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
 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 |
