Because branded computers are expensive, it is more practical to build your own computer. You will be able to customize it with programs and accessories so that you can do things you wish to do with it. In this article are the steps in building a basic computer.

The first thing to do is to buy the components you like as well as the tools needed such as a pair of pliers and a head screwdriver. You will need a CPU or central processing unit, motherboard, RAM or random access memory, a case, power supply unit or PSU, hard drive, and some optional items such as a video card or DVD ROM among others.

Open the case using hand protection and insert the power supply unit (PSU) inside. Look for the motherboard and insert the processor. Place a fan or heatsink in the CPU and attach its connector to the processor. The connector can be found in the motherboard’s upper left corner. Slowly place the CPU in a firm position.

The RAM should be the next thing to be installed. Its slots are found on the motherboard’s upper right corner. These slots should be slowly aligned with the golden connections for them to fit inside. The clips found on the RAM’s ends should secure the RAM properly.

The Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Devices should then be installed and these include the master device, cable select and slave device. These devices should be attached to their matching ribbon cables. The red line should be on the cable’s side that corresponds with the initial pin nearest to the control connector.

Once all the components are installed, the Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) software must be set-up to ensure proper installation of these components. Press the F2 or Delete key on the keyboard. The speed of the CPU clock must be precise and the IDE must be correct. If the BIOS can detect these two, it can automatically detect everything else.

The Operating System (OS) is the last thing to be installed. Boot the computer utilizing a CD or a floppy disk. Follow the instructions on the screen. All the hardware drivers must be ready as the OS will ask for them.

These are the simple steps you should take to build a computer.