Building a computer

0	Today I thought of what I should ask to be specific enough for a good answer. Well, if I want to build a computer, what are the crucial parts required for operation? computer diy build asked Dec 18 '10 at 15:00 Mac lover 4155 130●40●43●51

6 Answers:

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I ripped this from my build page. (there are a few errors, that's why there is no link to it yet)

CPU - Remember to get the right CPU for you. Most games will run just as well on a dual core than a quad core because that can't utilize the extra cores (at the time of writing).

Motherboard - This is a personal preference item, but make sure that it supports your cpu socket. This is where you need to get an AMD board for an AMD CPU and intel for intel CPU. They do not have interchangeable sockets so if it's wrong, it will not work. Make sure that it will be able to use the ram that you want. (It may only support 1200mhz so your 1600mhz ram might not work!)

PSU - A reasonable amount of power is advised, just because you have 500 watts, does not mean it always uses that much. A multiple graphics card setup with a high performance CPU might need up to 1000 watts. Online power calculators are not that accurate so don't rely on them. They may give you a rough estimate though. It's often tempting to skimp on this item, but treat it like any other part. Cheap, unbranded power supplies are prone to failure and may not deliver all the power when you need it

RAM - Faster ram is better if you motherboard supports it but will cost more. DDR2 will not work in a motherboard designed for DDR3 and visa versa.

HDD - 7200RPM or higher is recommended for your main hard drive, 10k if you can afford it or even a super fast SSD. The faster the drive is, the faster things will load because there will be less delay. Just because your processor is fast, does not mean that things will instantly be quicker. The hard drive may still hold things back.

Graphics card - Optional, onboard gfx might come on the mobo. A good one for decent gaming.

Case - Most are up to the job, not essential for operation.

answered Dec 18 '10 at 15:13

SignOff
(suspended)

edited Dec 18 '10 at 16:34

Nomad
511●3●7●20

To my understanding these are the critical pieces?

(Dec 18 '10 at 16:36) Mac lover 4155

You don't need a hard drive; just anything to boot from. Could be a CD/DVD or flash drive, depending on your chosen OS and method of installation. Even that is really optional.

You'll also want a heatsink and CPU fan, or your "operation" won't continue for long.

(Jan 01 '11 at 23:34) tsilb

I see your name is Mac lover, so are we to assume that you are looking to build a Mac computer? If you're just looking at building a Windows PC, then what JayKay said, is basically right. If you're looking at building a Gaming Rig, then a decent case will be needed too. Simply because the type and size of the graphics cards you may want, and you may want to run a couple of graph cards in sli. Look at how you're going to keep these cards cool, such as ventilation, fans, heatsinks and/or water-cooling.

It would pay to invest in an Anti-static Wrist strap so you don't inadvertently damage any hard ware(especially CPU's).

Check out PC building forums for help

answered Dec 19 '10 at 01:03

Geenome
2.3k●41●50●72

Start out with a motherboard. This is the component that will allow you to attach hard drives, RAM, video cards and the CPU along with other components. After this, you can buy the RAM, GPU, and CPU in any order, as long as the number of pins and whatnot are compatible with the motherboard. Also make sure that the RAM is the correct type. Next, get yourself a nice case with a suitable power supply.

answered Dec 19 '10 at 12:21

Angelwork
561●36●37●50

Well, it depends on what you want to build. And how much money you have, along with what OS your planning on using. Essentials are: RAM CPU MOTHERBOARD A decent Power Supply Case Graphics Card (Would help if you had one) DVD &/or CD drives are luxury, so you do not need one, you could just install Windows 7 via a USB stick.

answered Mar 12 '11 at 13:02

Vancar6
1.4k●150●160●173

Bulding a computer = waste of time

answered Dec 19 '10 at 01:17

Phoenix7
2.3k●50●75●93

to you...yes, to many including myself, no

(Jan 01 '11 at 23:00) Mac lover 4155

i have agree and disagree with you on that one. i build my computer i spent hundreds of hours reading so i could get the right parts,but i learned allot. but it lasted 2weeks before it died and i lost over 1500$$ on it so i bought my new one a few years latter after i saved enough $$ .. i had fun doing building it and that's what counted !!!!!

(Mar 11 '11 at 21:06) jesseforpeace

The only things that were not listed are all minor, but worth it to at least mention to complete an already successful computer build. These components are a DVD/RW drive (helps with backing up important documents and files), thermal paste for the CPU, and extra case fans for cooling.

Some necessary items external to the computer case are your favorite mouse, keyboard and monitor. Most people don't take these items into consideration, but they are an added cost.

answered Mar 12 '11 at 13:37

Greg De Santis
1.2k●7●17

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