Building a New Computer - Part 1: Choosing Hardware
I recently decided to build myself a new desktop computer for my house, and after talking about it with a number of friends, I realized that most people have no idea what goes into building a computer yourself… so this series will explain the basics of building your own custom PC.
My primary goal with the new computer was to have a quad core machine with lots of memory, and two DVI ports so I can run dual monitors. I didn't have a huge budget, so the configuration I chose was the best I could find for the money I had.
Why Should I Build a Computer Anyway?
Sure, building your own computer is something of a rite of passage for geeks… but that isn't reason enough to build your own computer. Here's a few reasons for you to ponder:
- You can more easily upgrade a custom-built computer.
- By hand-picking the components, you'll end up with a much faster computer than buying a low-end Dell, which uses somewhat inferior components in order to keep the costs down.
- You can overclock the computer to get a lot more speed than the components are spec'd for.
If you think you'll be able to build yourself a cheaper computer than a low-end Dell, you are mistaken. If you are looking for absolute budget deals, buy a Dell. Otherwise, building a computer is a good option.
Pick Your Price Point
The first thing you need to do is figure out how much you are willing to spend… whether $500 or $5000.
You should be able to build a very fast computer for less than $1000, just keep in mind that the very latest components are going to be way more expensive than they are worth. If you choose the next edition down for any component, you'll probably save a ton of money.
What Parts Do I Need?
Building your own computer gives you infinite possibilities in the components that you choose… want three hard drives? No problem! But what are the bare minimum parts you need for a computer?
- Case with a Power Supply
- Motherboard - Note: some motherboards come with integrated video, most have integrated sound and network.
- Processor
- Memory (RAM)
- Hard Drive
- Video Card
Optional parts:
- DVD/CD drive - Not technically necessary, but important for installing the OS.
- LCD Monitor - If you don't already have one.
- Keyboard/Mouse - If you don't already have them.
- Speakers - If you don't already have them, and want sound.
- Etc - There are many other optional components you could add, but we won't cover them all.
The big question: AMD or Intel?
The biggest choice you have when building a computer is the processor… do you want to use AMD or Intel? There's no right answer, but your choice will dictate the motherboards that you can use.
If you are completely unsure, choosing one of the Intel Core 2 CPUs is probably a decent choice. You can always check the CPU charts at Tom's Hardware for benchmark comparisons between chips.
Once you've chosen the processor, you'll need to examine the specs to figure out what type of motherboard you'll need. For instance, if you look at the processor I chose, you'll see that it has an LGA 775 socket type, and runs at 1066MHz bus:
Using this information, most sites allow you to do a power search by those characteristics:
This will help you make sure that your motherboard is going to match the processor that you chose. You can further refine by other specs, such as whether the board has integrated video, RAID, etc. (Note that if you plan to buy a separate video card you shouldn't get a board with integrated video on it)
You also want to make sure that you choose a motherboard that will fit in the case. For instance, if your case is ATX, you'll need an ATX motherboard:
What about my Graphics Card?
Choosing a video card hinges on the following question: Do you play PC video games?
If you do, then you should spend the money to get a good card. If you don't, then you can pretty much pick up any $50 ATI or NVIDIA DVI video card and it will work perfectly fine for your needs. Just make sure that your motherboard has the correct slot… if you buy a PCI Express x16 card, your motherboard should have that slot (most do).
If you are a gamer, you should think about getting an NVIDIA 8800 GTS card, which is going to be blazing fast. You should note that many of the higher end video cards will require a separate power connector, so you should make sure that your power supply has the right connector.
I don't usually play video games on my PC, so I decided to use an NVIDIA 7600 GT video card that I got from my brother. Even though it's a slightly older card, it's still blazing fast and more than meets my needs.
Note: If you are really not worried at all about video card performance, you could get a motherboard with integrated video, but it will be a lot slower.
How Much Memory Should I Get?
If you are going to run a 32-bit version of Windows or Linux, you should probably only get 3GB of memory since the system is not going to support more than 3.2GB of memory. If you want to use more memory, I'd recommend switching to 64-bit Windows Vista.
When buying memory, make sure that you buy memory that matches the memory standard… if the board only accepts DDR2 1066, 4×240 pin memory, make sure that you get memory that matches.
Note that sometimes the quick specs don't tell the full story… for instance the motherboard that I bought supports DDR2 800 as well as DDR2 1066 memory, so I ended up getting the cheaper memory since I'm on a budget here… having more memory is more important than memory speed.
