Build a Personal Computer in 10 Simple Steps

Building your own computer from scratch can be a fun, money-saving and very efficient method of acquiring a new PC - one that is specifically suited to your own requirements. You get to decide exactly what you want and what you don't want, and that can save you a lot of money in the long run. Contrary to popular belief, building a computer is actually very simple, and this 10-step tutorial will show you how.

Your Shopping List

The Motherboard
This is one of the most important parts you will buy for your computer-to-be. The type of motherboard you purchase will depend on its intended purpose of computer - be it an inexpensive computer for the kids, or a high-end computer for video gaming and video-editing. If you plan to use the latest CPUs, you'll need a motherboard that is compatible with it. You have to take particular care in choosing pick your motherboard because it will determine the limitations of your computer. For example, if you want several USB ports, you have to make sure that your motherboard can handle that.

Once you have chosen your motherboard, you'll be ready to purchase the rest of your parts.

The CPU
If your motherboard does not include a CPU, you'll need to select one that fits your motherboard's pin configuration, and a clock speed that fits your budget and preferences. If you want to build a high-end computer, I would recommend you use a dual processor (Intel Core 2 Duo). The Pentium 4 processor is another a good choice.

RAM Chips
RAM defines how efficiently your computer runs and affects how many programs your computer can operate smoothly at the same time. For optimal performance, buy at least 512MB- 1GB of RAM.

Power supply
If your case did not come with a power supply, be sure to buy one that fits properly into your case and has a working fan. 300 watts is sufficient, but if you want to play the latest videogames, I suggest going a bit higher.

Optical drive
You'll need to purchase a CD or DVD-ROM drive. If you want to burn CDs and DVDs, make sure you get the right hardware for this.

The Hard drive
You need to select a hard drive that matches your needs and preferences I would suggest at least 120GB, so you don't have to worry about upgrading in the future. Also, make sure that your hard drive matches the pin configuration on your motherboard.

Operating system
It is crucial to choose an operating system that is well-suited to your needs and preferences. I would suggest Windows XP, Windows Vista, or even one of the latest in the string of Linux operating systems if you're a die-hard fan.

Now for the Fun Part: Building the computer

Assembling the motherboard
In the next few steps, we will install some hardware onto the motherboard, and then we will install it into the case.

Step 1: Installing the CPU
Installing the processor is fairly simple and straightforward. The CPU slot is very distinct and is not very difficult to find. Once you find the slot, match the pins very carefully and let the CPU fall into place. You should take care not to apply any pressure at all; if it does take some force for the CPU to go in, then it is inserted improperly and can possibly break. Remove it and do it again.

Step 2: Install the fan/heat sink
Modern CPUs operate at high speeds and run pretty hot. The fan was developed to cope with this. The importance of a high quality, highly efficient fan cannot be over-emphasized.

After you successfully connected the CPU, make sure you attach the fan. There will be a hinge or hook to insert the CPU fan.

Step 3: Install the Memory (RAM chips)
The RAM slots look like long memory card slots. When you have located these, align the RAM chip with the slot. Once it is properly aligned, gently push it all the way into the memory slot and hook the clips to the card to keep it in place.

Step 4: Install the Motherboard
You have now properly assembled the motherboard and it is ready to be put into the computer case. First, you'll need to install the power supply.
In order to screw the motherboard into the case, you'll need to locate the screw placeholders. Once located, align the motherboard up with the case's holes and screw it together. With the motherboard is in place, you'll be ready to attach the power supply.

Step 5: Install the power supply
To install the power supply, you'll need to slide it into the brackets found near the corner of the case and screw it to hold it in place. Once you have installed the power supply, you have all of these wires. No need to worry. The wires are clearly labeled and the manual that came with the power supply will give detailed instructions on which wire goes where.

Step 6: Installing the hard drive
The case has a removable bracket with four rubber grommets on it, which line up with four holes on the hard drive. Screw the hard drive into this bracket, and then put the bracket back into its slot in the case. Make sure you set the jumpers correctly.
You will then connect the hard disk to the power using one of the connectors coming off of the power supply.

Step 7: Install the cables
Now you need to install the cables. There should be a colored mark across one edge of the cable. Line up this colored line with the IDE connector marked "1." Insert the other end to the back of the hard drive and you're ready to go.

Step 8: Install the CD-ROM drive
This step is very similar to installing the hard drive. First set the jumpers. Screw the drive into the case and connect the IDE cables the same way you connected the hard drive above.

This step is the same whether you are installing a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM or even a DVD-R/RW drive

Step 9: Install the video card
To install a video card, sound card, or other expansion card, simply find the corresponding connector on the motherboard and gently plug it in.

Step 10: Powering up the Computer
And now , the moment of truth!
Now that you have completed the construction of your dream machine, you can now boot it up to test and see if it works. When you turn on the computer, you should check for these components to see if the system is working properly.
You hear the fans start spinning
You hear the hard disk turning
Various lights light up on the case
The monitor flickers on to indicate that the motherboard is alive

Now that you have successfully built your computer you can now turn to the task of installing the operating system.