is a desktop easy to build?

Question

i know what items to get... i dont want to buy it off the internet because i dont trust the people there...

is it easy to build...


these are the items i need right??
-case
-mother board
-fan
-ram
-hard drives
-cd/dvd drive
-usb slots
-power supply
-screen



is that all??

Answer 1

u may need a videocard if there is no onboard ... and im not sure but some desktop motherboards require a cpu .. and possible a heatsink ...

Answer 2

Here's your list...

* CPU - will usually include a heatsink and fan if you buy retail boxed
* Motherboard - if you're looking just for basic functions you can get one with onboard graphics, however if you're into playing games than you want to make sure it has a PCI-Expressx16 slot and get a good graphics card.
* RAM - make sure you get the right type! For example, DDR1 RAM will not work in a DDR2 RAM motherboard and vise versa.
* Hard Disk - any SATA will do however the 200GB is best value per gb at the moment
* CD/DVD - get a multiformat DVD/RW drive. It will do all.
* Case - make sure you get one big enough to fit everything. For example don't get a mini tower if you've got a full ATX motherboard
* Power supply - most standard cases come with one, usually around 400W. This is good enough for general use.
* Monitor - any type that fits your budget will do. Don't skimp on this though, as you'll be spending all your time looking at it
USB & Audio - these are built into the motherboard. Most motherboards come with at least 4 USB ports at the back plus an internal header for connecting front USB from your case

Building a machine isn't too difficult as everything generally fits together. If it's the first one you're building though, I would recommend asking a friend who might have built one to supervise. There's lots of fiddly things that are easily missed.

Have a read through this - it might help
http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

Answer 3

You forgot the processor (which is usually purchased separate of the system board. Recommend that you purchase the processor and system board at the same time so that you are sure you get two that are compatible. The processor has to match the slot and speed of the system board.

Depending on the system board, you may also need a video card, a sound card and a network (NIC) card. You may not need USB ports - they are build into many system boards.

Depending on the case, it may include the power supply.

Also you will need an Operating System (such as Windows XP or Vista) to install on the system once done. You can not reuse an existing copy. You will need to purchase one for the PC.

You did not mention keyboard and mouse either.

Be sure you have some extra screw, ribbon cable, etc just in case....

Assembling the parts is not that difficult. If you have ever changed memory or a hard drive, you can probably assemble the computer.

Answer 4

you are also gonna need a CPU. Usually fans come with the CPU and on the case so don't worry about getting one of those. Also a video card would be a good idea.

Building a PC is not hard once you have done it enough, the first couple of times can be confusing, and not all PC's are built the same. The hard part when you start is figuring out what CPU and memory can go with what motherboards in my oppinion but after a while it becomes pretty easy. It's just like putting a puzzle together, but like everything else, the more you do the easier and faster you get at it.

www.newegg.com is my preferred website to buy parts, very trustworthy, great prices, and very quick with shipping.

Good luck

Answer 5

If you've never done it before, it's actually a little more complicated than it seems at first blush. The reason being that you have to ensure that all of your components are compatible with one another. For example, you need to make sure you get the right type and speed RAM, compatible power supply for your motherboard, compatible case for the motherboard, compatible drives for your motherboard (SATA or PATA hookups), the correct type of video card (AGP or PCI/PCIe).... So, if you're not familiar with that stuff, it may be a bit of a challenge for you. In addition, as motherboards don't change as frequently as software and even chips lately change, you may have to update the firmware, i.e. "flash the bios", once you get it built. This is a little daunting too if you've never done it. Additionally, you'll have to update all of the drivers for the components installed and install all of the software yourself.

That being said, building a machine yourself is quite fun. You will, however, lack the overall warranty that a prebuilt machine comes with. You'll have limited warranties for the individual parts but it'll be your job to troubleshoot each component and the warranties are typically quite limited. Also, as I've built a number of machines, you should also know that, component-wise, you can't really beat a Dell or a Gateway in terms of price if you're building anything up to roughly $1500-$1700. With shipping (and even free shipping) and the additional cost of the software, it really doesn't end up being cost-effective. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.

PS: Depending on the style of case and type of CPU you get (some mobos do come with the CPU already... most do not), you'll likely want a total of at least 3 case fans. Many cases have them pre-installed, some do not. Also, as another answerer mentioned, depending on the motherboard (mobo), you may need an audio card and a video card. If you're getting a mobo that has onboard audio and/or video, costwise you're almost certainly better off with a prebuilt system as the onboard comes only on lower-end boards.

Hope that helps.

Answer 6

Yes, it is fairly easy if you have some computer knowledge. it is fun too...just be careful and ask someone who knows if you don't know how something goes together.

You won't need to buy a power supply separately...it should come with whatever case you buy. Most new motherboards come with at least 4 and up to 8 USB ports nowadays so you shouldn't need to buy any more. And you don't have a CPU on your list...make you you get one of those that fits your motherboard (and get a good fan with it). You might want a keyboard and mouse too and a couple extra case fans to keep everything cool. Message me if you need other help.

Answer 7

No, they are not hard to build. If you have access to the Internet while you are doing it, however, it would be very helpful. The hardest thing is probably the connecting switches to the motherboard. As others have mentioned, you forgot the CPU and make sure that the motherboard you are getting has a video card built on it. (Unless you want to game - then get pci-e and buy a video card.) Make sure the processor you buy is retail box. OMD ones don't come with a fan and heatsink.

Answer 8

No you need a prossesor.
A video card
A PSI card adapter
Multiple fans
CD drive
Cords
-Sound Card
-ETC
My reccomendation to to is to NOT build your own computer unless you KNOW exactly what you are doing. Take a class in it or something.

Answer 9

and a processor=) mother boards have video/sound intergrated with options to upgrade