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How to build a Computer from Scratch and Learning about Computer Hardware Equipment

How to build a computer from scratch article, Building you own computer 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 links where you’ll get some get 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.

How to build a computer from scratch article

The second section goes through a step by step guide of building the hardware side of the computer.

The third part of build a computer from scratch, consists of preparing the disk and installing the Operating system

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.
If your not sure how to do this read our guide here


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

sorry no how to build a computer from scratch image
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

sorry no how to build a computer from scratch image here
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 Pentium 4 compatible, it will 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 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
or DVD reader , DVD reader/writer . If your not sure checkout our guide.

Floppy Drive

sorry how to build a computer from scratch fdd is missing
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 Cables

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

1 Floppy Drive Cable


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 ? , lets put it all together


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