How to Build a computer
Welcome to ICT Solution Center’s guide to building computers. We will try and simplify the process, but be warned, the first time can be quite difficult. Study the guides, to help you make your decision on how to proceed.
Building a computer is cheaper and parts are of higher quality, so think carefully, and as long as you know someone who has achieved this before then do attempt it, because if you make a mistake then you have someone to approach for help.
How to build your own computer - Generic Guide
PART ONE - What You Need
When buying also ask about compatibility, some good questions are "Will this processor work on this motherboard", "Will the motherboard fit in the case", "Is this memory compatible with this motherboard and processor" etc etc. There would be nothing worse than buying incompatible memory or the wrong processor for the motherboard.
CASE : First of all you will need a case. Power Supplies come along with these. Also Power Cables, and screws. I always recommend a middle price case as there is less sharp edges than the budget priced ones (I Found this out the Hard way). A desktop or Tower case, it doesn't matter, but I would Recommend a Tower with at least 3 CD-ROM Bays. Remember it is important to buy an AT case for an AT motherboard and an ATX case for an ATX motherboard (Make sure it is P4 compatible for Pentium 4 and Athlon XP processors), otherwise you will have the wrong power connecters.
PROCESSOR : Select what you want to go with ( Athlon, Cyrix or Pentium) and the speed. The higher the speed the bigger the price. We recommend, (unless you can afford it) that you don't buy the top of the range processor, try it a few speeds below, this will save you quite a lot of money.
MOTHERBOARD : Make sure you get a motherboard that is Compatible with your processor. We recommend that you don't get onboard video. It is a cheaper option but not upgradeable. Also make sure that all the cables come along with it. You will need a floppy drive cable, UDMA IDE cable for the hard drive and an IDE cable for your CD-Rom/CD-RW/DVD drive/s.
VIDEO CARD : A good AGP video card. Confirm once again if this is compatible with you motherboard. (Checking the motherboard information should tell you what you need, you can usually do this online from the buyer or manufacturer's website.) e.g. if you have an AGP X2 slot on the motherboard, and your Video Card only works on AGP X8. Then you will have problems. You can get video onboard, we don't recommend this option, unless machine is purely for business use.
SOUND CARD : Unless your sound is onboard, you will need a sound card. It is always advisable to get a good brand name, although the cheaper ones you come across should work fine. Soundblaster is highly recommended.
MODEM : Everyone needs a modem, but internal or external ? Of course if you are using cable or ADSL, go for this. Basically the choice is yours, internal is neater and does not require a separate power supply, but does require a PCI slot.
MEMORY : Be careful when buying memory, make sure what you buy is compatible with the motherboard and processor. Checking the motherboard information should tell you what you need, you can usually do this online from the maker or manufacturer's website.
PROCESSOR FAN : Lets not forget the processor fan, very important part of your system. Always buy the best you can get. Remember the bigger the better. If you buy a 2 GHZ processor, why not put a 2.5 GHZ Fan onto it. Little bit extra cooling will not do anything but good for your system. Most new processors will be supplied with a fan. Check with seller before buying.
EXHAUST FAN : Although not needed I usually add an Exhaust Fan to any system I build. Just for that little bit extra cooling. And they usually are quite cheap, so why not. The cooler your system is, the better it runs.
HARD DRIVE : If this is your first computer or you don't want to spend to much money, then stay away from SCSI Hard Drives and serial ATA, the normal user does not need one. Even most high end users don't use them. When buying your Hard Drive, get the fastest and largest you can afford. I wouldn't get anything smaller than 40GB in size. A fast Hard Drive increases performance dramatically.
CD-ROM/DVD/CDRW/DVDRW : CD-Rom or DVD drive. Get a DVD drive, they are not much more expensive then CD-Roms and they work just as good and you can watch DVD movies, making your system a true multimedia platform. If you have the budget, then get a CDRW as well, or even a combo DVDRW/CDRW drive. a DVD combo (DVD-rom and CD-Writer) drive on top with a DVD writer (plus and minus) below would be the best setup.
FLOPPY DRIVE : Almost dead and buried, but get one anyway, your computer just would not look right without it, and unfortunately a lot of diagnostics, repairs, upgrades, updates still require that you have a floppy drive. They are cheap so don't do without.
SCREWS : These are usually part of the case, make sure of this before purchasing it.
CABLES : These usually come along with the motherboard. Check when buying. Although I have noticed you are usually on supplied with one IDE cable with motherboards. So buy an extra cable when buying your parts.
MONITOR : Go for at least a 17" monitor, anything smaller seems so old fashioned, although 17" TFT would be better. Remember a 17" TFT is 17" viewable, where a 17" monitor tends to be only 15.6" viewable. Different brands tend to be different quality, always check review before buying, but then again it all depends on what you the user are looking for, unbranded or unknown brands are a lot cheaper.
SCANNER, PRINTER, CAMERA'S etc : Pick and choose as you want. Remember always read reviews in magazines, and online sites to help you decide on what is Best
OPERATING SYSTEM : Your choice, but don't go for anything to old. Windows 98 SE should be as far back as you go.
