Can be a very fun process and will usually result in a computer faster than most you can buy in stores if you do it properly. In most cases, it saves money, and it guarantees you get what you want.

Why should you build your own computer?

The most distinguishing advantage to building a computer from scratch is the selection of parts. Most computer systems come pre-built with the specifications
and components already selected for you. This often can lead the user to have to sacrifice certain features that they may not want to give up. By building a computer from components, the user is able to choose the parts that best match the computer system they desire. Some vendors do allow you to customize a computer system, but you are still limited to their selection of parts.

One of the less tangible advantages to building a computer from scratch is knowledge. By building a computer from scratch, a user is able to learn and understand how the parts work together. This information becomes immensely valuable when troubleshooting computer problems. The knowledge of what components control the different sub-systems of a computer system means users can repair their own hardware problems without having to deal with support groups or expensive repair bills.

What do I need to start building my own computer?

The first thing you would need to look into is the CPU. This is the “brain” of your computer. When you look at computers the speed of the CPU is usually displayed, for example, you might see 1.6 GHz. There are two major companies, Intel and AMD. AMD processors are the best performance for the best price. Intel is the most trusted company. Choosing the right processor is up to your own choice. (processor.jpg)

Motherboards

Motherboards will only support CPUs from a specific manufacturer. Therefore, if you plan on using an Intel Pentium 4 CPU, the motherboard you select must be able to support that brand and model of CPU. In addition, motherboards are typically designed to support specific speeds for a processor, so make sure it can support the speed of the processor as well.

What is FSB?

FSB is also known as the Processor Bus, Memory Bus, or System Bus connects the CPU with the main memory, also known as RAM, and is used to connect to other components within the computer. The FSB can range from speeds of 66 MHz, 133 MHz, 100 MHz, 266 MHz, 400 MHz, and up. The FSB is now another important consideration when looking at purchasing a computer Motherboard or a new computer.

Chipsets are the main controllers on the motherboard. They allow for the CPU to interface with the various components on the motherboard and the expansion cards installed on the board. The most important factor of the chipsets that people will want to investigate is the type of memory supported. Choosing a chipset that supports high speed memory will typically perform better.

The number and type of expansion slotsand connectors is important for what will be placed in the computer. If you have peripherals that require a specific connector or slot type (such as USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 (firewire), AGP, etc) you want to make sure that you get a motherboard that supports that type of connection. It is always possible to get an expansion card to add some connectors, but not all.

RAM

RAM is also an important necessity in building a computer. Bulking up your computer’s memory remains one of the most popular upgrade projects: It’s inexpensive, it’s relatively easy, and it can dramatically improve performance. And today’s memory-hungry software can make upgrading your PC’s RAM a virtual necessity. For example, Microsoft recommends at least 128MB of memory for Windows XP; 256MB is better, however, and 512MB is better still. (RAM.jpg)

Video Card

A video card is not really necessary for a desktop computer if the motherboard comes with a video out. The video card would be needed if you are doing something intense with graphics, for example, heavy gaming and creating 3d graphics would require a good video card. The two leading companies in video cards are ATI and Nvidia.

Sound Cards

Sound Cards are also not necessary if your motherboard has them. Unless you have surround sound then you will not need an advance sound card. Sound Blaster is a popular company for sound cards.

Power supplies are needed to provide power for the motherboard and other peripherals, like advance video cards, hard drives, and CD-ROM. Your attention for the power supply would be how much watts you need to buy. Most computers would be fine if you purchase a 400 watt power supply. Power supplies sometimes come with the computer case when you purchase one.

Hard drive is where your next decision needs to be. The most common type of hard drive uses the common IDE cables. There is also new advancing technology, with the use of a new cable called Serial ATA. Serial ATA hard drives could be faster than the normal IDE hard drives. The information transferring through SATA, short for Serial ATA, is faster so it would be faster loading information for you. The SATA cable is a lot smaller and cleaner to use, but this also means that there needs to be a special power connector for the hard drive. Most new power supplies and motherboards have this SATA function.

The simplest computer that you can build could contain a motherboard, processor, RAM, a CD drive, and a hard drive. If you are having trouble searching for the right equipment, or that you are afraid the processor or RAM would not be compatible with your motherboard, then you can always search online for Motherboard Combos. Most dealers have the processor and RAM already installed on the motherboard and tested to see if it works correctly, they might even throw in a processor fan to cool the processor. Once you get the items collected, you screw in your motherboard into your computer case. You then connect your CD-ROM drive to your motherboard by using IDE cables. And depending on what kind of hard drive you have bought, you either connect it using the same method as you connected your CD-ROM drive, or you use a new technology called Serial ATA, or SATA for short. Connect the power and reset switches and maybe LED lights from your computer case to your motherboard, look at your motherboard and case manuals to see how to do this. There, now you have your own custom built computer. (motherboard.jpg)

Connect your mouse, keyboard and monitor and your ready to go. Get yourself a copy of windows, and install it on to the hard drive. After Windows is finish installing, then make sure to install the drivers for your motherboard, this is usually the CD that comes with the motherboard

▪ By Marvin Tsoi