Building a Customized Computer – A How To Outline
Many people who enjoy desktop computers have considered building a system to their own specifications. The thing that stops most people is a lack of experience at working on things electronic.
Anyone can do it with a little help, information and advice. This article is an introductory guide to help you decide if you are ready to take the plunge. The main tasks you need to accomplish are as follows.
- Choosing a motherboard
- Deciding on, and purchasing computer component parts
- Installing the RAM and Microprocessor
- Actual Build up of the case with all parts ready to go
- Installing the hard drive(s)
- System start up and Troubleshooting
- Software Setup
Why should you try to set up your own computer system? What are the benefits?
- Creating a custom system that matches your needs is satisfying
- Upgrading is easier since you built the system
- You will be able to save money or get a better system than bought by retail
- Your knowledge of computer systems will have grown exponentially
The first step is giving serious thought to what type and capacity a machine you need. At this point you can save money by not over specifying the machine. Is this computer to be inexpensive for your children? Is this for use in the living room for Internet surfing and watching or listening to types of media content? Is this to be a power machine for gaming or business use?
To get started let us assume this is your power machine complete with ability to do QA testing for software. In this case, you need a dual core CPUs (Central Processing Units) that are either Intel or AMD brand. You also need a minimum of 4GB of high speed RAM (random access memory). Since you plan to do video editing you need four SATA hard drives or two SATA type and one or two SSDD (solid-state disk drive). You need peripheral connections via USB2 or fire wire on the front and back of your case.
All of those things need to fit into a case that has enough space to hold everything and still leave room for proper airflow from fans for cooling. You can now see how important it is to be sure about what type of machine you really need, really want or can really afford before you start build up. Now it is your decision, are you ready to build your customized powerful desktop computer?
