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Building your own computer allows for customization and cost savings. Online resources make it easier than ever, with integrated components and simplified construction. Research components thoroughly before purchasing.
If you plan to build a computer you are not alone! It’s a surefire way to get exactly what you want at a great price, and it’s very rewarding.
Off-the-shelf systems often have outdated limitations discovered too late: incompatible motherboards with newer and faster processors; too few PCI slots, inadequate memory thresholds, slow bus speeds, or other negatives. Often, in fact, it seems that these systems contain one or more already obsolete components.
One way around this is to have your local dealer build a computer “to specification” — tell them exactly what you want for each component based on the make and model number. However, once you know it, you can put it together yourself!.
Today it is easier to build a computer than ever before. The internet has made learning the components nothing more than an investment in time spent leisurely browsing from site to site. Furthermore, motherboards have integrated many elements that in the past had to be purchased separately; this saves time, money, and frustration in configuring devices that require their own IRQs, DMAs, or memory addresses. These devices are now managed by BIOS. Integrated audio is standard (but can be disabled if you prefer to use a sound card), and optional integrated video makes life even easier for non-gamers happy with standard quality graphics.
Some CPUs come bundled with a heat sink, fan, and motherboard where the latter is virtually “thrown in” with the cost of the processor. These cards are usually the equivalent of “last year’s model” lacking one or more newer features. However, this may not matter to your particular needs, and if so, it’s a great way to save money. If, however, you are looking for cutting-edge products, they will not be given away, so examine the packages carefully.
An essential system is intended to simplify the construction of a computer. It consists of a motherboard installed in a case with integrated power supply, CPU, heat sink and fan. You’ll still need to add RAM, hard drives, CDRWs, and so on. However, the same advice as before applies: make sure that everything included is satisfactory.
Computer cases also vary. Many have front ports for USB, IEEE, and audio. For front port accessibility, your motherboard will need to provide for this by having internal cables that connect to those ports. Homes should also have more fans, and some come with a window and cold cathode interior lights. These lights are purely decorative and are a favorite with modders, but they can also come in handy when working inside the case, which you might often do once you’ve built a computer.
A power supply unit (PSU) can be included or purchased separately. A 350 watt unit is considered minimal. If you’re going to be feeding multiple hard drives, CDROMs, a fast processor, DVD player, or souped-up VGA card, you’ll want more juice. Gamers and enthusiasts typically purchase 450+ watt power supplies. The case should be large enough to fit the motherboard you have in mind and any devices with room to expand.
There are many online resources to familiarize yourself with the various components inside a computer. Beginners may want to start searching the internet to learn general information about each component of a system and how the different parts work together. Many sites are written in “plain talk” and serve as a good overview.
At the opposite end of the spectrum for enthusiasts who are already well versed in the basics, a great source for gleaning technical information and reviews on cutting-edge products is Tom’s Hardware Guide.
And for the vast majority in between, PC Mechanic’s Build Your Own PC is a great place to start. It offers not only a great step-by-step tutorial for the actual build, but clicking through the component categories above will give you valuable research hints: what considerations you’ll want to weigh for each part as you shop.
Consulting other sites using a search engine is also a good idea, and search online newsgroups and forums for people who already own the part you’re considering to see if they’re happy with it. There is no such thing as too much knowledge.
As you browse products, consider keeping a notebook of those that interest you, with model number, capacity, price, and outlet. You can also create a bookmark folder to save pages with the items you are considering. As you move through the process, you’ll likely review some of your choices. When you have the final list, you’re ready to build a computer that will make you very happy. While it can be a daunting project, chances are you’ll never buy an off-the-shelf system again!
