The
Computer Wizard's Guide
To Building Computers
So you've decided to build your own
computer, instead of paying extra to buy a uncustomizable computer from
one of the major manufacturers. Good for you! This is the place for
all the information you'll need plus a few extra resources.
#1 thing to do when building your own computer is preparation!
Not only will this speed up the process of building, but will help keep
your new computer upgradeable in the future. By preparation i mean you
have to do some research first. Don't go out and buy all the parts you
think you may need for the build, but actually look up information on
every part. Ask yourself a few questions about each piece;
1. Can I upgrade this later?
2. Will this be obsolete in less then a month?
3. Can I find the same part that is more configurable?
4. Am Ii getting the most for my money?
5. Will this be compatible with my other hardware?
#2 After all your planning now you get to Buy the parts;
1. Case- you
have three choices here: mini,mid, and full. I recommend getting a full
tower. The reason being is the larger the case the easier it will be
to manuever inside and also manipulate the cables, and allow for better
cooling which will be a major issue if you decide to overclock. Since
most cases come with a power supply make sure you get at least a 250
watt for mini and mid- towers, and at least a 300 watt for a full tower,
since more space usually means more components. Look for a case that
has removable motherboard panels, and possibly extra inner fans which
will help with cooling especially in a smaller case. MORE INFO
2. Motherboard-
First thing first, make
sure that your motherboards formfactor (Baby-AT, AT, ATX) will match
your case. Obviously it should also support your CPU. Brands are really
a matter of opinon, but one bit of advice is to check the manufacturer's
website. Are there drivers, manuals, and Bios updates? If you can't
even find the site, DO NOT buy the board. MORE INFO
3. CPU-
AMD or Intel?
Once again this is a matter of choice. Depending on what you plan to
use this computer for. A 400mhz processer is plenty for surfing or business
apps, anything more is overkill and a waste of money. The serious gamer
will probably want the higher-end processor PIII 700mhz would probably
do if you can afford one. Once again the type of processor you buy will
also dictate which type of motherboard you can buy, so do some soul-searching
before you rush out and buy that CPU. MORE
INFO
4. Memory-
If you decide to make a
PIII or Athalon system buy PC133 SDRAM, all the rest of us can use the
standard 100mhz SDRAM (PC100). Try not to buy memory that is not name
brand, or you just may regret it later once your system is up and running.
Expect to pay upto 300.00 for 256megs or around 125.00 for 64 megs.
Most systems have at least 64megs of RAM as a minimum now. Memory is
usually the key component to speeding up your computer so don't skimp
in this department. MORE
INFO
5. Hard
Drive- Ultra/33
or /66? I personally recommend getting Ultra 66. Which usually has the
faster spindle rotation of 7200 rpm versus the old standard which is
5200 rpm. This will depend on your motherboard though. If your mobo
doesnt support Ultra/66 then you'll either have to get a controller
card or just get a standard Ultra/33 drive. Remember the larger the
drive, the slower the overall throughput.
MORE INFO
6. Drives-
CD-RW | DVD
| CD-ROM |
ZIP
7. Videocard-
This is
a matter of choice. Do you want full colored 32 bit graphics, or do
you want the ability to play most recently released games. Compatibility
is an issue here. Basicall you have the Voodoo clan or the TNT bunch.
Most likely if you have a card that your happy with now, then keep it
till the end of the year when the big upgrades will be happening.
MORE INFO
8. Soundcard-
Don't settle
for on-board sound, its never very good and it steals away processor
time which steals from all-around system performance. Your almost guarunteed
to end up getting a sound blaster compatible card which is generally
a good thing. Most programs are made for this type card so you'll end
up having problems down the road. Also look to see that the manufacturer
has software and driver downloads available at their websites.
MORE INFO
9. Modem-
US Robotics
is the brand of choice here. If you plan to use other operating systems
like Linux, be sure not to get a WinModem which uses the OS and the
CPU to control data flow. If your planning to play online games get
an ISA slot modem which are usually have onboard controllers, or just
break down and get that fancy external modem and free up a slot inside.If
its available in your area definetly get your hands on DSL.
MORE INFO
10. OS- Windows,
Linux? If you want to run all the latest games and hardware then your
stuck with Windows. If your wanting to learn your way around a 32-bit
system then get your hands on a copy of Linux and prepare to install,
then install, then install it again till you get all of your hardware
right.
#3 Put it together
#4 Install the OS (aka let windows screw it all up)
Links