KEYBOARD AND MOUSE : Best to go with USB or PS/2 keyboards and mice, once again ask what connections you have on the motherboard and purchase what you require. Cheap keyboards are OK but always go for a branded mouse, as cheap once are not as reliable.
SPEAKERS : You need a good set of speakers to get sound from your computer. Invest in a good set as you will end up buying ones in the future. Remember if using onboard sound check for compatibility, 5.1 speakers will not work well on 2.1 sound cards.
Check List
1. Case - Same type of case as motherboard (AT or ATX (P4 compatible))
2. Processor - Make sure compatible with motherboard
3. Motherboard - Make sure same type as Case (AT or ATX)
4. Video Card - Make sure compatible with motherboard AGP speed
5. Soundcard - Make sure not on board Motherboard
6. Modem - External or Internal, your choice
7. Memory - Make 100% sure compatible with motherboard
8. Processor Fan - Buy a higher spec speed fan if possible
9. Exhaust Fan - A little extra, worth the small cost
10.Hard Drive - Big and as fast as possible.
11. CD-Rom/DVD - One or the other, you don't need both
12. CDRW - A worth while upgrade, but not essential
13. DVDRW - A worth while upgrade, but not essential
14. Floppy Drive - Essential, get one they are cheap
15. Screws - Make sure they are supplied with Case
16. Cables - Make sure they are supplied with Motherboard. Get extra IDE cable
17. Monitor - Big as you can afford
18. Operating System - Up to you, wouldn't buy anything less than Win98 SE
19. Keyboard - Any make should do
20. Mouse - Try and get branded only
21. Speakers - Needed to get proper sound
PART TWO - PREPARATION
Always prepare and have everything close at hand before starting to build a PC. This will save a lot of time when you come to put it all together. There is nothing worse than when you forget that you needed a screw driver after going to a friends house to build his PC.
SCREWDRIVER : Invest in a good screwdriver that has the following features. Multiple heads and a telescopic Magnet (So that you can easily pick screws up when you drop them into the computer. (believe me it happens))
PLATE : Borrow a plate from the cupboard to hold your screws, stands and other bits and bobs that could easily be lost. See below Image.
CARDBOARD : This usually comes from the box that the case is shipped in, you will need this especially if you are doing the work on your dinning room table. Open the box fully and set it down, this is now your work surface. See Below Image, case is sitting on cardboard box that it was shipped in, protecting the good table.
ELECTRICITY : You need this to test your computer. So have an extension cable with multiple adapters that reaches your work area.
STATIC : Take anti static precautions, before handling electrical items, touch the internal metal of your case, you can also buy anti-static wrist bands if need be.
PLASTERS : Keep a few plasters lying about, there are quite a few sharp edges inside the case and the odd time you can get a small cut (worst cut I ever got required 6 stitches).
ALCOHOL : I find a few tins of beer or a bottle of wine helps, it turns the job of building your computer into something less work related, and makes it far more enjoyable. Remember don't drink too much, and if you do, stop working on your computer. (Not recommended for your first time build or if you are under the legal drinking age)
PROCESSOR : Select what you want to go with ( Athlon, Cyrix or Pentium) and the speed. The higher the speed the bigger the price. We recommend, (unless you can afford it) that you don't buy the top of the range processor, try it a few speeds below, this will save you quite a lot of money.
MOTHERBOARD : Make sure you get a motherboard that is Compatible with your processor. We recommend that you don't get onboard video. It is a cheaper option but not upgradeable. Also make sure that all the cables come along with it. You will need a floppy drive cable, UDMA IDE cable for the hard drive and an IDE cable for your CD-Rom/CD-RW/DVD drive/s.
VIDEO CARD : A good AGP video card. Confirm once again if this is compatible with you motherboard. (Checking the motherboard information should tell you what you need, you can usually do this online from the buyer or manufacturer's website.) e.g. if you have an AGP X2 slot on the motherboard, and your Video Card only works on AGP X8. Then you will have problems. You can get video onboard, we don't recommend this option, unless machine is purely for business use.
SOUND CARD : Unless your sound is onboard, you will need a sound card. It is always advisable to get a good brand name, although the cheaper ones you come across should work fine. Soundblaster is highly recommended.
MODEM : Everyone needs a modem, but internal or external ? Of course if you are using cable or ADSL, go for this. Basically the choice is yours, internal is neater and does not require a separate power supply, but does require a PCI slot.
MEMORY : Be careful when buying memory, make sure what you buy is compatible with the motherboard and processor. Checking the motherboard information should tell you what you need, you can usually do this online from the maker or manufacturer's website.
PROCESSOR FAN : Lets not forget the processor fan, very important part of your system. Always buy the best you can get. Remember the bigger the better. If you buy a 2 GHZ processor, why not put a 2.5 GHZ Fan onto it. Little bit extra cooling will not do anything but good for your system. Most new processors will be supplied with a fan. Check with seller before buying.
