How to build your own personal computer

From ArticleWorld

Today's computer distributors sometimes charge some extra when building a system. Nevertheless, this is not something so big that it would make you want to build a PC by yourself. Then, why would you want to do so?

• The freedom. Most PCs made by manufacturers are standardized for the "general" needs, but in some cases you may need something more special. Many people who do design and graphics build the PCs by themselves. This is because they can decide every piece of hardware that goes in. Engineers do this as well: most PCs with great processing power are designed for games and graphics, which they do not need. So, they will go for a fast CPU (for example), but not spending extra on things like expensive graphics cards or sound cards.

• Other kind of savings. For example, some PC manufacturers only sell pre-made PCs with an operating system installed, and Windows is your only option here. However, this will add at least 70$ to the final price. 70$ can make a difference in the CPU if you already have a license or intend to use a free operating system, like Linux or FreeBSD.

• Warranty commodity. When you build your PC by yourself, you still get warranty for the components. If one breaks, you can have it replaced. But you can, for example, open the case to clean the dust or add extra RAM without having to go to the shop you purchased the PC from so that you do not void the whole warranty.

So, if you find the above comfortable, follow these steps:

Steps

1. First of all, determine how much you can spend and what you need from the computer. This will help you decide what components to buy. Remember that you will also need a monitor, mouse and keyboard, speakers and so on, if you do not already have them.
2. Start to outline the components you will use. Do not go for the exact components yet, but make an idea about the constraints these components will need to meet. Outline the capabilities. For example: a motherboard with S-ATA capabilities, a hard drive with good buffering and S-ATA support, a graphics card with support for dual-head screens or a cheap sound card, and so on. Make your priorities as well.
3. Having these set up, go for choosing the components. Do not buy only from the specs: use reviews and hardware tests in magazines as well.
4. Purchase everything and assemble. This may be the most intimidating part, but in fact it is not too hard and there are many guides for this, even here on ArticleWorld. As long as you follow the manual (motherboards usually come with one), you are safe.

Notes

Do note that you do not get system technical support and warranty from a custom-made PC. You get the warranty on components, but you cannot just go to your reseller if you have a problem and expect them to fix it. You will have to diagnose and often solve hardware problems by yourself, unless you take your computer to a vendor-neutral service.