could i build a computer?

Question

i would like to be able to but am a bit of a novice,, my son says they work better watched a bloke on the tv do it. i would not really knwo where to start.

Answer 1

It's not too difficult to build a desktop. Don't even think about a laptop! But you may be able to get a bare bones one. That is the case, mainboard fitted and CPU. You then add memory, hard drive, cd rewriter, monitor, etc. If you're in the UK check out Misco - I think I saw a good deal there a couple of days ago. You'll need a keyboard and mouse too! LOL

Answer 2

as a complete novice don't even think about building a system. you could build a system, but unless you know what tools, what hardware you want etc. you could end up making so many mistakes that could leave you completely out of pocket with no computer to show for it!
first decide what you want your computer to do.
if you want a basic computer that will only be used for basic word processing and internet access then a shop bought system may be your best option.

mail me with what you want your system to do and i will assist you by compiling a recomended hardware list.

but until you know what you want from your system and what your budget is you will not be able to start planning your system let alone buying the hardware.
your system could cost (excluding dispaly panel) from £300 to several thousand pounds. it all depends on your needs.

and yes if you build your own system using quality components then the system tends to be more reliable than a shop bought retail system.
AMD systems are more stable compared to intel in my experiance. hence i only use AMD processors in my systems
the drives i find most reliable are seagate baracuda drives.


as the answers email limits to only a few lines, use the email on y server i set up for this site.
y!answers@
garylsmith1973.homeip.net

put the last two lines together to get the email address.

building a system from scratch is not complicated, but it would take all day to type exactly what you need to do step by step to get the job done.
for your components try my favourite online store in the UK http://www.dabs.com often the cheapest what ever you want.

oh and if you are in to movies or gaming on your PC then a minimum 19" display panel is essential i use the BenQ FP91GT+ quite possibly the best flat panel display screen i have ever purchased. and under £150 on its own. this panel comes shipped with brightness and contrast set at 50% which on a white page resembles a 100W light bulb, so you will need to adjust the controls manually.
it also has both a D-sub (standard SVGA) and a DVI connection which means you can connect it to two independant computers or one computer with both connectors, then at the press of a couple of buttons on the display you can flick between the two screens.

edit, doc is right it can hurt your wallet more in the short term as it may appear to cost you more.
however by getting the system right from the start by buying quality components your system will last you longer and will be more reliable and so will save you money in the long run by not having to buy or replace parts or components as often as with a basic store bought system.

Answer 3

building it is easy but choosing the components needs a bit of research.
First you have to choose the motherboard and the processor. Different processors have different amount of pins on the mount and so they need specific motherboards. You then have to match the speed of the memory to the motherboard and the processor.
Then you have to decide on PATA or SATA hard disks. PATA is easier but SATA is better.
Then you have to work out the best case. A big graphics card etc will need a strong PSU 400W. The motherboards come in different sizes too and you have to decide on cooling too.
There are lots of walkthroughs on the web if you search building own PC. You will save money and it will be interesting. Do a bit of research and go for it.

Answer 4

Start by deciding what you want it to do and how much memory and disk space you will need. Then you will need to determine what graphics card, what type of CD/DVD burner you want, if you want a 3 1/2"floppy, and what type case to get that will have the mounting spaces for everything that you are going to put in. Do you want USB ports, Ethernet cards, etc. It can get very involved.

Ron

Answer 5

I've seen packages of prepared kits to build your own laptop, but it is only for experts. Or else, build an Amish computer comprised of an abacus, pencils, erasers, some paper, in a writing box.

Answer 6

My boyfriend tried that, he had three old box things (you know that box thing? I'm not really one for computers, but that thing where you put your cds in and turn it on? ) Anyway, he had three of them and took them all apart and added bits and came out with a computer that works and all, so it must be easy enough?
That was no help whatsoever was it? Terribly sorry.

Answer 7

yes you could just use ur existing tower and get yourself a pentium 4 processor of e-bay for bout £30 check wot memory would work with it and fill all the available slots for memory buy decent graphics card etc you could build yourself a very quick system for less than £200

Answer 8

If you have to ask, you are not capable of it. The cost is 4-5 times what you can buy a ready built for.