How to Build a Computer from Scratch
It used to be the case that building your own computer from scratch would save you a couple of hundred dollars, but nowadays component parts have massively reduced in price and you can buy a fully functioning computer for around the same price as building one.
There are still some advantages though that make building your own computer a worthwhile option, it will help you to learn about the different components, what they do and how they work, you can build it to your personal specifications and there is no felling on earth like powering up your fully functioning computer for the first time and saying to yourself "I did that."
You don't need to be an computer genius to build a computer, the mother board has numerous slots, where your components fit into and they because of the design they can only fit in the slots the correct way around, even the wiring and cables all fit into specific slots on the motherboard and on the casing.
The only real problem that you may come across are the dip switches on some components but if you follow the manufacturers instructions carefully these shouldn't really be anything to worry about.
First of all you need to get a clear picture of what you want the computer for, do you just want a basic computer for using the internet or do you want an all singing all dancing computer that can do everything except go upstairs and make your bed for you, of course the more that you want your computer to do the more expensive the component parts will be, for example you may pay $40 for a basic graphics and sound card for your computer but if you are building a gaming computer you would have to pay at least 10 times that for a card that would cope with your games. Once you decided what your computer will be used to do its time to get the components that will be suitable for your requirements.
For the purposes of this page I will be using a basic computer, but it will be easy to update it if you wish to increase the specification at some point in the future.
Hardware requirements
Motherboard
Casing
Processor
Processor fan
Power supply unit
Modem or Router
Memory
Hard disk drive
CD or DVD DRIVE
Sound and graphic cards (Optional)
Floppy disk drive (optional)
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
SPEAKER
What tools do you need?
What tools do you need?
Surprisingly you don't need an extensive or professional tool kit to build a computer, you will only really need a flat screwdriver, a cross screwdriver and to avoid damaging the delicate components, an anti static wristband.
In some cases you may not need any tools what so ever because everything locks in place automatically
Motherboard
Computer casing with built in power supply
Putting it all together.
When you have chosen your motherboard you will need to find a casing that is made to house the type of motherboard that you buy, asking at the sales desk is a good idea if you are unsure which case to get. Normally the power supply unit comes with the case so that is another worry taken care of.In a basic motherboard you would also have a graphics and sound card built into it, taking care of another two items, although you can add a better graphics card and sound card at a later date if you find you want more. There are available slots on your mother board for this reason.
When handling any of the components always wear your anti static wristband.
The first thing to do is to screw the motherboard into the casing, then add your processor, it goes into the slot marked on the picture as socket A,above the processor, you then add the fan which will stop the processor overheating, an over heating processor can explode.
Then connect your power supply to the motherboard ATX Power connector in the picture, then you can add your memory cards, your modem card if you have an internal modem and any other cards that you are adding.
Insert your hard drive, floppy drive and/or CD/DVD ROM drives and connect the cables to the motherboard. and to the power supply unit.
before closing the casing check all of your connections are secure and locked in place.
connect up your monitor keyboard mouse and speakers, as you normally would.
Then power up your home made machine, you know the one that you built all by yourself.
Operating System
Software
Now that you have powered up your machine for the first time it is time to add in your Operating system, insert the disc into your CD/DVD ROM DRIVE and follow the onscreen prompts as they come up, then you will be nearly ready to go, the only thing left after that is to run all of the hardware drivers and you are there.
When you have purchased all of your hardware and software you could be up and running from scratch in about 2 hours. with hardware and software always follow the manufacturers instructions.
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