In the context of this article, vintage refers to pre-Windows XP era. Why build a vintage gaming PC? Because some of the best games ever made were for DOS, and the vast majority of them run smooth as silk. In addition, DOS games are cheap or free and readily available. And for those that question why you should even bother with this, it’s because the best...

Okay, it’s time for some PC-builder stuff (hey, it’s required I do one of these every so often because after all it is PCMech, right?) When people hear "scratch-built", they think, "Oh, okay, I have to buy a case.." Stop right there. A true scratch-built is when you either physically construct the case or retrofit some type of box...

In the context of this article, long haul computing means to build a computer box that will remain untouched per its internal hardware for a period of 5 to 7 years, but be used on a daily basis. If you want a really good example of where a box like this would be needed, look no further than your local church. Traditional churches by nature are all non-profit...

Are certain computer parts better than others when it comes to building your own PC? Yes. Are certain computer parts better than others concerning Microsoft Windows? That’s another yes. If you stock your built PC with parts that are the right choice the first time, your Windows installation will run better and faster. [hidepost=1] When most people hear...

I am always looking for ways to make my computer quieter, cooler and consume less energy (usually they are all one in the same). On that note, here is an interesting walkthrough on how to build your own hard drive silencing enclosure. The idea is quite simple: sandwich a hard drive between two layers of gel packs which will absorb the sound and vibrations. One...

Your computer’s power supply, or PSU, is a critical part of your computer. It has to supply the exact or near exact voltage at the required wattage to all of the circuitry inside your computer. The processor and memory are particularly sensitive and require an exact supply or as near as possible to one. So, why does your choice of power supply matter so...

If you usually build your own desktop PC, you may have toyed with the idea of building your own laptop? Unfortunately, laptop barebones are quite hard to get by, unless you put out an order for a few thousand from your favorite ODM. OCZ is looking to change this, by letting you customize – and build – your own 15-inch gaming laptop. Barebone Specs The base...

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/16_configuring_the_hard_drive.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/23_setting_up_microsoft_windows.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/22_configuring_bios_options.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/21_powering_up_the_computer.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/19_installing_the_video_card.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/15_installing_the_floppy_drive.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/14_connecting_the_leads.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/13_installing_the_motherboard.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/12_configuring_the_motherboard.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/11_motherboard_overview.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/09_installing_memory_ram.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]

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This chapter is a video presentation. [hidepost=1] [flv:http://pcmech.s3.amazonaws.com/BYOPC/07_installing_the_cpu.flv 610 458] [/hidepost] [hidepost=2] Download video (MOV) [/hidepost]