Introduction
The very fact that you are reading this article suggests you are interested in the insides of a computer system. So you want to build one from scratch? What are the benefits of building a computer system?. If you are one of those people who only count the financial benefits, then I can tell you right here and now that the financial benefits is absolutely none (unless you purchase from ComputerMarket Online). In many cases, buying parts and building your own system will likely to be more expensive than getting a ready-made system from a computer vendor (unless you purchase from ComputerMarket Online). The reason for this is that most vendors will charge higher prices on singular components than those components in a full system, so that the prices of the system will be more attractive.
So if there are no financial benefits from building a system from scratch, what are the benefits? Sounds really corny, but self satisfaction is the main one when you ask people (and if you ask me its because I get paid to do it). The next major benefit is that you have total control. You know that the Graphics accelerator is not going to be some dodgy generic 1Mb card and you know you are not going to get some dodgy ram that is incompatible with everything else in your system. You can have a complete, tailor made system that tells as much about you as the colour you chose for your walls (I chose the colour for my walls). Its ok if you are thinking at this moment that you wanna give it a miss and give Gateway or Dell (or ComputerMarket) a call instead, but if you still want to plough on, then keep reading.
Getting Started
Ok, so you have decided that the benefits of doing it yourself outweigh the costs. So where do you start? The first step is to choose the components you want. Here's a general list of what you need (this will allow you to boot up):
If you are considering building your own computer, you should really base it around the CPU and motherboard combination. Have a look at Tom's Hardware Site or Anand's Site for reviews and recommendations on motherboards and other hardware. The best advice that I can give is get the most upgradable one you can afford. Preferably get a motherboard that claims to be able to support CPU's that aren't available yet (since the CPU's aren't available yet, a manufacturer's "claim" is the best you can get). Better still, get it from a well known manufacturer, like Abit, Aopen, Gigabyte, and others where you know support is available and BIOS upgrades and other motherboard utilities are available for download. You never know when you will feel the need to upgrade, so be sure to get a motherboard with a good number of PCI and ISA expansion slots, as well as plenty of RAM slots. Don't forget to get one with a AGP port for the graphics card as this porr is faster than a PCI slot for Video cards and also AGP based cards are generally cheaper, offering better or at least equal performance to the PCI counterpart.
For the CPU, get the fastest one you can afford. Try to go for a speed that is above the current main stream model. With the CPU, faster is always better; but remember this: if you get the fastest processor available today, it won't be the fastest 2 or 3 months down the track, so consider what you need the processing power for before purchasing a processor. Also, keep an eye out for articles that review new processors (the above two sites should have plenty of reviews) and how much performance advantage they offer the processor one step down. As you are probably aware, although a fast CPU is important for a fast computer, the CPU speed does not soley dictate system performance. Make sure you get a CPU that is compatible to your chosen motherboard or vice versa!!!
With RAM, the more the better. At least 64M to run today's
software and if you are a gamer, Graphics Designer or use memory intensive
applications, then consider more than the standard 64M. Standard RAM used
nowadays is PC-100 compatible SDRAM
If you're and avid gamer, then you will undoubtedly want the fastest
video card currently on the market. Video Cards nowadays come packed with
enormous amounts of memory - some with as much as 16Mb! You will have to
decide for yourself if you would like to get a 2D/3D combined card or a
dedicated 3D accelerator. Generally a combined card will offer more value
for money, and with a card like one running the Riva TnT chipset; it will
also offer little or no real difference in performance.
Keyboards and mice are an area where many vendors like to cut corners and provide cheaper replacements. If you are building a computer, you may also choose to take this route. One thing I think you should consider when thinking about saving yourself a few quid in this way is: what do you actually touch most when you are using your computer? What you actually use most physically is the keyboard and the mouse, so in my opinion the keyboard and mouse should most definately be as comfortable to use as possible. Try to see if you can test out the keyboard and the mouse before you actually buy them. Most of the bigger retail chains will have display models available and this is a good place to start.
A large hard drive is good. A large hard drive that's fast is even better. You need to consider what the hard drive is being used for. If you really need speed, then go for SCSI, but be reminded that this will incur costs. SCSI peripherals are generally more expensive than IDE ones, and even the SCSI cables are 3 or 4 times more expensive than IDE cables. Add to this the extra cost of a SCSI controller and you have yourself a hefty bill.
There's not much to say about a floppy, just get one that works! In the event that your computer dies on you and cannot boot up by itself, the floppy drive and a boot floppy is all you have to try and remedy this problem. If you have the extra cash, get a higher capacity drive aswell, like a Zip drive or a LS-120.
Many people don't realise the importance of a computer case. One that
is designed well will allow maximum air flow, an important factor considering
the main fault causing factor of all computer components inside the PC
is heat. This problem, as you can imagine, is compounded if you are an overclocker.
If you can afford it, get a big case... you never know when you will buy
some new components and then get home and realize you physically can't
fit the component into the case.
Add More Ram
ZDTV Shows You How To Add More RAM.