I wouldn't advise wasting your money on the absolute fastest memory unless you plan to overclock the system.
What About DVD and Hard Drives?
There's one very simple rule: Make sure you buy only SATA drives, for both hard drives and DVD drives. The SATA bus runs at 3.0Gb/second, which makes it much faster than the ancient IDE bus. This will also protect you for the future… someday there won't be IDE ports on motherboards.
Your hard drive is the most likely component to have a failure, so the key things you want to look at are: good reviews from other buyers, and a good warranty. I recently had a hard drive come in the mail DOA… so being able to return it easily is very important.
Should I Get an Expensive Case?
When looking up cases you'll quickly notice that some of them are very expensive, and some of them are very cheap. The more expensive cases will usually run quieter or cooler than the cheap ones, and they will give you easier access to the components. You'll also find that the cheap cases come with cheap power supplies… which will not last as long and you'll end up replacing them.
If you are building a computer for your basement, you don't plan to open it often, and don't really care what it looks like, you can get by with a fairly cheap case, but you might want to buy a decent power supply.
If you are building a computer for your bedroom that you'll leave on… you should probably spend the money on a decent case that dampens the sound coming from the computer.
Make Sure to Get Feedback
Once you've picked out your components, you should get feedback from other people. Obviously checking the reviews for each component is necessary, but you want to get some opinions on the overall configuration.
One great place to do that is on our forums… I posted my configuration there and got some valuable feedback from our great forum users.
Final Configuration
Here's the hardware that I chose, note that the prices were as of the time I bought them. I'm not necessarily recommending this exact configuration, if I had to choose the parts again I would have bought a better case / power supply.
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz LGA 775 | $219 |
| Motherboard | ASUS P5K-E LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Motherboard | $139 |
| Memory | mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) | $88 |
| Hard Drive | $120 | |
| Case | XION II XON-101 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower 450W Power Supply | $70 |
| Video Card |
NVIDIA 7600GT 256MB PCI Express x16 (This link is to a similar card) |
$73 |
| DVD | $30 | |
| Total Price: | $739 |
Note: the video card in the list isn't the exact card I used, and I didn't have to pay for mine since it was a gift… but I figured I'd include it so you'd get the whole picture.
Here's all the parts stacked up on my table at home:
You can also read the rest of the series:
- Building a New Computer - Part 1: Choosing Hardware
- Building a New Computer - Part 2: Putting it Together
- Building a New Computer - Part 3: Setting it Up
- Building a New Computer - Part 4: Installing Windows and Loading Drivers
- Building a New Computer - Part 5: Tweaking Your New Computer
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I am guessing you did not choose to run 64 bit Vista.
I think your readers could learn something from that example.
I am not a gamer so I am using the $450 Dell for my desktop. I do not have the expandability or bios access. My machine is a little louder than I like. I am running a 2 head PCI-e and a 2 head PCI card for 4 screens. I will have to upgrade the stock power supply soon. I have 2 Sata hard drives with no plug or even room for more. It does not have spots for and IDE drives so I can't use older drives. There are no ps2 ports either so my favorite older trackball has to use an adapter and a usb port. I spent the rest of my budget on an EEE PC but there were trade offs.
Thanks for your blog. I always get something.
@ThePeopleGeek
I did install 64-bit Vista on this computer, actually, since I put 4GB of RAM in it.
I'm so glad I don't splurge on another 2Gigs of RAM when I bought the 2 I have. Didn't know you could only have up to 3.2G on a 32bit system
Is there a way to run 32Bit apps in a 64Bit OS?
Niiice! I think your tutorials are awesome. This one has my interest as I have always wanted to build one from the ground up. I'll be looking over your shoulder on this project. Good luck!
@Fantom
Yes, you can run almost any 32-bit application in Windows Vista 64-bit. The only exceptions are certain applications that require drivers or kernel-level modules… for instance most ISO mounting utilities don't work.
So far, I've not had any problems running the software that I use often.
There will be a few more articles in the series… stay tuned
Hi,
if i would now buy i new computer i wouldn't choose a Quad Core. There are simply no applications that use all 4 Core's (ok, there are some, but they are not used at home). I think a much better choice would be a new 45nm Dual Core. They consume less power, they don't produce so much heat and they are newer than the Q6600 which was introduced in 1/2007. Personally i would choose an E7200 - 2.5GHz, 3MB cache, 45nm - cool, quiet and fast enough. If you would need more cache than an E8×00 is for you.
