Many people simply go to the retail store and get sold to
when it comes to computing equipment. You would be very surprised how easily
you can pick up all the core components and assemble yourself or get a friend
or family member in the know to do it for you. All the top brand PC
manufacturers such as IBM, HP and Fujitsu Siemens offer you pre-built PC’s,
Dell, on the other hand, will take your order and build to your own style. Off
them all Dell will come across more flexible with the specification, however,
building your own will not only save you many dollars but make you aware of
just how much profit these guys are making.
What are the core components of a PC?
Well let’s start with the basics you will need no matter how
high or low spec you want the computer:
PC Case – Motherboard – Processor Chip – Fan – Power Supply
– Hard Disk Drive – Memory (RAM) – Power Cord – Keyboard & Mouse – Graphics
Card (may come on the motherboard) – Sound Card (if you require one). All these
components will get you started. Remember build the PC to your own needs.
Gaming PC’s generally need a good graphics card with 3d capabilities while
general office PC’s do not need such powerful cards.
Processors:
Intel and AMD are the key players when it comes to
processors, Intel offer the Pentium chip or Celeron while AMD have their range
such as the AMD Athlon and Sempron. While both companies have their benefits
Intel’s being that they are the largest selling globally but AMD seem to have
the faster processing capabilities. When looking at the processors think
sensibly and ask yourself do you need the latest and greatest or would you
notice the difference in point two of a processor e.g. 3GHz compared to 2.8GHz.
Remember, if you want to keep the cost down, basic
components such as the PC case comes in a number of different styles such as
Mini Tower, Desktop. Choose what suits you. RAM (memory) will depend on what
you plan to do, some games and simulators require large amounts of memory so
check before you buy, and the graphics card will also depend on your PC plans.
If you are generally using the PC for home and Internet browsing remember to
purchase a modem or if you are planning broadband arrange with the installer and
get yourself on the waiting list.
Building the PC
Building a PC is not as daunting as it seems. If you have
not attempted to do this before it is a good idea to have supervision. Some of
the components such as the memory need careful handling due to static
electricity. Get an anti-static wrist strap to protect the components, they
cost very little and could save you a lot of money. There are plenty of cheap
books out there to guide you in assembly but you will also find free articles
online with diagrams for assembly.
Software:
Hardware is one thing but you also need the software such as
the operating system and anti-virus software for protection against viruses.
Depending on what you want and what you are used to using before you can get a free operating system such as Linux. Most of us are used to Microsoft Windows
but you will require a licence to use this software. You may also need some
office software such as Microsoft Office standard or Professional edition. There
are also free downloads that will help protect your PC such as Stinger and
Ad-Ware.
In Brief:
Building your very own PC gives you the flexibility that
most manufacturers do not. The price is greatly reduced if you can assemble
yourself and it will give you a great insight to all the components and key
terms in computing. You will be surprised to find that not all is as technical
as first seems.
Some quick notes: Do not forget the following: Modem – Make
sure you also have enough USB ports for external devices such as a printer or
digital camera. Always back your files up such externally on the off chance you
have a problem with the Hard Disk Drive and your files are not transferable,
something like a USB keyring would be ideal.
Comments