In the world today, there are a lot of people that like to build there own computer and there are many reasons for it. If you build your own computer, you can usually lessen the cost of the computer as well as how long it takes to get it. When you build a computer, you also have the ability to customize it EXACTLY the way you want it and it wont come with all that software that bloats it that no one ever wants. This will be the beginning of numerous in depth tutorials that will guide you through this ,what seems like, difficult task to make it easy for you to understand. Some of these tutorials will cover in-depth technical terms that some of you may or may not be able to understand, and that is OK. As long as you understand the basics and are able to make an educated “guess” when purchasing your hardware, you will have achieved something by using these tutorials.
The first thing we need to discuss is where you would like to get you parts from. There are many online retailers that are perfect for this. The most common are NewEgg.com, TigerDirect.com, and ZipZoomFly.com. While there are many others that may have comparable parts and prices, these are 3 of the main ones to get parts from. I personally prefer NewEgg.com, as I have never had any issues with any of the products I have received from them. They offer pretty good prices, fast shipment, and you can pick your shipping method (UPS or FedEx).
Once you browse the sites and are ready to start building your system, we are ready to buy parts. The following tutorials will help you select proper hardware for your needs. They will explain, in detail, what the different types of hardware do, how they perform, and which are the best for certain functions. You will need to buy several different pieces to make the computer functional. These pieces are: (this list will be updated with links as we write the detailed tutorials for each of them)
Case: “Shell” to hold all of the parts. (Guide)
Motherboard: Holds all peripheral cards as well as the RAM, and CPU. Also has connectors for the harddrives, CD-ROM’s and other peripheral devices.
Processor: The main “Brain” of the computer.
RAM: (Random Access Memory) Stores information while the computer is on for quick access. Sort of like a ultra fast harddrive.
Harddrive: Stores information such as documents, songs, movies, games, and more.
Video Card(s): (Controls all of the graphics within the computer. Sometimes the motherboard will have a video card embedded into it. This is not best for optimum performance. A card is always preferred.
Sound Card: Outputs and Receives all sound for the computer. Most motherboards have on-board sound cards that are efficient for the everyday computer user. However, if you are an audiophile and/or want better sound and performance, you will want to purchase a separate sound card.
CD/DVD-Rom(s): Drives for recording, playing, and deleting CD’s and DVD’s.
Floppy Drive: Almost a thing of the past. A floppy drive will allow you to read floppy disks. (3 1/2″)(Optional)
Cooling: From fans to water, some way to keep all of your components cool.
Speakers: This is pretty self eplanatory. (Optional)
Card Reader: This will allow you to read all types of memory cards from Cameras and/or Phones. (Optional)
Monitor: The display of the computer. (Optional-If you already have one you will use)
Keyboard/Mouse: Input devices to control the computer. (Optional – If you already have a set you will use)
Operating System: The OS allows you to use the computer. Windows, Ubuntu, Ect.
Once you have completed reading these tutorials and ordered your parts, you will then be ready to build the computer, once the parts arrive. ((This)) tutorial will walk you through the building process, like building tips and tricks as well as safety precautions you should take while building the system.