Finding out how to build a computer from scratch article can be fun and very rewarding, regardless of your reasons, maybe you want an extra large tower case, with lots of room or expansion, or to gain a better understanding of computer hardware and software.

Of course their can be no better way to learn about computer hardware equipment , than to actually build your own computer.

Any good local hardware computer shop will be able to help with all of the items needed.

Checkout our other pages where you’ll get some great prices .

Learning how to build a computer from scratch in itself is not a difficult task and with our help you’ll be up and running easily.

It can be quite a lengthy procedure though so we’ve broken this guide into 3 sections.

Ok ready ? Lets begin ..

Required tools list

• Phillips Screwdriver ( preferably magnetized in case any screws drop inside the case )
• Small / Medium Flat bladed screw driver
• Thin nosed pliers
• Clean working environment
• Selection of small screws – these should come with any new computer case.

Please Note

When working with any electronic components, make sure you are earthed to minimise the risk of ESD electro static discharge to any part of your 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/SATA Cables
• Floppy Drive Cable (if still using a floppy drive)
• 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

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.

Power supply

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

RAM

When it comes to Computer RAM , it’s never enough so better to over spec a little here, minimum of 2gb.

Graphics Card / Video Card

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

How to build a computer from scratch article

Sound Card

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

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.

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.

Floppy Drive

To be honest you could probably do without a floppy drive, I have one, but can’t remember the last time I used it.

If you need to transfer data quickly, buy a USB pen drive, even a small one will hold the same amount as about 40 floppy disks and will only cost the same as a floppy drive.

2 High Density IDE/SATA Cables

To connect the CD/DVD & Hard drives  if using IDE make sure the cable is the high density type or even the fastest hard drive will be slow

1 Floppy Drive Cable (not usually required now)

Again only if you decide to have a floppy drive in your system

How to build a computer from scratch article

Power Cord / Mains Cable

Lastly don’t forget you’ll need a power cord / cable

Ready to continue to the next section of how to build a computer from scratch ? Lets put it all together.

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