This article teaches how to build a stationary computer using custom parts. To be able to build the computer you want, it's important to set goals and budget, buy the right components, and put everything together in the correct order.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Designing the Computer
Step 1. Decide what use you want to make of the computer
Before purchasing components or setting a budget, you need to know what you plan to use the system for. For standard desktop PCs, used to surf the internet and run simple programs (such as Word and Excel) older and inexpensive parts are enough, while those dedicated to video games or graphics need more powerful and updated components.
You can expect to spend less than € 500 on the simplest desktop computers. For those for gaming or editing, the budget varies from € 500 to several thousand
Step 2. Establish your budget
It is all too easy to start buying the components you are interested in on a budget, only to find that you have run out of money before you have bought everything you need to complete the computer. Decide an ideal limit (for example 300 €) and a mandatory one (for example 400 €) and try not to exceed that range.
Also use common sense in your purchases. For example, if the processor that fits into your budget costs $ 100, but at $ 120 you have the option to purchase a more powerful and modern processor that normally costs $ 200 at a discounted price, spending that extra $ 20 is probably a good investment. in the long term
Step 3. Find out which components you need to purchase
Regardless of your budget, you need the following parts for your project.
- Processor: the "brain" of your computer.
- Motherboard: The interface that communicates the processor with all the other components of the computer.
- RAM: Random Access Memory or random access memory. This is the amount of memory the computer has available for processing and calculations. The more RAM, the faster the computer (up to a limit).
- Hard drive: the space to store your data. You can buy a traditional hard drive, or a more expensive solid state hard drive (SSD) if you want an extremely fast drive.
- Power Supply: This component powers all parts of the computer. It also acts as an interface between the system and the power outlet you connect it to.
- Case: required to protect and cool components.
- Graphics card: used to create the images you see on the screen. Most processors have an integrated graphics card (GPU), but you can purchase a dedicated one if you plan on using your computer for gaming or complex editing tasks.
- Cooling System: Keeps the inside of the case at a safe temperature. It is only needed for computers dedicated to gaming or editing. For normal ones, regular fans are enough.
Part 2 of 4: Purchase the Components
Step 1. Find out where to buy the components
Local stores have parts layout, but you can usually find similar products at lower prices on the internet. Try Amazon or eBay.
Do not rule out used parts a priori, especially those sold "as new" or in excellent condition. You can often find used components at very discounted prices, without losing performance
Step 2. Research all the components you intend to purchase
Read industry magazines and sites that collect consumer reviews for more information. Remember, this is one of the most important steps, because the efficiency of the computer depends a lot on the proper functioning of the hardware.
- Look for good reviews for your favorite products, on the site you are considering buying on, and on others.
- Once you find a component with good reviews, look for negative reviews. You may find that it is great for some types of use and inappropriate for your personal preferences.
Step 3. Find a processor
This component (the CPU) is the heart of the computer's performance. The higher the processor speed in gigahertz (GHz), the faster it processes data and the more RAM it can use.
- The processor usually represents the highest cost item within the budget.
- Processors usually have at least two cores and can go up to 12. If you're not planning on building a super high performance gaming PC, a two core model may suffice.
- Intel and AMD are the two main processor manufacturers.
Step 4. Purchase a motherboard suitable for your processor
You have to choose a model compatible with your CPU; to do this, check the list of processors supported by the card (on some sites you will also find cards compatible with a specific processor). For the rest, consider the following before deciding which motherboard to buy:
- Wireless network card (this component allows the computer to connect to wireless networks)
- Bluetooth
- Multiple RAM slots
- Support for graphics cards if needed
Step 5. Buy RAM
Within this memory are stored the data of the programs in execution, so it is important that there is sufficient space. Before buying RAM, be sure to check which models your processor and motherboard support.
- There is a limit to the amount of RAM a computer can use, imposed by the processor's maximum memory. For example, installing 16GB of RAM on a system that only supports 8GB is a waste of money.
- Depending on your motherboard, you will usually buy DDR3 or DDR4 RAM. You can find out what type of memory your card supports by consulting its documentation.
