also be cheaper than 7 too if I recall correctly, anyways.)
<---------------------->
Oh right and one more very important thing to note on the subject of parts and building:
Keep all packaging, boxes, etc. for at least 6 months, just in case you need to RMA anything. This includes plastic bags, wrappings, and things like that.
For manuals, needless to say, please also keep those in case you need them at some point as well.
This parts list seems right, everything looks good on it.
In that case I would definitely recommend going for Windows 8. It's not exactly similar to how the Apple OS looks and feels, but it is more similar than windows 7.
(I think, as of this post, 8 might also be cheaper than 7 too if I recall correctly, anyways.)
<---------------------->
Oh right and one more very important thing to note on the subject of parts and building:
Keep all packaging, boxes, etc. for at least 6 months, just in case you need to RMA anything. This includes plastic bags, wrappings, and things like that.
For manuals, needless to say, please also keep those in case you need them at some point as well.
Will do. Wow. Never thought about all these things so thanks for the heads up on everything and pointers. Thanks fm87!
But the challenge is computer use. We only own one computer (An Apple) and his Minecraft use and now server time with a friend means we need to get him his own computer. His grandfather gave to us an old computer but it apparently lags and is not working well with Minecraft.
So, my question is, what type of computer do we get as another Apple is cost prohibitive. I am not PC savvy yet it seems a PC is a better option anyway for games he likes now and wants to get (Don't Starve and Stacking).
Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you!
but it really does depend on budget
i5-4690K @4.6GHz ~ ASRock Z97X Fatal1ty Killer ~ EKWB Supremacy MX ~ Watercooled SLI STRIX 970s
Project RedShift
At any rate, what I find to be a fun bonding exercise (note that this is my opinion) is to assemble the computer together, from the parts you order. This is also a great way to save money and ensure you have quality parts.
And as already stated, a general idea of what you wish to spend on a computer would be very helpful.
For what you say he's doing, I doubt you would need to spend more than $700 on the complete bundle of parts for an adequate computer, that will last for a good while.
We can assist you with multiple tutorial videos and the list of parts for the computer if you choose the route of assembling it on your own. If you choose not to assemble it yourself, there is always the option of having a local tech assemble everything for you. If again you would rather purchase something already together, do not buy anything from Alienware, Dell, HP, Acer, etc.
"Programmers never repeat themselves. They loop."
However first we would need a budget and country of residence, and to know what else he plays aside from Minecraft.
For the rest of you posters, an APU build will probably be best for something like this, Mc/COD/etc. would run fine on an A10 or newer A8. 4GB/320GB or 500GB/300w/standard case/mobo seems good too.
It might also be a good idea to get him something with Win8, as it would be easier to navigate at his age. Kids figure things out faster than we do.
CPU: AMD A8-5500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75M-DGS Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $434.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-09 21:11 EST-0500)
should do well, 1866 RAM = happy APU, they absolutely LOVE fast RAM as they use it for their graphics
i5-4690K @4.6GHz ~ ASRock Z97X Fatal1ty Killer ~ EKWB Supremacy MX ~ Watercooled SLI STRIX 970s
Project RedShift
Add a HD 7750 or something if you want an added kick.
I feel like we're scaring the OP though, with all this technical talk.
I'm also anticipating they need a Monitor, keyboard, mouse and some speakers or a headset, depending if the child is playing with friend and talking over skype, etc.
...? It's an APU build. If you're getting a dedicated GPU, you switch to a Pentium at low end. And you would get a 7770.
However, it's unnecessary in this case.
"Programmers never repeat themselves. They loop."
It's a APU...
3570k/770/old
R.I.P fm87
Thanks again for the very quick and helpful directions. This Mom is very grateful and my son will be too when he hears he is getting a new computer that we can work on building at home.
(To answer a previous question, I don't expect him to be playing the Call of Duty or Battlefield type games as he so far has been interested only in building, puzzles and logic/skill type games and asked for a list of those types of games for Christmas e.g., in addition to Stacking, Don't Starve and Portal 1 and 2.)
Last question: BKrenz mentioned the need for other components. For the very old PC we have been trying to use but lags, we have a USB Mac keyboard, a flat panel monitor Insignia brand 16 inch we got last month from Best Buy and then a BlueTooth mini mouse. Will all these work with the new computer we would build?
Thanks again1
I'm not sure about the Mac keyboard. I would assume it would work, but I'm not entirely sure.
Yes, that monitor will work, but you would get a much better picture if you went to a monitor that supports the 1920x1080 resolution, which generally only occurs on 21.5" monitors and up. Plus, it's a bigger screen. It's not necessary, but helpful.