@rswrc
You are probably right, for regular people the quad core might not be necessary. I'm a programmer, and I run a lot of virtual machines… so the more cores the better for my purposes.
There's also a faster version of the quad core that runs at 2.5Ghz as well… but I was working on a budget.
that is a nice machine that you got there. and when i was building mine not too long ago i almost picked the same case as you
@jack
Yeah, the case is pretty cool looking… but the power supply is really cheap, and the fans are a little louder than I'd like.
I mainly bought it because I already have another XION case for my linux server… figured I'd go with the same brand.
I have 4gb running on my 32-bit Vista, SP1 allowed you to use 4gb.
Nice work. This is a very clearly written and well put together piece. I first learnt the basics of building a computer from a friend of mine, who showed me that there really isn't anything to worry about. Since then I've built countless machines and, whilst it's good to know a bit about what's going on, there really isn't that much to it.
It's kind of like lego, or even more simple, like fitting those blocks through the similarly shaped hole. Stuff can only fit in one place - it's kind of hard to really mess it up!
I'd agree with the comment about quad cores - most people aren't going to need it (at home). I recently upgraded my own CPU to a 45nm dual-core E8400, running at 3GHz out-of-the-box, for just $209.99. On the stock cooler, it can easily be overclocked to 3.6Ghz with next to no tweaking.
Though you - very - briefly touch on the subject of being able to upgrade the built PC, you might want to mention that this is one of the best reasons to roll your own box. You can sometimes upgrade those of others, but more often than not, you can't. On your own PC, you can almost always do so, which is a great advantage, giving you lots of life.
I'd also second the idea of going with two graphics cards for > 2 monitors (I prefer 3 to 4, however), and suggest that if you can, go with a 64-bit OS and > 4GB of RAM. Recently expanded to 8GB myself. It's nice.
Are u abl 2 get a laptop case to build ur own laptop?
"If you are going to run a 32-bit version of Windows or Linux, you should probably only get 3GB of memory since the system is not going to support more than 3.2GB of memory."
You're right, and then again, not quite. 32-bit Windows will only use 3.2GB, not because that's all it can, but because Microsoft has designed it that way, or so I'm told.
Linux, however, is a different story. While 32-bit protected virtual address mode does have a limit of ~3.2GB for usable RAM (it's actually 4GB, but a certain amount is reserved for the kernel), 32-bit systems are not limited to using protected virtual address mode. By using Physical Address Extension (usually through a "bigmem" kernel), 32-bit systems can utilize up to 64GB of RAM. Some distributions don't have a bigmem kernel by default, notably Ubuntu, but the server kernel (or a somewhat difficult-to-discover server kernel with restricted modules: linux-restricted-modules-2.6.24-16-server), which does have PAE enabled can be used instead.
There is a lot of conflicting information floating around the internet regarding RAM limits for 32-bit systems, but I can vouch for PAE, as I use it on my 32-bit Ubuntu system with 4GB RAM, and I'm not limited to 3.2 GB. (What are limited though, are individual processes, which can't use more than 3GB at a time.)
@BurntToast: I would recommend Alienware if you want a custom built laptop: http://www.alienware.com/
@Justin:
I didn't mention PAE since it's more of a server technology… while it does exist in the Windows world as well, it's not optimal since desktop applications can't use the extra memory. Same goes for Ubuntu desktop in my testing… the default kernel just doesn't support it.
PAE for Windows is usually limited to server applications…. we have at least 8GB of RAM in each of our SQL Server machines at work, for example.
I personally think people should start moving towards 64-bit, it works quite well and has no issues with memory limits. I'm now using nothing but 64-bit… my linux server at home, this Vista box, and even the howtogeek website (RHEL 64-bit).
I am curious as to why you chose the Samsung HD. According to your article the warranty should be a big consideration when choosing a HD. Samsung does not provide a very good warranty. Even worse, Samsung requires you to RMA their products through the original vendor (ie: NewEgg) which seems like a real hassle.
@Eric:
Good catch… The reason I wrote the line about warranty being important was from personal experience over the last few months
I actually bought that hard drive separately, was originally going to use it as a scratch drive for my linux server. I bought another drive for this box, but it came in the mail dead… and silly me didn't open it up and test it for about 34 days after I got it… so the newegg return had run out, now I have to send back to the manufacturer. Then I had another hard drive die without a warranty…
In my experience, it's almost always better to RMA products through Newegg vs anybody else… they are simply top-notch.
hi geek nice review can you tell me the config if i want a gaming pc and the perfect video card and the heat can be controlled of the whole pc.
