Getting Started
Building a computer is not difficult to do, but does require a bit of planning and preparation. Three major things to consider are the budget, intended use, and the tools and computer parts necessary.
Budget
The first thing you want to do is set a budget for your new computer system. Set a maximum amount you are willing to spend, and stick to it. Your budget will help you decide on which components to buy for your new computer. You can even set a lower budget on your current build, and leave room to upgrade or add components at a later time. Components such as extra memory and optional parts like video and sound cards can be added in the future.
Intended Use
So what do you plan on using your new computer for? Perhaps you are a casual computer user looking to browse the net, check emails, and maybe some word processing. Maybe you are looking to use your computer as a home or business workstation? Maybe you are interested in using your computer for the latest media or games? The intended use of your machine will determine to right parts to buy for your build. A general guideline on the correct parts to choose will be outlined later on this guide.
Tools and Parts
Tools:
You can easily purchase a simple computer tool kit. However, you may already have the basic tools required for assembly.
- Screwdriver (Flat and Phillips Head)
- Anti-Static Wrist Strap
- Needle-Nose Pliers
Computer Parts:
Required Parts
- CPU
- Motherboard
- RAM (Memory)
- Hard Drive
- CD/DVD/BD Drive
- Case
- Power Supply (PSU)
Optional Parts
The following parts are not required to build a computer, but may be added depending on its intended use (e.g. Gaming or Media)
- Video Card (Needed for Gaming Computer or Media Desktop)
- Sound Card (Needed for Higher Quality or Surround Sound)
- Floppy Drive
Now that we have a list of what you will need, it is time to move on to choosing the right parts and OS. The parts used and prices for these parts will vary, depending on the computer you wish to build.