The mouse should work fine. Though, a new keyboard and wired optical mouse combo is $15 at most, generally. Any would do really.
As far as what components you would need, here is my recommended list. I basically took the other build, and upped the APU to a better one, which increases the cost $20. Alternatively, you can lower the processor to the A8-5600k.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75M-DGS Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($24.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VE228H 21.5" Monitor ($133.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $564.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-10 13:56 EST-0500)
You can exclude the monitor if you wish.
"Programmers never repeat themselves. They loop."
Holy. The Merc Alpha jumped $20 in price overnight. I'll change that.
Yeah, 4 gigs is probably enough. I'll change it. Though, it's an APU, which absolutely loves 1866 RAM.
From what I can tell, they don't have much prior experience with Windows. I'll leave it up to the mom to decide between Win7 and Win8. I love 8, but some people hate it.
Build has been editted!
"Programmers never repeat themselves. They loop."
You have to remember they are coming from Mac. They'll be learning it all new no matter which OS they choose.
"Programmers never repeat themselves. They loop."
Excellent. Thank you BKrenz. I like that build and will go with that one. (Think I will wait on the monitor and maybe kick that in later, maybe for his birthday this summer.)
For some of us, this sort of thing is our job. I personally have built a business around fixing/building computers when I was 19 (21 now). We're always happy to help.
In that case, then yes the parts other posters listed would certainly do your son well for playing Minecraft and puzzle/logic-type games, as well as flash games, the portal games (which are phenomenal, many teachers use them to teach basic aspects of physics and momentum), and games like don't starve.
I will let them refine the actual build and parts though as I'm a bit busier.
For tutorials if you are interested in building with your son/his dad, there are quite a few videos on youtube that go pretty in-depth. I'd personally recommend Newegg TV's series, part two (the main part of building, but you should watch all of part 1, all of part 2, and some of part 3 preferably) is embedded below, with links to parts 1 and 3:
The actual building is not too hard at all, and your risk of damaging components is (mostly) minimal. Many people on this forum have done this on their own as young as 8 and 10 years old, so it shouldn't be bad at all if you follow the instructions properly. The only slight annoyance will be the front panel connectors, which can be a pain and are labeled in very small text on the motherboard.
**>>If you have ANY problems at all if you decide to do this, and when you decide to please don't hesitate to post again and ask here. We are all more than happy and willing to help.
Please also note some rules before beginning to build:
Other than that, it's a bit like building with Legos.
Part 2:
The USB keyboard and monitor should both work fine, as well as the mouse. Depending on them, however, you may or may not need to install the drivers (either provided with a CD in the packaging, or you can download them off the manufacturer's website under support > drivers/downloads).
However, they should all work with the default Windows drivers as well. As soon as you successfully install and boot into windows (and can use the computer/desktop) go to windows update in the control panel and update windows. This might take a few hours and will require a few restarts, but it is necessary to keep the system properly functioning and safe.
Other than that, if you have anything else just ask away.
This came through while I was posting to a previous reply.
What was the final consensus on components that Mhyles and BKrenz came up with?
Do you or your son have a preference over Windows 7 or Windows 8?
There is quite a (visual) difference between the two, with 7 being similar to older operating systems (start menu, text menus, etc.) while 8 is more similar to 'apps' and slightly similar to some aspects of OSX as well.
I'd probably stick with win8, given their situation. 4GB is definitely enough as well.
We have no preference on an OS because no one in our house uses a PC so everything would be new to us. Even the old PC that we got from his grandfather has only been used a few times because of the lag problem with Minecraft so my son is not used to PC (it has windows 7) Anything that is closer to an Apple OS would be an easier transition for us as now he uses Minecraft on our Mac.
In that case I would definitely recommend going for Windows 8. It's not exactly similar to how the Apple OS looks and feels, but it is more similar than windows 7.
(I think, as of this post, 8 might also be cheaper than 7 too if I recall correctly, anyways.)
<---------------------->
Oh right and one more very important thing to note on the subject of parts and building:
Keep all packaging, boxes, etc. for at least 6 months, just in case you need to RMA anything. This includes plastic bags, wrappings, and things like that.
For manuals, needless to say, please also keep those in case you need them at some point as well.
Funny, coming from you
"Programmers never repeat themselves. They loop."
Thanks Mhyles. I adore my kid
Thanks for all your help, tutorials links. Much appreciated!~
Will do. Wow. Never thought about all these things so thanks for the heads up on everything and pointers. Thanks fm87!