Building Your Own Computer

With most people the thought of working on a computer let alone building one scares them. All those big words and technical terms seem like gibberish to most. What most people don’t realize is there is not as much as one would think to build one. With very little knowledge of computers one can pick out the right parts with little complexity.

Computers are composed of about 9 essential parts. Depending on what the computer will be used for determines what exactly will go in it. So the first objective on the list should be asking yourself is “What will I be using this for?” For example, if the only reason you will be using it is for surfing the web and writing papers, then you can get by with a low power machine. On the other hand if you need it for gaming or 3D vector rendering, you will need a workhorse. Once you know what it is used for, then you can either set a budget or start choosing parts.

When choosing parts the best place to start is with the motherboard or mobo. The reason this is where you should start is because the mobo determines the type of processor, Ram, Hard drive, optical drive, and even the type of case you buy. The mobo is like the torso of the human body, it’s the central connection for all the other parts. Every piece of hardware is somehow connected to the mobo, be it just by a cable or seated directly on it. There are a few different form factors, or sizes of mobos, the most popular being ATX and micro ATX being second. Now that you have you motherboard you can get a case that is big enough for your mobo and start getting other components.

From this point you can go a number of different ways, but the processor is next on our agenda, also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is like our bra...

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...Take the Mobo, and put the CPU in the socket. Then attach the heatsink over the CPU, usually just screws in. After that insert the RAM modules into their slots, just line it up and apply pressure till it clicks into place. Now we are ready to install the Mobo into the case, just screw it in. Then slide the Optical and hard drives into place, some require screws some don’t. Last thing to do is install the power supply and attach all cables and you are done.

Now you should be able to build a computer with your eyes closed and your hands behind your back. Maybe that’s a little too much, but you should at least have a general understanding of what goes into building a computer. Each part builds off the other so it is not as complicated as you might have though. Who know next time you are in the market for a new computer try building it yourself, you may be surprised.