Building your own computer is a good idea. Its easier than one might think, and probably the
final product will feature a system a lot better than found in retail, or those made-to-order places. There are 2 major benefits
here:
Saving money
Look at Cnet.com under Compare Prices. For any random PC component you see in the stores youll find cheaper prices
online.
High quality
Know which brands mean quality. You could have a Creative sound card and a video card made by ATI or nVidia; the price
difference is negligible. Ready made computers usually have less quality parts. Many times, computer manufacturers use cheap
motherboards that have everything: sound, video, etc., integrated into it; A third-rate version of everything.
To build your own computer you will need the following main parts:
Motherboard
Good motherboard have a fast connector that holds lots of memory and extra slots for expansion components. Steer clear of
motherboards that have built-in this or integrated that, because they are almost always of lousy quality. It does help to have all your
USB ports, keyboard plugs etc., on your motherboard.
Processor (CPU)
The brain of your computer. The CPU must match the board. The most popular are Intel Pentium 4 or AMD, that offer higher power
and long-term use than other CPUs.
Video Card
The motherboard either has a PCI Express video slot (newer and faster, but no real benefit yet) or an AGP 8X slot. Are you a
hardcore gamer or someone who just uses a PC for a little email and word processing every now and then? This is the major question that
will tell you which video card you need. The more video and graphics demands, the more video memory your card will need.
Memory or RAM (Random Access Memory)
The main ram size that match the most common motherboard (the Pentium compatible, socket 478) is the standard DDR 184
pin memory stick. Whether you need DDR 333, DDR 400, or DDR 533 (mhz, frequency and speed really) depends on the board you chose. Some
motherboards handle all of them, some handle just a few.
Sound Card
Most standalone sound cards are pretty good in the digital sound. Creative Labs have been around since the mid 80s, and carry
good sound cards that matc most systems.
Hard Drive
The main storage on the PC. It holds all files, games, pictures, operating system- basicaly everything. Make sure there is at
least 160 GB of space. PCs nowdays, use a lot of space so do not fear of getting more space than you think needed. Western Digital,
Seagate and other companies make good hard drives..
Chassis / Computer Case
Look for a case that comes with the power supply already in it, so you wont have to deal with the annoyance of buying one
separately and fitting it in. Plus, the power supply warranty (and they do go out sometimes) is by the same people who made your case
and easier to track down. The only big consideration is that you need to get a case that supports the new generation boards (socket 478
and 775 for power users) because the power supply has this special 4-pin plug that any motherboard made in the past 5 years needs or it
wont even boot up. But still, the biggest part of your computer case selection is going to be cosmetics and personal style.
Other Drives
Once the main parts, listed before, are put together and the system is up and running, choose what extras you'd like or need.
Everything from CD or DVD burners to MP3 hubs and advanced audio hookups.
shop smart, and pay attention to quality brands, so that you will have an affordable, high-performance PC.
