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For the vast majority of users, off-the-shelf computers get the job done. However, for people who want to buy a top end machine without breaking the bank, building your own computer can be a relatively inexpensive solution. Although the task may seem intimidating, assembling your own computer can be much easier than it seems.
There are a few good reasons why someone might not be satisfied with the standard computers available on the market. If you are a gamer, for example, you will probably need a high performance graphics card. A high end GPU is necessary to play the majority of new video games. These cards are rarely expensive but are left out of many manufacturer’s systems. Gaming hardware are usually built into much more pricey machines. To make matters worse, many computers don’t include a power supply that is strong enough to run a high end video card. For someone who is looking to play video games on a budget, this meanssome serious hardware work for a low cost off-the-shelf machine. However, if you’re willing to put together a computer from scratch, you’ll have a reasonably easy time buying a powerful rig at a low price, and you won’t have to deal with the irritation of a slow computer.
Building your high performance computer is easier than it may seem at first. You only need a small number of basic parts. The short list includes a power supply, motherboard, processor, case, hard drive, and DVD drive. Random-access memory is another necessity. If you want high performance graphics, you can include a quality video card in your shopping list. There are many more optional hardware components to choose from as well. Buying your own hardware allows you to customize your system to run the software that you prefer. This can save you a lot of money. Manufacturers have to try to please everyone, and so they tend to include hardware that may exceed the requirements you need in one category while failing to provide quality components in another.
The power supply is a critically underrated component. Future upgrades will only be made possible by having a strong power supply. The same is true of the motherboard; a poor or outdated motherboard will not be compatible with high performance processors when it is time to upgrade. You should choose a motherboard that has good upgrade potential. Your processor and motherboard must be compatible, otherwise your entire system will not function. If you invest the bulk of your expense in those two pieces, you will be able to upgrade very easily in the future.
Once you have purchased your parts, make sure that you have the proper tools to assemble your computer. You will probably only need a small phillips-head screwdriver, but other tools may be needed depending on the hardware you’ve selected. You can ask at the store or a representative online whether you will need additional tools when you purchase your parts. It would be a good investment to purchase an anti-static wrist bracelet, too. Static electricity can damage your valuable computer hardware. Since an anti-static wrist bracelet costs so little, you should purchase one for good measure.
Putting together the computer will be a bit of a undertaking for the first-timer. Have patience. Carefully read the instructions that come with each component. Watch a few instructional videos. It may be helpful to have a second person available to help you match up the appropriate connectors or to refer to instructions while you are putting together pieces. You should leave a little room in the budget for unexpected expenses; your first build might involve some accidental damage to parts. Don’t dispose of any of the packaging or receipts for the parts until you have and tested your machine. You may find that some parts do not function together, or one or two parts may suffer from manufacturing problems that render them non-functional. Any such parts will need to be replaced with working, compatible equivalents.
When you have finally completed your first machine, you will have a high performance computer and a sense of accomplishment. It will also be so much simpler for you to upgrade in the future. While most consumers will be sated with pre-built computers, the user with high performance needs will find this strategy much cheaper.
Since computer repair is our business here at Geek Choice, we spend a lot of time looking inside computers, testing hardware, and resolving compatibility issues. If you run into any issues while building your own system, whether it’s trying to pick out the right case for your needs or troubleshooting a newly assembled machine that won’t run, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-GEEK-HELP (433-5435) for advice or on-site support for all your tech needs.
Tags: Build Computer, Computer Repair, DIY, Do It Yourself —
