Learning How to Build a Computer

Learning how to build a computer? It’s easier than you might think. It’s even cheaper. Computers need these components in order to run:

Motherboard – It’s the large computer chip where everything connects to
Processor – Its the brain of the computer, the faster the better
CPU Fan – cools the processor off
Case Fan – cools the computer off
Hard drive – Its where all the files are stored
Power Supply – Usually included in the case, this is where the computer diverts the power
Case – Where the components are stored in
RAM – (random access memory) this is where all the active memory is, the more the better
Disc Drive – There are multiple kinds, CD drives, DVD drives, and Blu-Ray for example
NIC – (Network interface card) usually built in the motherboard
Graphics Card – The better the better graphics you have, a must for gaming PCs
Sound Card – For better sound quality
Operating System – Such as Windows

Now that you have a idea what you need, how about what to get first?

I go for the processor and mother board first, they usually come in combos or alone.
If you get them together, they will be compatible. If not, they must have the same socket type. There are AM2, AM3, 775 and such. The motherboard and processor must match or else it will not work. The socket information will be shown when purchasing. There are single core processors, dual core, and even quad core. It’s like having multiple processors in one. A dual core 2.4 GHz processor is a decent processor, even for gaming. For the motherboard, make sure it’s compatible with everything and check to see if it has a ethernet port. That’s how to connect to the internet wired. Most have them, if not keep looking for motherboards.

The I choose the case. The case must be the right size and variant for your motherboard. The sizes are Full-Tower cases, Mid-Tower, and such. The variants are ATX, Micro-ATX, and such. If the variant is the same, the motherboard will fit. The different sizes are to fit more disc drives, and other peripheral devices. Usually for the first time builder, a mid-tower is more than enough. Also there are different case types such as aluminum, steel, and clear-sided. These choices don’t have a major impact to the computer, unless you want it to look cool. Also check to see if there is a power supply, 400 watts should be ample for a first PC. If there isn’t, keep looking, it will make it so much more simpler if there is one already in it.

Next, I gather the RAM. Now this also must be the same type for the motherboard. There are DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and SDRAM. Also the PC number must match, such as PC113, PC6400, and such. All this info will be provided before you buy your mother board. The the memory comes in 3 major types, 1066MHz, 800MHz, and 667 MHz. The higher MHz, the better. The amount they hold is measured by GB. Most computers have about 1 or 2 GBs of RAM. Although gamer computers may have much more.

Then I choose the hard drive, get as much memory as you can. For a first time builder, 160GBs will be plenty. Now the way the hard drive is going to connect to the motherboard. Types are SATA (Serial ATA) or IDE. SATA is faster but both are fine.

Now it’s time for the disk drive. Well what kind do you want? A DVD drive, DVD burner, CD drive? DVD-RW means DVD burner and CD-RW means CD burner.

CPU fan, don’t skimp out here. Get a decent one, and make sure its the same socket type as your processor.

Check you case to see if it has fans already in it, if not your going to have to see how many and what size fans they need. Fans are cheap so it really isn’t a problem. Mine just needed 2 80mm fans.

Graphics cards are important, if you plan to have games on your PC, then you will want at least a 256 mb graphics card. If not then get a 128mb graphics card, this will allow for programs to load faster and allows you to increase your screen resolution. Now what kind of interface is this going to connect on to the motherboard. Check you motherboard and see if it has PCI interfaces, PCI express, or anything else. Your graphics card must be the same interface as one on the motherboard or else it will not fit.

Sound cards are only needed if you like your music really high quality. Most PCs don’t need them, but if you do get one, they come in 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, and 7.1. That’s how many speakers it will individually support.

And now the operating system. Your main choices are Windows XP, Windows Vista, or a variant of Linux such as Ubuntu. Most go with Windows, but Ubuntu is free. Although most people are not familiar with Linux and the programs for it is a little harder to get.

Now that you know how and what to get, its time for putting it together. Luckily for you, everything you buy should have a instruction manual on how to assemble it.

Reference:

• Tigerdirect.com