How to build a Computer from
Scratch find out about Learning Computer Hardware
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
links 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.
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
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 2gb.
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 or
DVD reader , DVD reader/writer . If your not sure checkout
our guide.
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 “ 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 of how to build a computer
from scratch ? , lets put it all together.
computer adviser
how to build a computer from scratch article |
