How to build your own computer

A free tutorial for a low cost solution for a new computer
So you want another computer, or maybe you've just thought about getting a new one?
The kids are fighting over who's turn it is to use the PC, maybe your current computer is
getting a tad bit too slow, or perhaps you'd just like to start your own home network, or
expand it for that matter.
Well here you'll learn how you can build your own computer in easy to follow step-by-
step instructions. I'd personally suggest that you review all of the information here
thoroughly. Let it sink into you, and then, once you feel ready, take out your checkbook,
get yourself a screwdriver and have some fun! 1. Deciding what type of system you really want or need
Before you go ahead and start building your computer, you should have a good idea what
you will use this new PC for. Will it be:
•
To use for work? In this case you'll probably won't need such fantastic hardware,
unless your work requires you to use some extensive software, such has 3D
graphics, video and graphics, programming, CAD/CAM, etc.
•
To play video games with? If you want to build a new PC geared for video games,
then you'll probably want to get some of the latest new hardware, so you can
really enjoy all the new 3d technology now featured in today's video games.
•
Just to surf the web with? If you only want a machine that you can use to surf the

computer case (make sure you get one that has a power supply), the motherboard, the
CPU, some RAM, a hard drive, a floppy disk drive, a monitor, a video card, a keyboard
and a mouse.
Computer case:
A computer case will usually cost you (when not on sale) between 30 to 100 (and up)
dollars, the 100 dollar one being those big fancy black cases. Note that these prices are
with the power supply already included. Strip out the power supply, and a case will cost
you between 5 to 20 dollars. Computer cases come in two flavors: AT and ATX. The
difference for these two is simply the power supply. You will see that when you buy your
motherboard, you have the option of getting an AT or ATX motherboard. Just make sure
you get the right one that fits with the power supply of your computer case.
The AT cases are really fine, and they are much cheaper (so are the AT motherboards),
and you can still build a very reliable system.
The next thing you will be faced with when buying your case, is the size. Keep in mind
that bigger is not really better. You can get a full size tower, and pay a fortune, and never
end up filling up all of the available space. Basically you will want a full size tower for a
server of some sort. For basic home computing needs, you should simply go with a mini
tower, or a mid sized tower case if you plan to add allot of extras into your system. Also,
you may be tempted to get once of the fancy non-gray cases, but consider the price
difference and try to judge for yourself if a fancy computer case (which might or not
might be ever seen by anyone) is really worth it.

Motherboard
The motherboard is by far the most important ingredient for building your own computer
system, which is why it's very important that you get the right one. In general, a normal
motherboard for regular home based usage shouldn't cost you more than $150, and that's
a high price. Sure there are some board out there that will retail for 500 to 1000 dollars,
but do you really need these? More than likely, the answer is no.
So what exactly do you have to look for in a motherboard? For starters you have to get
either an AT board or ATX board, depending on the power supply you have (see

with more ISA slots. These types of boards will be cheaper (and so are the ISA
cards).
5. In built sound and video. Motherboards with inbuilt sound and video may seem to
be a great bargain, but once you hear, and see these add-ons, more than likely you
will be disappointed. Unless you really don't care about great sound and video
(such as for a computer for regular web use, or basic work) go ahead and get this
type of board. If you do care about sound and video, stay clear away from these.
6. USB or no USB. USB is a really great feature you may want to have for your
computer. It's basically "real" plug and play. In most cases it won't really cost you
so much extra to have a board with USB. Unless you think you'll never get
yourself a USB device (keep in mind that just about every type of peripheral
coming out now works with USB), then you won't need this feature.
7. Onboard cache. Not really the most important feature, you may want to take note
of the amount of cache memory the board you want to get has. As a rule of thumb,
anything under 512K cache is not worth it. Anything above 512K cache is very
good, and just plain 512K is average. While you may not really notice any big
difference, it doe's improve your computer speed. The cache acts just like RAM,
except it's much more faster.
Well that's about all the really important stuff for a motherboard. I didn't mention
anything about SCSI, because SCSI costs much more money. Another thing is getting an
extended warranty on your motherboard. Usually not all that expensive, it might be worth
to get. If your motherboard ever dies on you, you'll be happy you got that extended
warranty.
So, do you think it's allot of stuff to consider? Of course it is! Yet it's all worth to study.
Remember, your motherboard is VERY important, so make sure you choose your board
carefully. Of course, if you'd prefer that I suggest a good board, then go for the FIC VA-
503+ (www.fic.com.tw), with 1 meg of on board cache. It's a great board, and you can
probably pick it up for around $75 (look for those specials and clearances!).

CPU

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT get fooled into buying this brand of RAM. It can be really
attractive (price wise) but performance, compatibility, and warranty - just simply not
worth the trouble of testing and returning it to the store.
Next, you have to decide how much RAM you'll need. To be quite honest, 32 megs of
RAM should be the minimum to consider (not recommended). If you want something
with some power then consider getting 64 megs (my own personal minimum
recommendation), or even 128 megs (which is really great). Now if you want POWER,
then just buy yourself one 256 meg DIMM.
About the DIMM's themselves, don't get anything slower than 10ns (nanoseconds). 8ns is
pretty much an average. Another thing about DIMM's, unlike the older SIMMs, you don't
need to buy these in pair. So if you just want 32 megs, get yourself one 32meg DIMM. If
ever you want to upgrade to 64 megs, then simply get yourself an extra 32 meg DIMM.
It's that simple.

Hard drive and floppy disk drive
One thing for sure you will need is a floppy drive. So before I go into the hard drives,
make it clear to yourself that you need a *good* floppy drive. These will cost around 25
to 30 dollars. Whatever you do, don't get the cheaper ones. It's really not worth it.
Especially when your floppy drives dies on you, and then you need to install drivers,
software, etc, or even fix your Windows operating system. Not having a floppy drive is
real nightmare.
Now to the hard drives. What's really great about these, is that nowadays you can get
large drives for really low prices. If you shop around, you can easily get a 6.4 gig hard
drive for $100 or under (these prices keep on going down all the time).
As your shopping for a hard drive, you'll probably see a whole bunch of different brands.
To keep it simple, stick only to: Maxtor, Western Digital and IBM. Other hard drives
might seem cheaper, but these 3 manufacturers produce quality drives. After all, the data
on your hard drive is very important, and loosing it is not an option. So spending an extra
$10 for the good brand name is essential when it comes to hard drives.