How To Build A Computer

A lot of people have wondered how to build a computer. Yet it's something very few people will try.   With some training building a home computer is something anyone can do.

The best part of building your own computer is, by doing so you can pick out every piece of this computer to make it exactly what you want.

Do you know your computer parts?  If not go to computer parts so you know the computer component names and find out what they do.   

Want to skip picking out your computer parts for the first time around, check out the computer kits section.  Choose which kit works for you, and just put it together.

Are you stuck, or running into problems?  Check out our online computer help.

Buying The Components

Any time you buy any computer parts, use the tips you learn in this section to help you pick out that parts that have exactly what you want.  If you are a computer gamer, our build a gaming computer page may be of interest to you.

Don't skip benchmarks and reviews, teaching yourself how to build a computer is mostly picking out properly matched components and staying in a budget.  The smallest part is assembly.  The work you spend now picking out the right parts will pay off in the long run for both performance and reliability.

Benchmarks

Benchmarks give you a chart that is easy to compare as far as performance go.  Instead of trying to filter your way through the spec to see which parts are the best, just check the benchmark.  The better the score, the faster the component.

There are three computer parts you should check benchmarks for to see how they rate.  

The CPU can be checked here.  The Hard Drive can be checked here.  If you are going with an on board video card, don't bother checking that one.   Otherwise the video card can be checked here.  

If any of the components you have picked out is less than half way up the benchmark list, consider buying something else.  You can probably get something with much more performance for the same amount of money.  Only evaluate the video card if 3D applications are important for you.   

Reviews

Reviews will give you information about computer parts that you probably wouldn't have found out.  Even though a component has a great benchmark, if you see half of the users part burns out after two months, do you really still want to buy it?

I go to TigerDirect.com to check all of my items.   Just find the computer part and scroll to the bottom of the page to find out what other people think.   This is especially useful if you're sitting on the fence trying to decide between two items.   

The best part is, if you check out the reviews, you won't end up buying a computer part if you see it's got many bad reviews.

Pick out your parts

You will need one of each of the parts listed below, if you need help on which brand names to choose, you can find a list of what I think are the best computer brands on this page.  You can also click on any link below to help you pick your parts.

• Motherboard - pick this out with a CPU that has the same socket.   In the specifications make sure the form factor is ATX.  This is simply a size and mounting standard so you know it fits into your case.   
• Computer Case - the common case that you are used to seeing is called a Mid Tower ATX case.   
• Power Supply - usually comes with a computer case, check the description of your case to know if you need to buy this as well.   
• CPU - make sure this will work with your motherboard, when buying the motherboard check the specifications to be sure.  My best advice on buying the best CPU.
• CPU Cooler - this is almost always included with your CPU, check the specifications to be sure.   
• RAM - for Windows Vista or 7, I recommend at least 4GB, look at your motherboard specifications page to see exactly what it needs.   An example or RAM is DDR2 800 MHz.   
• Hard Drive - look for a SATA drive that costs about 10% of your budget.   Capacity isn't a big deal, because most boards these days come with more than enough ports so you can easily add drives in the future if you need more room.   
• Video Card - your motherboard might have a built in video card, unless you are gaming, this should be fine for you.   If not you can always add a video card later.   This will be listed in the specifications of your motherboard.   
• Sound Card - your motherboard most likely will have this built in.   If it does, try it before adding a sound card.   
• DVD-Rom - when adding any programs you buy including Windows, this will read CDs and DVDs for installing software.   
• Network Card - if you are planning to go online, or connect to another computer, make sure your motherboard has at least 1 network connection.   

Assembly

To build a computer, you will need a flat screwdriver, a star screwdriver, a flashlight, and a 3/16 socket with a ratchet to build a computer. 

Personally, I like to add a cordless drill to make putting the screws in less tedious.   

Now with your parts in hand and the tools you need, I'll show you how to build a computer.  Follow the installation instructions on the pages listed below in the order listed to get all of your components connected.   

• How to install a Motherboard and connect the computer case video or the picture guide on installing a motherboard.
• Computer Case
• CPU
• CPU Cooler
• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Video Card
• Sound Card
• DVD Rom
• If you have a Network Card, the installation is the same as installing a sound card.   
• Power Supply

Once you're done assembling your computer, you will need to set up your BIOS or CMOS.  If you're unsure about what the BIOS or CMOS is you can read more about it here.

Now for the last step install Windows.  Once you have that finished you're ready to use your custom computer, and you know everything you need to about how to build a computer.

Are you running into trouble?  Check out our online computer help.   Would you like to share your computer building story, if so click here.

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