Before you even think about building your own computer make sure that
you go for the best technology possible. This is an important task and
you want it to turn out as close to perfect as possible. When your PC
is complete you want it to have the best hardware available.
One of the biggest benefits of building your own computer is that you
can customize it. You know what is most important to you. Maybe you are
a graphics user. MP3’s might be the closest thing you have to a best
friend. Perhaps you are writing the great American novel and you are
mainly interested in text. If you are building your own machine, you
can concentrate on what you want but if you're building it for a third
party, you obviously need to consult them first.
Collecting the hardware for your new computer is the most time
consuming part of the process. You want to make sure that you get high
standard equipment that works well with your needs. Take your time and
don’t try to skimp on your hardware. If you don’t heed both of these
suggestions, your computer could bite back later.
If you are building your own PC, you probably know that the Motherboard
is the most important part of your computer. Everything that you plug
into your computer will meet here. Be especially choosy when buying a
motherboard. And make sure that there is an instruction manual. Some
cheapies will not have one.
Be aware that the Motherboard will control the future of your computer.
All upgrades will have to be compatible with your Motherboard. The
chipset in the Motherboard deserves careful investigation. What will it
support? Find out before you buy. Take your time. There are a ton of
chipsets out there.
Pay close attention to how many PCL slots the Mother board has. The
more, PLC slots the better because they fill up quickly. How is the
board laid out? Check for any problems such as something blocking your
long PCI slots.
When selecting a case, be aware of the form factor. You want an ATX
form factor because that is what almost all new systems are operating
on. Try to go with a screw free form factor because it will be easier
to work with. One equipped with fans would be optimal.
Three are three groups of processors; low end, average and high end.
The low end processor is okay for simple tasks. Letters, invoices and
other noncomplex applications can be performed on a low end processor.
If you do choose to go with a low end processor, realize that these are
fast becoming outdated.
Average processors are faster and they are just a bit more expensive.
For a few extra dollars you will be able to access higher level
applications without hassle. This will provide more speed as well
satisfying the average computer user.
High end processors are the cream of the crop. They are expensive and
usually reserved for those on the high end of the pay scale. You will
have high memory and no problem accessing complex CPU programs.
Memory is a vital element of your computer. Spend the money and
purchase the best you can afford. If you don’t, more than likely you
will need to go out and repurchase a better processor later. Also you
will want to make sure you get memory that works with your system.
Get a video card that suits your purposes. If you are a small business
owner, go with a cheaper, jack of all trades card. If you are building
this computer for home use you might as well reward yourself with some
perks. Now don’t go and spend five hundred dollars on a video card that
a top financial institution might buy. Purchase a card that provides
just slightly more than you need, but not so high end that it cost as
much as the rest of your hardware.
You have your mouse and keyboard, right? Get a good hard drive. Buy a
new one, opposed to used, to make sure you are getting the best quality.
CD-ROM drivers are cheap. Spend a little extra cash and get a really
good one. If you want a more advanced unit, buy a DVD player. A DVD
player will play CD-ROM’s and DVD’s. It will serve multiple purposes.
