How To: Build Your Own Computer

Building your own computer was once a task only attempted by the tech nerds and geeks, but now it has become a pretty common task. The advantages of building your own computer are great. Not only do you get the satisfaction of being able to tell people you built a computer, but you can personalize it with any specific parts that will tend to your needs.

Once you have decided to take the plunge, you will need to do a little planning. Physically building the computer is not rocket science, but buying the right parts that are compatible with each other can be a daunting task. In order to have a working computer, you will need the following basic pieces. Keep in mind that extras can be added to increase your computer's performance.

- Case
- Motherboard
- Processor
- RAM or Memory
- Power Supply
- Video Card
- Hard Drive
- CD / DVD Drive

Let me go into a little detail about these parts before we start. The case is the shell of the computer, and is what will be holding all the parts in place. While a case is not needed to run a computer, they are almost always used for convenience.

The motherboard is the largest circuit board inside the computer. Every operation will be processed through the motherboard and sent to the appropriate sector. Motherboard are very important, and there are many varieties of them. They come in different sizes, and have different socket types which hold different processors.

The processor is the computer's brain. The processor will do just what it says - Process. Any time that you perform an action using a computer, the processor will interpret the command, and execute it as needed.

RAM or Memory are what the computer uses to store temporary data about operations. RAM size and speed affects the performance of the computer greatly. RAM comes in different sizes, and can be upgraded as technology advances.

The Power supply is self explanatory. It provides usable electricity to the motherboard and other components. It is important to get a power supply with a good thermal management system (fan, or other method of cooling) because this unit gives off the most heat.

Video Cards process the graphical portion of a computer. A video card is similar to a second processor, and will take over most operations that required 3D technology. Video cards have GPUs or Graphical Processing Units.

The hard drive stores permanent data files, including the operating system in which the computer runs on. The hard drive is a very important component to the final product.

And finally, the CD / DVD drive is used to read CD's and other data. A CD drive is needed to install an operating system onto your computer.

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Buying parts for a computer is a difficult task if you do not know what you are doing. If you buy pieces that do not work with each other, they will not fit into the motherboard properly. It is important to ensure the capability with the other components before making a purchase. Keep in mind that much of the products sold in the computer field are non-returnable due to the damage-prone circuits. to purchase your components. They have free shipping on most items.

I recommend using zipzoomfly.com to purchase your components. They have free shipping on most items. Read up on all items to ensure capability to save trouble later on.

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The easiest and most fun part about building your own computer is putting it together. This can be a very stressful task for some people, and you can also damage parts if you do not install them properly. Some might argue that it is important to wear an anti-static band to prevent electric shock from damaging the components, but I have found this to be untrue. But to be on the safe side, you might as well rid yourself of any static electricity before beginning.

First, begin by mounting and securing the power supply to the case. This shouldn't be very hard, and shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Follow this step by securing the motherboard to the case. Usually there are between 5 - 10 screws that need to be fastened to the case. Install all other parts using the screws and the mounting brackets on the case (I cant fully explain this step due to differences in every case).

Drop the processor into place gently. DO NOT FORCE IT! If it wont fall into place, make sure it is compatible with the motherboard. If you break any prong on the processor, you void your warranty, and you'll never get your money back.

Install the CPU fan and heatsink right after this. Slide the video card into the motherboard, and connect any and all wires needed. Slip the RAM into its place on the motherboard, and fasten the connectors. The power supply should supply an ample amount of 12v "Molex Connectors". These slide into the back of components that require electricity. Connect all corresponding wires to their correct position on the motherboard (See motherboard manual for help if needed).

...And for the moment of truth - Start it up! Don't be surprised if it doesn't start at first. Just double check all wires, and then try again. If your computer starts beeping, turn it off immediately, and check all the fans, and make sure nothing is unplugged.

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While building your own computer might be daring for some, it is a very fun project for anyone. I recommend anyone try this before they die. You get some pretty good experience as well :)