Can anyone give me advice on building my own computer?

Question

I want to teach my son how to build a computer. I have heard its not that hard. Any tips or advice for a beiginner?

Answer 1

It's not that hard these days - many parts are designed so that you can't insert them or hook them up wrong. I'd recommend looking for hardware info at http://www.tomshardware.com/ The one drawback is that it can actually cost more than buying a computer, but you may be able to get some good deals or rebates that will pay off. Tigerdirect.com and newegg.com are both good places for parts. Building a computer also gives you better control over the quality of the parts. A few years ago I built a computer at the same time my husband bought an equivalent Dell. While they had the same CPUs and the same amount of RAM, my computer was visibly faster because I had picked out better parts. It can be fun as well.

You can also get basic info on building a computer at the following pages:

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_To_Build_A_Computer
http://www.buildyourowncomputer.net/learntobuild.html
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/build-a-computer.htm

Good luck!

Answer 2

Building a PC is easy, when you know how! The best thing to do is to find a friend or neighbour who has done it before and can help you. All the previous answers are correct, there are lots of websites that can TELL you how, but the best way is to SEE it done.

If you're determined to go it alone, start small: Upgrade an existing computer. Once you've opened the PC up and seen how it looks inside, changed a couple of cards or the processor, you'll have seen the issues involved and building a new PC won't seem like such a challenge.

Buying compatible parts is the most important thing; here some experience really helps. I would strongly reccomend that you buy all your parts from one supplier, and you should ask them to check if they are intercompatible.

Answer 3

If you are sold on the motherboard, then I'd go with the triple core AMD. That is an AMD motherboard, so the Intel chip will not fit. You are going to need a video card - the motherboard does not have onboard video. Memory Number of Memory Slots 4×240pin Memory Standard DDR2 1066 Maximum Memory Supported 16GB Channel Supported Dual Channel Any name brand memory will work (Crucial, Kingston, OCZ, Patriot, etc.) Power Supply - Depending on which video card you get, I'd go with at least a 500watt. Check the video card for the minimum requirements and make sure you exceed them ( the more, the merrier). Your Antec case should be just fine as well as you optical (CD, DVD) drives. Hard drive - don't skimp here either 500Gb+ Have Fun

Answer 4

no it's not hard. the component are usally the hardest for a beginner to choose because you can rack up a hefty bill when you could have bought a very fast emachine for cheaper. your decisions will be based on what you want to use it for. a gamer system will cost you because the best parts are needed for that stress put on the machine when in use. if you can trust certain ebayers, find a motherboard with the processor together such as an A-Bit board with an XP processor size of 2600-2800 or higher. doing this if you just want to build a machine is the cheapest way to go until you really get familiar with these things. there is alot out there to choose from. only thing is watch what you spend. the money adds up fast and when you see what you have for the money, you might not have much. if you get a HDD, don't buy a used one. get new. certain things you can buy used but other thing buy new.

Answer 5

Go to your local book store or public library. There are books which provides information on PC hardware and for building your own computer.

Answer 6

No its not hard at all. I am a computer builder if you need any tips of advice just email me at [e-mail]. I am also on aim at bud102282 and yahoo at mhurst4830

Answer 7

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Safety first. Those parts are extremely easy to fry. It isn't hard, but the heatsink, paste, and motherboard are a pain to install.

With the paste, if you get too much your comp will overheat, the motherboard is incredibly easy to fry, and the heatsink has the weirdest installion, so watch out for them.

Answer 8

How can you teach if you don't know?
Anyway there are many excellent web tutorials on this but the key thing if to make sure all the parts are compatible. (I think that the is a book on this in the "for dummies" series.)
Good luck!

Answer 9

Go to Sharkeyextreme.com and read what they have under guides. I would recommend buying the products they have listed that match what your looking to spend. They also have awesome articles on building your first PC.

GL

Answer 10

kelli D, check out Howcomputerswork.com, Howstuffworks.com,(computers),Hardwaresecrets.com,PCmag, Sysopt.com,Hopecomputer.com, to get you started.