how computer savy do you have to be to build a computer?

Question

i want to build a computer and and im not a computer wizz or anything but i have common sense and i found a web site with step by instructions should i be able to build a computer if not does anyone know of people who help u build computer such as classes and im only in the 9th grade so it would have to be for young people i really want to do this it seems fun

Answer 1

I hate these answers, but "it depends."

Sometimes it can be like playing with legos and other times it can be extremely difficult. It depends on your components and the combination of components.

Back in the day, it took some technical savvy but it's gotten a lot easier with PnP and Windows.

Some of the cheaper parts could give you trouble. It also depends if parts fail or not. It takes some experience in knowing when it's you or the component being a dud.

The quick answer is yes, it is easy. The long answer is you should have a friend on call with some computer know-how.

I highly recommend you doing it if you have the time. However, building a personal computer can give even those of us who are experienced a headache.

Also, you want to keep in mind you match all the sockets. For instance, make sure your CPU socket type matches your motherboard type (double and triple check). Just because the socket matches though doesn't mean your CPU is compatible with the motherboard so make sure by reading the manual beforehand.

Another head scracher could be AGP and PCI-X cards. There is a difference and not all motherboards have both.

There are also low-profile cards that won't fit in all cases. There are several types of motherboards and power supplies. There are many different types of RAM (fortunately most of backward compatible).

Parallel versus Serial ATA hard drives.

I'm not saying this to discourage you. I just want to give you some things to research and read into before you spend a lot of money on potentially incompatible parts.

Also make sure you have all the drivers when you're building. Best thing is to have a working computer with an internet connection too so you can read directions, ask for help, and get additional software/drivers.

I really do recommend you do this though. Once you build your first one you understand the computer a lot better and are able to pick up additional information easier and you struggle with your day-to-day operations less.

Hope that helps. You can always come to Yahoo! Answers for more help as you are building.

Answer 2

putting together a computer is easy and sometimes its even color coded. Personally, I can put together a whole computer in about an hour if I have all the parts and tools (I could be slow or fact compared to other people, I'm just mentioning this so you can gauge how long it took me to do). But the problem is performance bottlenecks and compatibility issues with the hardware pieces. For instance, matching the CPU, ram memory, hard drive and motherboard to it's full potential. Also, if you are really into it. You would buy tricked out parts like LED fans, UV lights, and water cooled CPU heatsink. Those pieces alone especially the last one could double your time, just to setup. And this is only half the battle, the software side includes setting up the BIOS, loading the OS, installing all the drivers and etc etc. Most importantly, remember to use an anti-static strap or at least ground yourself! One touch from your finger to a component could be fatal regardless if you see or feel a spark.

Answer 3

The hardest part you'll find is mounting the CPU fan/heatsink on the CPU using the right amount of thermal paste (some heatsinks come with a thermal pad on them making it easy, but I prefer to take that off and use "Artic Silver" thermal paste which conducts heat better).

Another tough part for you will probably be mounting the motherboard properly to the case making sure it doesn't come in direct contact with the case (it should only touch the screws that are "spacing" it away from the case plate). Many mobos also don't include much detail about the install. Most of what's in the manual is how to setup/configure the BIOS. There might just be a brief one or two picture diagram showing you where to connect the wires coming from the front of the case. You have to make sure you get the power switch right, for example, before it will even run!

Don't let any of this discourage you, though! Start out cheap doing your first build. That way if you screw anything up, it's not going to burn a hole in your pocket to get a replacement.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

You can do it unless you have a tendency to break things on purpose when you get frustrated.

If you have never ever seen the inside of a computer, then you need to take one apart ONE PIECE AT A TIME.

NOT THE FAMILY COMPUTER!!!!!!!!

You just need to get somewhat familiar with how the different parts and wires hook up and come apart before you go and start stripping one down to nothing.
You could get a dead computer from someone or buy an old one from a thrift shop, so you don't have to worry about killing a good one.

Computers keep evolving as things improve so an old one won't have the same parts or capabilities of a new one, but a lot of the connections will work the same.
By the way, the wires are tougher than they look, but there are limits to everything.

Answer 5

Building a PC is not that hard and if you have step by step instructions and a list of the proper components you need, I say go for it.

You do have to be carefull when working with memory, motherboard and the processor as static shock can injure those items. I'd suggest that you add a static wrist band to your list. It's a wrist band that has a wire and you hook it to the metal on the case so you don't static shock items while you're working.

Formatting a HD is kinda tricky the first time, but if your read up and have the tools, that's easy too.

Good Luck

Answer 6

Okay...well...i'm making a computer right now..and i've just about completed it..it's really simple...all you need to buy are these
motherboard
processor
ram
video card
case
power supply
hard drive
optical drive
keyboard
mouse
speakers



may seem like alot..but it's simple
here is a video of how to build it....only around...15 minutes to watch..so..here
follow the video guide of it..don't skip..k


http://computer.howstuffworks.com/build-a-computer.htm

Answer 7

any monkey can assemble a computer from parts, where it gets sticky is setting up the bios, or formatting a drive or doing a SYSPREP to get ready for installation. however, anything and everything you need to know is available on the net. if you havent done it before i would suggest some reading first to keep from making some potentially serious mistakes. also an ESD discharge can ruin your day in seconds.