EXHAUST FAN : Although not needed I usually add an Exhaust Fan to any system I build. Just for that little bit extra cooling. And they usually are quite cheap, so why not. The cooler your system is, the better it runs.
HARD DRIVE : If this is your first computer or you don't want to spend to much money, then stay away from SCSI Hard Drives and serial ATA, the normal user does not need one. Even most high end users don't use them. When buying your Hard Drive, get the fastest and largest you can afford. I wouldn't get anything smaller than 40GB in size. A fast Hard Drive increases performance dramatically.
CD-ROM/DVD/CDRW/DVDRW : CD-Rom or DVD drive. Get a DVD drive, they are not much more expensive then CD-Roms and they work just as good and you can watch DVD movies, making your system a true multimedia platform. If you have the budget, then get a CDRW as well, or even a combo DVDRW/CDRW drive. a DVD combo (DVD-rom and CD-Writer) drive on top with a DVD writer (plus and minus) below would be the best setup.
FLOPPY DRIVE : Almost dead and buried, but get one anyway, your computer just would not look right without it, and unfortunately a lot of diagnostics, repairs, upgrades, updates still require that you have a floppy drive. They are cheap so don't do without.
SCREWS : These are usually part of the case, make sure of this before purchasing it.
CABLES : These usually come along with the motherboard. Check when buying. Although I have noticed you are usually on supplied with one IDE cable with motherboards. So buy an extra cable when buying your parts.
MONITOR : Go for at least a 17" monitor, anything smaller seems so old fashioned, although 17" TFT would be better. Remember a 17" TFT is 17" viewable, where a 17" monitor tends to be only 15.6" viewable. Different brands tend to be different quality, always check review before buying, but then again it all depends on what you the user are looking for, unbranded or unknown brands are a lot cheaper.
SCANNER, PRINTER, CAMERA'S etc : Pick and choose as you want. Remember always read reviews in magazines, and online sites to help you decide on what is Best
OPERATING SYSTEM : Your choice, but don't go for anything to old. Windows 98 SE should be as far back as you go.
KEYBOARD AND MOUSE : Best to go with USB or PS/2 keyboards and mice, once again ask what connections you have on the motherboard and purchase what you require. Cheap keyboards are OK but always go for a branded mouse, as cheap once are not as reliable.
SPEAKERS : You need a good set of speakers to get sound from your computer. Invest in a good set as you will end up buying ones in the future. Remember if using onboard sound check for compatibility, 5.1 speakers will not work well on 2.1 sound cards.
Check List
1. Case - Same type of case as motherboard (AT or ATX (P4 compatible))
2. Processor - Make sure compatible with motherboard
3. Motherboard - Make sure same type as Case (AT or ATX)
4. Video Card - Make sure compatible with motherboard AGP speed
5. Soundcard - Make sure not on board Motherboard
6. Modem - External or Internal, your choice
7. Memory - Make 100% sure compatible with motherboard
8. Processor Fan - Buy a higher spec speed fan if possible
9. Exhaust Fan - A little extra, worth the small cost
10.Hard Drive - Big and as fast as possible.
11. CD-Rom/DVD - One or the other, you don't need both
12. CDRW - A worth while upgrade, but not essential
13. DVDRW - A worth while upgrade, but not essential
14. Floppy Drive - Essential, get one they are cheap
15. Screws - Make sure they are supplied with Case
16. Cables - Make sure they are supplied with Motherboard. Get extra IDE cable
17. Monitor - Big as you can afford
18. Operating System - Up to you, wouldn't buy anything less than Win98 SE
19. Keyboard - Any make should do
20. Mouse - Try and get branded only
21. Speakers - Needed to get proper sound
PART TWO - PREPARATION
Always prepare and have everything close at hand before starting to build a PC. This will save a lot of time when you come to put it all together. There is nothing worse than when you forget that you needed a screw driver after going to a friends house to build his PC.
SCREWDRIVER : Invest in a good screwdriver that has the following features. Multiple heads and a telescopic Magnet (So that you can easily pick screws up when you drop them into the computer. (believe me it happens))
PLATE : Borrow a plate from the cupboard to hold your screws, stands and other bits and bobs that could easily be lost. See below Image.
CARDBOARD : This usually comes from the box that the case is shipped in, you will need this especially if you are doing the work on your dinning room table. Open the box fully and set it down, this is now your work surface. See Below Image, case is sitting on cardboard box that it was shipped in, protecting the good table.
ELECTRICITY : You need this to test your computer. So have an extension cable with multiple adapters that reaches your work area.
STATIC : Take anti static precautions, before handling electrical items, touch the internal metal of your case, you can also buy anti-static wrist bands if need be.
PLASTERS : Keep a few plasters lying about, there are quite a few sharp edges inside the case and the odd time you can get a small cut (worst cut I ever got required 6 stitches).
ALCOHOL : I find a few tins of beer or a bottle of wine helps, it turns the job of building your computer into something less work related, and makes it far more enjoyable. Remember don't drink too much, and if you do, stop working on your computer. (Not recommended for your first time build or if you are under the legal drinking age)
