How to Build a Computer Step by Step

Often ready made desktops will not have the configurations which match one's needs and satisfaction. Many times those computers that have good configurations which you like are overpriced. The ready made personal computers look fancy, compared to assembled ones. On the other hand, opting for computer assembly step by step, will not only give you freedom to choose the best parts of different manufacturers, but will also allow you to build a computer at a much lower price, which will be a powerhouse with good processing speed and video quality. You will also get warranties on different electronic parts individually
, and when any hardware problem occurs you will know how to troubleshoot it, as you will be undertaking the process of how to build a computer step by step yourself. Here, is some technical information and good manufacturers of the various parts of a computer, that will help you in building a computer step by step.

Selecting the Components
Given below are the different components' information, which will help you in buying the various computer parts.

Processor: The speed of the computer is very important and having a powerful processor means good computer speed. Go for a processor which is 2GHz minimum and RAM; ensure that it is higher in case you want computers where you will be playing some extreme games, or doing some hi-tech designing. The best brands are AMD, Cyrix and Intel. Make sure your motherboard is compatible with the processor you are buying.

Hard Drive: A hard disk is used for data storage. Choose the capacity of hard disk depending on the data storage that you will require. I have a Seagate hard disk of 160 GB, with 5 years warranty. Nowadays, the prices have come down, so you can opt for a hard disk of 250 GB at an affordable price. Make sure you buy a hard disk of a good brand which comes with warranty, as hard drives crash at an alarming frequency and a warranty will help you get it repaired or replaced for free.

Graphics Card: A good graphics card will give you good picture quality, and is a must for people who will be designing or gaming using their machines. NVDIA is a well known brand; you can go for a graphics card of NVDIA Geforce series having capacity of 512MB, or more in case you want to use complex designing software.

Cache Memory: This is not a very important feature, but make sure you buy a cache over 512 K. Cache doesn't increase the computer speed, but acts just like RAM except it is faster.

CD-Rom: Don't go for CD-ROM with less than 24x speed drive. Make sure you get a good warranty; look for brands like Sony and Creative during computer buying. These brands' CD-ROMs are long lasting and ensure a good performance.

Cabinet/PC Case: PC case doesn't cost much, so you can take a look at the catalogs and check how fancy you want the PC case to look and buy one accordingly. Make sure you buy a computer case which fits properly with the power supply. Some of the decent ones are by ATX.

Ports: Make sure your PC has the ports to connect different parts. Having some extra USB ports is always an added advantage, as you will be able to connect some external devices in future. So go for at least 4 ports. Another important tip I would like to add is to have the jack to plug your headphones or speakers in front of the PC case, rather than conventional back ones. This will give you easier access, to plug and unplug your audio devices.

Keyboard: There are a variety of fancy computer keyboards available in the market. However, a sturdy decent keyboard is advisable. Microsoft is a great choice among computers, and they provide a life time warranty too.

Mouse: Just like keyboards, go for a simple sturdy computer mouse rather than going for any fancy, extremely small or strange shaped ones. Logitech and Microsoft are good choices and they also have a good warranty period.

Monitor: I have a decent sized CRT and so I can't really recommend computer monitors with much assurance, but you can opt for a LCD monitor according to the size you need and go for the fancy ones if you wish to spend. Make sure you get one with a good warranty, and consider getting a glare filter fixed on it to protect your eyes.

Accessories: Scanners, printers, webcams, speakers, mikes etc. buying these accessories depends on your need. One important component is the UPS which protects your computer from fluctuations of the electric power supply, and also keeps the computer running for few minutes so that you can save your stuff, and safely shut down your machine.

Computer Assembly Step by Step
It is advisable that you get the components in your PC case for your desktop computer, installed by a professional as it is an important job. Then just plug in the connection of the monitor, keyboard and mouse. In case you wish to assemble the computer parts in your PC case, here are some tips.

• Unscrew the PC case cover, and install the power supply unit in case it is not already pre-installed. Set the voltage and then place the motherboard on an anti-static bag, and make sure the lever of the motherboard is up.
• Fix the processor, by matching the pin to the correct place on motherboard, and push the lever down to lock it. Then install the heat sink, and secure it on top of the processors by using the clips.
• Then fix the RAM on the motherboard, and fix the motherboard in the PC case.
• The next step in how to build a computer step by step, is to connect the motherboard to the case wires and power supply unit.
• Then install the hard drive, CD-ROM in the PC case.

To understand how to build a computer step by step, when you want to fix all the components right from the processor onto the motherboard to installing the CD-ROM, look online for video tutorials as it will make it easier for you to see what the slots look like, so that you can fix them in the right place and manner. So, select the components wisely, and enjoy a powerful performing personal computer machine for years!