This tutorial is intended to assist you in building a basic PC. There are obviously a plethora of possible PC configurations and hardware that you could put into your new PC if you choose. But, what we are trying to do here is help you put together a basic PC. For this reason, we are only requiring the basic components and tools to get you up and running.
Tools Required
- Screwdriver – A Phillips-head (cross-point) screwdriver is what is used in most PCs.
- Screw Extractor – If you have surgeon’s fingers you may not need this. But, if you’re human, it is likely you might drop a screw into your PC during this procedure and be too big-thumbed to get it out. A screw extractor can help you grab those screws and get them out without messing with the hardware. You definitely do not want to run your PC with loose screws in there. It could cause a short circuit.
- Flashlight – Unless you are in a fantastic lighting situation, you will likely need a flashlight to get a look of the landscape in your PC while you’re working.
- Tweezers – May be helpful for you in switching jumpers later in the tutorial.
Hardware Required
- PC Case
- Floppy Disk Drive
- Hard Drive
- CD-ROM Drive
- Processor
- Processor Cooling Fan
- Motherboard
- Memory Modules
- Power Supply
- Video Card
- Keyboard & Mouse
To build a basic PC, you will need at least a motherboard, a memory module, a processor with cooling fan, a power supply, a hard drive, a floppy drive, a video card and a CD-ROM.
Most electrically sensitive hardware comes in a static bag which is designed to protect the electronics from static electricity shock. Leave your hardware in these bags until you are ready to install them.
Software Required
- System Disk
- Device Drivers (these usually come with the hardware above)
- Operating System (for the purposes of this tutorial, we will assume you are choosing Microsoft Windows as your operating system – PC Mechanic has lots of great information on Linux and other alternatives)
Cables and Miscellaneous
- Drive cables
- Motherboard spacers (usually come with the motherboard, but are used to space the motherboard up off the mounting plate)
- Screws (usually a whole pile of screws will come with your PC’s case, but if you are using a case you happened to have around, you will need to collect some screws)
- Power cords (for both your PC and your monitor. They usually come with the hardware when you buy it, of course)
- CPU Cooling Compound
try provantage
or try 3B Tech
try newegg.com
Hey,
Its very informatic and very very useful ,…..that we can easily built our own computer,,,,
thanks a lot… for this website.
Shreya..sangani
frothing!!! can’t wait 2 make my own!!!!
what is the best mother board to get buy my plan is to install 3 hard drives and 3 rams
‘
why would you need a floppy drive
lol you don't
What, no thermal compound? Lame…
Wait, nm. lol
best idea for all you people out there, buy the parts from shops that are 6-9months old, that way your not getting outdated, but your not paying the premium for having brand new parts.
Support people whos jobs are to build fix and maintain computers they hafto survive the GfC as well…..
find a guy that will make it for u cheap they will do a much better job!
i want polar bear
I am really interested in building my own computer. Any help would be appreciated.
It’s better to install RAM in pairs. There’s no point really in installing 3 sticks of RAM instead of 2 or 4. Instead, think of the amount of RAM you want installed and then either divide it by 2 or 4 to get the size of each stick that you should install. For instance, if you want a total of 8Gb RAM, you either need 4 2Gb sticks or 2 4Gb sticks. The motherboard needs to have RAID capabilities, and you’ll want at least 4 SATA controllers. 6 would be better. If you still need help with this, email me at daron.dietz@gmail.com
Cooling compound is the very last thing on the list…
goatse
Help..
I bought a thermalake case,850 watt power supply, intel i5-750 processor, intel dh55hc mother board, 2,2gig DDR mem, n9800 gt mdig,pci 2.0×16, graphic, wd 1tb drive, and a old mad dog optic drive. I pit it all together, thought… Hit the switch.. Little green light on the mo is on. But no fans, drives, or monitor works.. Help
you also need a esd(electro static discharge) strap. its to keep any static electricity away from your hands. without it you could damage you motherboard and go out to buy a new one.
what if its a tri channel board?
what is it with people paying $2,000 for a gaming system. If you know where to look, $900-$1500 should fit any gamers needs. $2000 and your paying too much.
There is a certain way to build your own PC. Most likely reason is that some things are not compatible. One little error and your entire system couldn’t work. That’s the way computers are. Most likely the Core i5-750 and the DH55HC motherboard aren’t compatible. that’s what i am guessing.
what is the floppy drive for? no one uses floppy disks anymore
Very GOOD . . .
Loving IT. . .
iTS MAKING MY LIFE SO MUCH EASIER WHEN AM JUST ABOUT TO GO AND BUY ALL THE EQUIPMENT FOR MY NEW PC THAT IM GOING TO BUILD MY SELF
Hi,
I don’t have much knowledge of computers, but I’m interested in building one, preferably for gaming.
Could any give me some names of parts to use? Or where I could find some good parts?
Thank you
i am building a htpc with the following components….does anyone see a problem with compatibility/heat or space in chase?
Intel Core i7 870
ASUS Maximus III Formula
G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600
GIGABYTE GV-R587OC-1GD
DIAMOND ATI Theater HD 750 USB 2.0
G.SKILL Phoenix FM-25S2S-240GBP1
Lite-On IHES208-08 Blu-Ray Combo
ThermalTake Bach
CORSAIR CMPSU-750HX 750W PSU
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500