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Post Info TOPIC: How to Build a PC- Part 1


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How to Build a PC- Part 1
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Pre-Construction Preparations and Checklist

There are members of TMF who have learned how to build computers from scratch and who have the desire to teach others. This is an effort of the managers of this group to share the joys and satisfactions of building your own computer, and in doing so, learning more about the inner workings of these necessary, yet sometimes frustrating machines.

First, a few thoughts on building: pros and cons..........

Pros:

* You definitely learn about how computers are put together and what makes them run. In building a computer from scratch, you educate yourself on most of the inner workings of these beasts... both hardware and software.

* You are able to pick the exact components you want and can tailor your expenses to what you really need. If you are a gamer, you can spend more on a top-notch video (graphics) card whereas if you are into simply surfing on the Internet, you can choose less pricey options.

* You are not stuck with proprietary parts from either large computer making companies and therefore have to pay their prices for upgrades or repairs.

* You build a computer to YOUR specifications, at your leisure, and with a complete satisfaction for a job well done.

Cons:

* Your computer may not necessarily be cheaper. In many cases, large computer building companies get volume discounts so they can sell their computers cheaper.

* Building a new computer is not complicated, but there is some learning that must happen. There will be some frustration along the way, so be prepared for this.

* Generally, there is no technical support or RTM (return to manufacturer) for a home built system. You will be able to call individual manufacturers for hardware or software problems, but you'll be on your own for the most part. If you truly get frustrated or stuck, you'll need to go to the local computer fix-it shop (or ask us here for help!)..... which may be extra time and money. We hope that this guide will keep that from happening.

* And.... last but not least, computer building is truly addictive. The satisfaction of a well built and smooth running computer that YOU built is overwhelming. It may lead to more upgrading, additional builds, and the like. So.... do not say that we didn't warn you.

 

Ready to get started? Ok................ let's begin with getting you prepared to build your new computer with a some general guidelines and a checklist of things you will need.

Preparations

The first thing that you must do is spend some time thinking about what you want your computer to do and what components you want it to have. You need to visualize what your computer will be used for Gaming? Internet and E-mail? Business? Picture and Video Creating? Home Entertainment Center? The possibilities are endless. What you decide on will drive the components you buy. Picture collecting will require a larger hard drive. Gaming will require a better video card. The more you demand of your machine, the more memory and hard drive space you may need. All of this is important and you really need to try to decide what you will use this computer for.

You will need to consider the possibility of future upgrading and if the computer you build will have the potential to be upgraded to newer and faster components. Will the motherboard accept more RAM (random access memory)? Can you upgrade the CPU (central processing unit). Can you add a different sound card with connections to the TV? This is an important consideration in selecting the right computer components.

If need be, write down on paper (or on your old, worn out computer) a list of what you want your new computer to do and rank them in importance. Then you can create a computer that satisfies your needs much better!

Computer Checklist

The following items are representative of the things you'll need to build your computer. You may need to add things as you need them:

1. A well lit and spacious area to spread out your tools, computer hardware and manuals.

2. An assortment of magnetic free tools (screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, tweezers, scissors, flashlight, anti-static wrist band, small screws, pliers, electrician's tape)

3. Your computer hardware which should consist of at least: computer case, case fans, motherboard and CPU, CPU heat sink fan, power supply, RAM sticks, hard drive, CD-ROM / DVD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD-RW, floppy drive, video (graphics card), sound card (if needed), NIC card and / or modem card, keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, and assorted cables to connect this stuff together. Make sure that you have the manuals that go with the motherboard and the peripheral hardware. We will delve into all of these things later...

4. Software that should include your operating system, anti-virus software, assorted drivers for your hardware, and your motherboard CD. You may have lots of other programs lying around, but we will stick to the basics here. You can load these other things on at your leisure.

5. Undisturbed time. You'll need a good 5-6 hours of uninterrupted time to put together your components without rushing, so block off the time you need. Allow time for screw-ups. None of us has ever put together a system right the first time. Be prepared to troubleshoot when the going gets tough... you'll get there soon enough. Remember that you are learning as you build. Do not rush it! If you get frustrated, take a break and resume when you are rested. Equipment gets harmed many times when impatience enters the picture!

Now that everything is assembled, let's get on with our build!

Next >>>Assembling the Hardware

TMF©2004



-- Edited by barney at 11:55, 2008-12-20

-- Edited by NicKnayme at 13:31, 2009-02-15

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This article was lifted from the original TMF group's website. Not all links are working. I will work to correct these as soon as I can.

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