Custom built PC?

Question

OK I know next to nothing about computers but have an overwhelming urge to learn about them by building my own high-spec custom with the guidance of a willing friend. Where is the best place to learn the basics/ look at parts etc etc?

Cheers!

PS, I'm in the UK if this is at all relevant!

Answer 1

James F

Ummmmm.... i would endorse my own website to help build a PC from scratch but it's not up yet :(... so the next best thing...

I would agree with Paultech - you could check out toms hardware or CNet for all the specs, both Sites are very good, updated daily and used by techies and geeks alike (links below).

Again you couldn't go far wrong with the advice at pcmech as paultech advised, you could even buy their book or alternatively Build Your Own PC, 4th Edition by Morris Rosenthal is a good start.

Where to buy the stuff is probably the hardest thing you'll have to face..... I would agree with Tibute but i have found CCL and CTI to very good...

Hope this helps and good luck making that awesome gaming system....

DM

MCP MCSA MCSE+S BIT

Answer 2

In UK as everywhere else there will be Institutes and schools where they teach Diploma or Certificate course in Computer repair and Service.

Learning it this way has two uses.

First, since you have to spend money, you will absolutely be convinced to learn.

Secondly once you have done this sort of course you will get a Certificate or a Diploma which will help you to get an established job. This Cretificat or Diploma will also prove to the people or your would be customers that you have all the qualification and ability that is required to fix / repair etc their computer.

Answer 3

best way to learn is to teach yourself. buy mags like extreme pc, they're a brilliant source of information. with a bit of patience and taking your time you can build a pc from scratch in a couple of hours. don't be too fancy with your first build pretty soon the comp will be underpowered especially as no sooner has a new graphic card come on the market a few months later its price will have dropped significantly. i built my present comp last year, all in it cost less than 400 quid

Answer 4

http://www.vadim.co.uk
Won Custom PC magazine's Dream PC 2006
They are always willing to help out :)
Not only do they build custom PCs but they sell components too

Answer 5

the pc user magazine usually has great help files and occasionally runs this topic over the years. also they also have published their help sections ind pdf format. maybe you could get hold of these on there website. or just search the web from scratch there should be tons of places to find info, so it couldnt be hard.

Answer 6

Component sites are essential. For example:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/

Then you need to know how to put the parts together:
http://gtweb.net/custom.html

Make sure that the parts will have to be compatible with each other, else they will not work.
eg, DDR2 sticks of RAM must be used on a motherboard that supports DDR2.

Answer 7

My advice is to build a simple one first
1 HDD IDE
1 DVD
Graphics card ok
This will give you some confidence and experience.

If you tackle Deep Blue first time round you may well never get it done.

Answer 8

i would read http://www.tomshardware.com to read about the technical parts, since this is what most techies use to stay updated.
u can also use http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/
this has a 23 step guide on how to build a pc. from scratch

Answer 9

Good instructions come with the hardware, stay grounded when handling components.