Building a computer may seem like a very complicated task, but the truth is its not. I'm fairly new at this, but I've built 3 computers in the past few weeks. Two for myself, and one for a friend, and soon to build another one for my brother. It's really not that difficult, and I'd like to walk you through how to do it. This is part one of the process.
Many of us probably just buy our computers premade from Dell, HP, or from Future Shop or Best Buy. However, who knows exactly what parts are in there? Are they brand name parts? Is it reliable? Does the system have everything I need?
Building a computer is actually very simple. I was intimidated at first, and so I had a friend walk me through it when I built my first computer 4 years ago! Just recently, I've built 3 computers from purchasing to the assembling and setup. I made two PCs with the help of my friend, and 1 PC completely by myself. Each time, I got faster and faster, and actually put together the last computer in 20 minutes.
Well to start it off, you need to buy/get your parts. So your probably asking, what parts do I need? Well there under 10 things that you have to purchase, so there isn't that much to buy! The hard work is figuring out what exactly you want to buy, and figuring out if they are compatible or not, and what your price limit is.
What are you going to do with the computer and what's your budget?
These are the key questions that will help you decide what computer you should build.
Are you a hardcore gamer and need the fastest and best computer?
How long do you want the computer to last you?
What exactly are you going to be doing on the computer? For most people it's just for word processing, surfing and chatting.
Parts List
Here's a list of basically all you need to purchase for a computer system.
The Core
A Case
Power Supply (sometimes included in case)
A Motherboard
Video Card (sometimes included in motherboard - but not recommended for gamers)
Sound Card (sometimes included in motherboard)
A Processor (CPU)
Memory or RAM
Hard Drive(s)
Optical Drive such as DVD-writer or even Bluray Drive
Note that many motherboards even have a video card and sound card built in, so that may be sufficient for you, and you can cross that off your list. Similarly, many cases also come with a decent power supply.
Additional Extras (optional)
Floppy Drive
Monitor(s) - if you don't already have one
Keyboard and Mouse - if you don't already have one
Extra cables
That's it. Given that you are not too demanding and you can live with onboard sound and video, and already have a keyboard, mouse and monitor, you can just buy 6 items, and you'll have your set ready to build your very own computer from scratch.
Another tip, is always look for deals. Where I live there are a couple of well-known stores (NCIX, ATIC, etc.) that provide excellent prices. And they offer deals all the time. I was able to build my two computers for $1600 after tax, and that included copies of my Operating Systems. I was also able to build a friend's computer for $600 complete with 20" Wide Screen LCD. There should be stores in your area that will offer competitive prices, or at least online stores that can ship to you. If you are willing to wait it out, and not buy everything at once, you can save even more money. Deals change weekly.
Tips for Normal Users
You can basically live with any system, though you may expand your computer-use, and your budget for your new computer system can be set pretty low. I recommend just buying an AMD processor with a motherboard with built-in video card, and sound card. Intel is a little bit too expensive if you are on a low budget. At this day and age, I'd recommend 2GB of RAM, as well as at least 320GB of hard drive space. The 2GB of RAM can be purchased really cheap! I've purchased 2GB for $13.99 after rebate just recently, and they can normally be purchased for about $30.
Tips for Gamers
Gamers. You all know you want the best graphics, and highest frame rate, etc. So what do you need? Obviously you need a good video card (or two). Recently Nvidia has been leading the pack in benchmarks. ATI is sadly falling behind. Of course, games get better and better and require more power.
Tips for a Home Theater PC
Silence! You will want an HTPC that is quiet such as the Antec Sonata III. No flashing lights, or cases with windows either please. Those will make your viewing experience terrible. You will also want LOTS of Hard Drive Space to store all your pictures, videos, and music.
Also note, you may not really need a dedicated HTPC. If you have an XBOX 360, you can actually just stream your media from your PC to your XBOX and display it on your TV. It's what I've done, with my Windows Home Server, and I love it, and with the latest Windows operating systems its easy. You don't need the computer close to your home theater, and you'll still have access to all your media files.
Stay Tuned for Part 2 in my tutorial where I will actually take step by step pictures on building a computer.
