Building a Computer from Scratch

Retailers rely on consumers' lack of knowledge to make their fortunes. Most families simply visit the store, pick out a computer, and take it home. This is fine for some people, but most people don't realize how much money they could save by simply buying the parts and assembling a PC themselves. Inexperienced users also assume that it is far too difficult to do this, but in truth with a little research and preparation, it's a simple step-by-step process.

Before we get started, I should tell you that this article will not give you every step. It is outside the scope of the document to tell you which screw goes where, and which cable to plug into which socket. We will cover the basic components you will need and how to choose the right product for your needs and budget.

If you feel that you just cannot do this yourself, find a friend or family member who is familiar with computers and they may be able to do it for you. However, knowledge is power and you may be surprised at your ability to do this. Perhaps you could even start building computers for other people once you get a decent amount of experience!

I suggest you look for all of your parts online through PriceWatch.com as they allow you to quickly compare prices and find the best deals.

Core Components

PC Case: This is the outer cover that holds all the other components. You can find standard cases fairly cheap or you can splurge on a nifty looking modded case, perhaps with some neon lighting or a window.

Motherboard: This is the primary board used in the computer, which holds the CPU and all other components and allows them to communicate with each other.

CPU: The Central Processing Unit, many times referred to as "the brain" of the computer, handles the processing of data. Intel and AMD are the primary manufacturers of processors. Both companies have their own range of products, such as Intel's Pentium or AMD's Athlon, and really it's a matter of personal choice. AMD usually has more efficient processing capabilities, but Intel is a global supplier. Just keep in mind that you may not really need the fastest processor there is. For example, you will barely notice the difference between a 2.0GHz and 1.8GHz processor.

RAM: Memory is used to store temporary data used by the operating systems and programs that you use. The memory you will need will depend on what you intend to use the computer for. If you plan on playing the latest and greatest 3D games, then you will want to invest quite a bit in this area. 512MB is usually the minimum for a comfortable computing experience, although 1GB or more will really help you squeeze the power out of your computer.

Hard Drive: The hard drive is used for permanent storage of data. You may be able to get by with a hard drive with a small capacity, but depending on how many applications and games you'd like to install or how many music or video files you want to store, you might want to go for a larger option. Many people can get by with a 40GB hard drive, but with the plummeting prices of hardware, you might as well splurge on a 300GB.

CPU Fan/Heatsink: A CPU fan is a simple device that, in my experience, can be a pain to install. Be prepared for scraped fingers! The fan is used to cool the processor, which can overheat quickly. A heatsink is a piece of metal designed to draw heat away from the CPU.

Power Supply: This is the unit that supplies the motherboard and other devices with power. It takes your house's 110V current and converts it to a form your computer can use. If you're going to be running a lot of internal devices, then get a high wattage power supply that can handle it.

Keyboard & Mouse: I'm sure you're familiar with these already, especially since you're reading this article right now! These are the devices that allow you to interact with the computer.

Graphics Card: This is the component that controls your video output. Modern video cards come with onboard RAM that is used specifically for graphics processing. If gaming is your thing, then you'll want a nice graphics card with plenty of onboard RAM. Some motherboards have video built-in, but many times the specs won't meet the requirements of resource-intensive games.

Sound Card: The sound card controls audio output, and while it isn't necessary to have one installed, you won't have much of an experience while gaming, and listening to music will be impossible. Many motherboards have an onboard sound adapter, so you shouldn't have to buy a seperate sound card.

Modem/Ethernet Card: Depending on whether you will be using dial-up or broadband internet, make sure to get a modem (anything less than 56K will waste your time) or Ethernet (networking) card. Even if you're only using dial-up, you might want to be sure to get a network card if you think you might need to connect to other computers you might have in the future. The good news here is that most newer motherboard come with onboard ethernet.

Be sure to pick components based on what you intend to use the computer for. If you simply want a desktop to browse the web, check your email, and simple tasks such as these, then you won't need top of the line components. Gaming requires a lot of resources, so if this is your plan, be sure to get the equipment to run your games. Look at the recommended requirements of your favorite games and use that as a starting point to choose the right components.

It's really not that difficult to build a PC from scratch, but just make sure to do your research before you get started. One important thing to note is the danger of static electricity. A single spark of static electricity can be thousands of volts, and will easily fry sensitive electronic components. The reason you don't feel much from static electricity is because of the very low current. You could destroy your PC and never even know it until you try to boot it up, so be sure to invest in a static eliminating wrist strap. These usually cost only a few dollars and can save you hundreds of dollars in dead equipment.

Whatever you do, don't feel overwhelmed when you start out. Pace yourself and learn everything you can. Soon, you'll find that it's really not as technical as you once thought.