How to Build a Computer

INTRODUCTION:

The Art of making Computer:

Required computer components

Computer case

Power supply

Motherboard

Processor

Heatsink and fan

RAM

Video card

Sound Card

Network Card

Hard Drive

DVD / CD

Floppy Drive

IDE Cables

Floppy Drive Cable

Power cord / cable

How to build a computer from scratch article

Computer case

Computer cases today come in a huge variety of designs , specifications and prices .

When looking for a case make sure it is large enough for any future add-ons such as extra cards , hard drives , DVD writers etc. How to build a computer from scratch article

Checkout our custom cases page for more info

A lot of the time computer cases do come with power supplies , but if your looking for a beefed up power supply , it's generally better to get a case without and purchase separately.

Also make sure the power supply is compatible with the later generation of motherboards, they may have an extra 4 pin connector " in addition to the main connector " , which connects to the motherboard.

Compatible Motherboard , Processor , Heatsink and Fan

When it comes to the motherboard, shop around and look for a motherboard and processor deal, this way it works out cheaper and you know it's all going to be compatible. How to build a computer from scratch article

Read our motherboard guide for info on built in sound , video and network

RAM

When it comes to Computer RAM , it's never enough so better to over spec a little here, minimum of 512mb.

Checkout our RAM guide

Graphics Card / Video Card

When it comes to video cards, there are plenty to choose from,

How to build a computer from scratch article

checkout our video cards guide where we advise on what to look for.

Sound Card

Sound cards today come in all flavours, in terms of prices the difference is huge,

Read our guide and decide on what type of card would be right for you

Network Card " NIC "

Do you need a network card ? , a network card only costs a few bucks so it's down to you.

Maybe the motherboard already has one built in. When it comes to a choice of USB or RJ45 network cards, the better choice is the RJ45 type, it does not tie up a USB port that will probably be needed for other peripherals , and unlike USB , RJ45 does not put as much of a load on the processor.

Hard Drive IDE/SATA Interface

The hard drive always a much under estimated part of the system, it really can make your system crawl or fly.

Checkout out our hard drive buyers guide

CD / DVD Drive

You'll need a CD / DVD drive to be able to install Windows once the computer is built, you just have to decide if you want ,

CD reader , CD reader/writer orDVD reader , DVD reader/writer . If your not sure checkout our guide.

Floppy Drive

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