Step 6. Buy a hard drive
In comparative terms, buying a drive is simple, because almost all of them are compatible with all motherboards and processes. You just have to make sure that the model you choose isn't too big for your case. Buy a SATA drive with at least 500GB of space from a reputable manufacturer, such as Western Digital, Seagate, or Toshiba.
- The speed of the most common hard drives is 7200 RPM.
- Hard drives can also be connected with IDE cables instead of SATA ones, but the latter protocol is newer and supported by all modern motherboards.
- If you want a smaller hard drive that retrieves data faster, you can decide to buy a solid state drive (SSD). These storage drives are significantly more expensive than traditional ones.
Step 7. If necessary, purchase a graphics card
A dedicated graphics card is essential for playing the latest games, while not essential if you intend to use your computer for simpler daily tasks. If you watch or edit a lot of HD videos or play all the titles of the moment, you need a dedicated graphics card.
- As with any other component, make sure the graphics card is compatible with the motherboard.
- Almost all Intel CPUs have an integrated graphics card, so you don't need a dedicated one if you plan on using your computer for office work, surfing the internet, sending emails and some online games.
- Graphics cards are also known as "video cards".
Step 8. Make sure your power supply is capable of supporting all components
The power supply powers all parts of the computer. Some cases have a pre-installed power supply, while others have to mount it yourself. This component must be powerful enough to power all the others; do not worry about wasting energy by purchasing a model that is oversized compared to the absorption of your computer, because the energy expended will only be that which is actually consumed by the system, while the wattage refers to the maximum power capacity.
- Choose a power supply from a reputable manufacturer, such as EVGA or Corsair.
- If you're going to play games on your computer, you need at least a 550W power supply.
Step 9. Find a functional and attractive case
The case contains all the parts of the computer. Some come with a power supply pre-installed, but if you plan to build a gaming PC, you may want to purchase the power supply separately, as the ones supplied are usually not of good quality.
- The size of the case depends on the number of slots for hard drives and graphics cards, as well as the size and type of the motherboard.
- Make sure you choose a case that can hold all components, including the hard drive.
Part 3 of 4: Assemble Your Computer
Step 1. Get down on the ground
Use an anti-static wrist strap to prevent static electricity discharges, which can be lethal to your computer's electronic components.
If you can't find an antistatic wristband, plug the power supply into a power outlet (without turning on the computer), then keep your hand on that unit every time you touch a static-sensitive item
Step 2. Open the case
Unscrew the side panel (or slide it towards the back of the case).
Step 3. Install the power supply
In some cases this component is already installed, while in others you will have to purchase it separately and install it yourself. Make sure you mount it in the correct orientation and that nothing is blocking the fan.
Usually the power supply goes to the top of the case. You can determine where it should be by looking for a missing section of the back of the computer
Step 4. Add the components to the motherboard
It is usually easier to do this before installing the board itself, because inside the case it is more difficult to connect the parts:
- Connect the processor to the motherboard by finding the port dedicated to that component on the surface of the board and securing the processor cable or connectors to the port.
- Connect the RAM to the motherboard by finding the dedicated memory slots and inserting the banks appropriately (they should only fit one way).
- Connect the power supply to the motherboard power port.
- Find (but don't connect) the motherboard's SATA port. Later you will use it to connect the hard drive to the card.
Step 5. If necessary, apply thermal paste to the processor
Put a drop (about the size of a grain of rice) of thermal paste on the CPU. If you put too much of it you will get dirty all over and the paste could end up in the motherboard sockets, causing components to short circuit and reducing the value of the board if you decide to sell it in the future.
Some processors with a pre-installed heatsink do not need the thermal paste, because it has already been applied to the heatsink by the manufacturer. Check the bottom of the heatsink before applying the paste to the processor
Step 6. Connect the heatsink
This varies from model to model, so read the instructions for your processor.
- Most standard heatsinks attach directly to the processor and clip onto the motherboard.
- Third party heatsinks may have arms to attach under the motherboard.
- Skip this step if your processor heatsink is already installed.
