How To Build A
Computer
Build Your
Own Computer
Introduction
So, you want to learn how to build your own computer. It's
really NOT hard to custom build a computer. Some people think
it requires an engineer to screw a few parts into a computer
case and connect some wires.
The truth is, if you own a screw driver and know how to use
it, then you'll find building your own computer to be
less complicated than some children's
erector sets.
The Good
News
Component conflict use to be a major problem.
But today, thanks to modern engineering, components are now
made to work together with few conflict issues. Engineers have
also designed the computer to fit together more logically, so
they now assemble much more easily.
Plus, the costs of components have gone down as improvements
have risen sharply. No doubt, from a technician's perspective,
we live in a better and more affordable world.
If you're like most people who love computers, then you
probably always wanted to build your own computer. It's a great
way to really learn about computers. And it's a great way to
experience that particular feeling you can get from building
your own computer with your own hands, completely from
scratch.
But there are other good reasons to build your own
computer.
-
It's less expensive.
-
Building your own computer affords you the
opportunity to use custom-selected components. But when
you custom build a computer, you maintain total
quality control. This guarantees you get
exactly what you intended, and at a better price.
That's a good combination.
-
There is nothing that can replace the understanding
and knowledge about computers you will gain by building
one yourself. It is a major learning experience that
can provide a sense of huge satisfaction.
-
All that, plus you can boast and gloat and consider
yourself a "techie".
Folks, it's not rocket science. The basics are easy to
understand. We'll guide you step-by-step through the process
and show how to build it. This also includes how to build a
gaming computer. The steps are the same.
There is one thing. You must be dedicated to building it. To
do so, you must be willing to learn new things and not give up
easily. With the right attitude, it'll be fun.
Getting
the Right Components
You are prabably aware that Software programs vary widely in
the strength of hardware components required to
run them. Today, this is generally not a problem, as you will
be selecting one of todays processors such as Amd and Intel,
and hard drives. Standard components today are considerably
more powerful than only a few years ago.
Usually (but not always), you'll only need to be concerned
about having enough processor strength and hard disk capacity
if you intend to use a lot of power-hungry games or use other
graphics-intensive programes on a regular basis. This includes
any amount of video editing. However, both AMD or Intel make a wide range of processors of
high quality.
Intel is the most popular brand. They make efficient and
powerful processors that are used in Pentiums. However, if you
look around the Internet, you will discover that AMD has a
solid reputation of efficient and powerful processors for less
cost!
Standard home use of photo editing may need only a little
boost in power and space, if any! Standard components today
will handle some use of a photo editor.
Component
Prices
Components vary in price. The most expensive component in
any computer is the processor (the CPU). In fact, in some
computers, the processor may account for half the cost of the
entire computer. So, processor selection is very important. You
need to get what you need, and that's all.
The age of the design of the processor (meaning it's
technology) is a prime factor in processor cost. The latest
processors from AMD and Intel are always the most expensive.
Last season's model will cost less, and one from two years ago
will be even less, and so on. For the cost-conscious buyer,
although the little extra quality of this year's models would
be nice, there is usually no need to buy
the latest Intel Pentium IV HT Extreme Edition or an AMD Athlon
64 FX-51, when an older Pentium IV or Athlon XP will do just
fine, even for demanding programs.
Certainly if you only wish to surf the Net, use eMail, and
run a word program or the like, the inexpensive (and older
designed) AMD Duron or Intel Celeron will serve you very well,
and will save you many hundreds of dollars.
In order to better illustrate differences in quality in this
how to build a computer tutorial, computers have been divided
into three levels or categories: basic computers, mid-level
computers, and high-end computers.
To
Start
Before you begin reading Step 1: Computer Component
Selection, you need to take time and think about what you want
to do with a new computer?
I suggest you take a piece of paper and pen, and make a list
of exactly what tasks you want to perform
on a new computer, and the type of software
programs needed to perform these tasks. For
example, writing reports will require a word processor such as
Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect. Bookkeeping will require
an accounting program, and so on. You can see a list of
programs available in Part 5: Software.
Select exactly which programs you need. You will want to
price these programs with several retailers. If you are a
full-time student, some manufacturers may provide a student
discount prices on some software programs when purchased at
your university or college bookstore.
Continue with How To Build A Computer Table of Contents or go to Step 1: Computer
Component Selection.
See Discount Computer
Parts for online stores for computer components or
parts.
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