Step 7. Prepare the case
You may need to remove the back plates to be able to insert the components correctly.
- If your case has separate drives to keep hard drives on, install them using the screws included in the box.
- You may need to install and connect the case fans before you can install the other components. In this case, follow the installation instructions of the case.
Step 8. Secure the motherboard
Once the brackets are installed, place the card inside the case and push it against the back plate. All ports on the back should line up perfectly with the holes in the input / output plate.
Use the supplied screws to secure the motherboard to the brackets, using the insulated holes on the board
Step 9. Connect the case connectors
They are usually found adjacent on the motherboard, close to the front of the case. The order of connection goes from the most difficult to the easiest. Make sure you connect the USB ports, power and reset buttons, power button LED power and hard drive access light, as well as the front audio cables. Read in the motherboard manual where you need to connect these cables.
There is usually only one way to connect these connectors to the motherboard. Do not try to force a connection if the cables do not enter
Step 10. Install the hard drive
The operation to do this varies slightly from case to case, but usually the following steps are required:
- Remove the front panels of the case (if you are installing an optical drive, you will usually need to do this on the top of the case).
- Insert the hard drive into its slot (again, usually at the top of the case).
- Secure the screws that hold the drive in place.
- Plug the drive's SATA cable into the motherboard's SATA slot.
Step 11. Connect the power supply to the necessary components
If you haven't already connected the power supply to the parts that need power, make sure it is connected to the following items:
- Motherboard
- Graphic card
- Hard disk
Step 12. Finish assembling the computer
Once the various internal components of the system have been positioned and connected, all you have to do is make sure that no cables interfere with the air circulation and close the case.
- If you have purchased a cooling system, install it before continuing. To do this, read the system installation instructions.
- Many cases have a side panel that you can slide into place or screw into place.
Part 4 of 4: Start the Computer
Step 1. Plug your computer into a power outlet
Using the power supply cable, connect the system to a wall outlet or power strip.
If necessary, plug the power cord into the power supply port on the back of the computer
Step 2. Connect a monitor to the computer
You will usually use the graphics card output located at the bottom of the case, although on some motherboards this port is on the right or left side of the case.
The most common outputs are DisplayPort or HDMI
Step 3. Turn on your computer
Press the button Power
on the front or back of the case. If you have connected everything correctly, the system should boot.
If you run into trouble booting or your computer won't turn on, unplug it, open the case, and check your connections again
Step 4. Install Windows or Linux
Windows is compatible with all PCs and is able to make the most of many features (such as Bluetooth), but if you don't have a product key you will need to purchase one. Linux is free, but it may not be able to use all of the system hardware.
If you don't have a USB installation drive you will need to create one on another computer before you can install the operating system
Step 5. Install the drivers
Once the operating system is installed, you need to think about the drivers. Most of the hardware you buy comes with disks that contain the software you need to make it work.
Modern versions of Windows and Linux will automatically install most drivers if an internet connection is available
Advice
- Some power supplies have a built-in 115 / 230V transformer. If you live in the United States, use the 115V configuration.
- All power cords can only be connected in the correct orientation, but some pressure is still required to insert them. If you are using a modern power supply with a 12V 8-pin EPS connector and an 8-pin PCI Express connector, don't try to force them in.
- You can use plastic ties to neatly bundle all cables and arrange them so they don't interfere with airflow.
- If you've purchased an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) edition of Microsoft Windows and have a license sticker, you can stick it to one side of your PC so you can refer to it in the future when prompted by Windows Setup.
- If you bought a liquid cooling system instead of a regular fan, you should run a twenty-four hour test to ensure there are no leaks before installing it in your computer.
Warnings
- Do not touch the resistors and pins on the CPU or socket.
- Be careful when working around the sharp edges of the case's metal plates. It is easy to cut yourself, particularly if the case is very small.
- Avoid electrostatic discharges when installing components. Wear an antistatic wristband or ground yourself regularly by touching a metal part of the case before handling computer parts.
- Do not buy computer parts from untrustworthy online retailers; you may be scammed, or the components may be faulty.