The first thing you want to ask yourself is, "What do I want to do with this PC?"
You could find a used PC for $100 monitor included if all you need to do is surf the internet. Heck you don't even need a hard drive to do that. A CD with a PE installation can have you surfing the net VIRUS PROOF!
I recently built a highend gaming rig for $700* so if you are paying more than $1000 you are paying too much.
* INTEL lga 755
2 gig ddr2
geforce 8600gts 256mb
dvd burner 12x
I beat crysis on 1280 x 768 maxed
It's great the feedback your blog produces. Thax for sharing all this with us. That said, my turn to " why didn't you… "
Or you can boot to Windows or to Linux. It would have been great for you to try it out for us
Asus has a motherboard that has linux embeded on it and can boot in 5 ( FIVE ) seconds to a splashtop!! The P5E3 Deluxe motherbaord has a browser and skype embeded on it so you can surf the web or make a call FIVE seconds after turning the machine on
@Dirk
I really want to try out that Asus motherboard… the problem is that they are more than double the price of the one I got… I'm sure they will come down in price.
What I'm wondering is whether you can customize the embedded version of linux… I'd love to use that as a media box hooked up to my TV.
Richard,
I wish I could roll the calander back 10 or 12 months. It was then that I decided I was not going to pay the prices demanded by the cookie cutter companies for the weak machines they offerred.
I literally spent months checking compatibility of various components and asking questions before finally committing to a plan and ordering parts for my first (ever) computer. Doesn't it figure that, right after I spent my first $400 on my "Black Hole" machine, I was given a Dell D3000.
Like you, I don't do games and my budget is limited.. Unlike you, I went with a single-core Intel 631 Cedar Mill, 3.0GB processor and ECS 945 MoBo without graphics. I then chose an EVGA nVidia 8400GS card, 2GB of Kingston Hyper-X (PC6400) RAM and stuffed it into an inexpensive case with 480w. My needs only slightly exceed Email, surfing and some video and music stuff, but with the SATA 250GB (16MB) HDD and Optical drives, the machine should cook whatever I throw at it for a long time.
The best thing about this configuration, I suppose, is that the MoBo is dual-core compatible and will accept another 2GB of RAM, if and when I find the need (and the price drops).
Yes, you're right- I didn't mention an OS. I originally planned this machine as a Linux box but may end up adding XP Pro in. My lack of experience with Linux being the only reason.
Meanwhile, The new 19″ LG Flatron and MS Ergo 4000 are in use on the Dell while I ping-pong the OS issue.
Finally, I tend to question the one statement you made regarding saving money. Even if I do barf up the funds for XP Pro, I haven't seen a ready-rolled machine yet with specs approaching mine for the money I will have in it.
P.S. The Dell machine, named Anemic Enema, is further proof that you do not get what you pay for. A 4 year old machine with only 256MB of DDR (not DDR2) RAM? That's pitiful!
Great thank you
I had many problems specially choose between AMD or Intel but with this useful post i can solve them
Good luck to you
What did you do to buy Windows Vista 64? Did you get an OEM? I would think having a valid Vista would add to your cost on that thing.
@Alan
I personally have an MSDN subscription from work, which includes licenses for Vista (MSDN isn't cheap)
I should probably add something to the article about buying a valid license for some operating system.
Ok cool. I've been building and repairing computers for years. didn't have time when I stepped up to something for Vista. I found a decent priced HP and the re-opened CompUSA in Fort Lauderdale. I think I paid around $420.00 for a factory refurbished with an Intel Core 2 4400 and 2GB Ram. Not super duper but it does seem to be doing better than my much older white box (Soyo P4iY Fire Dragon) with P4 2.0 Ghz. I needed to keep up for my business with Vista as many customers were starting to get it by default on new laptops and such.
I put my website this time, so you'll know who I am. I assume that doesn't go live on the page here. I don't need any more publicity — I'm already doing fine
@Alan -
You can also get the Action Pack Subscription (which is about $300, depending on your location), and it gives you a 64-bit Vista license. IIRC, you'll only get one, which may not be enough for you, but it may also do the job for you. Finally, you are supposed to remove the Action Pack software after your license period (one year), which may not be a good thing, so keep that in mind - but with the variety of software you get, it can be a good deal.
I just wanted to let you know that I recently built a computer for my family. i have a thread for it over at "The Vista Forums" called "Building a new Family PC". use the search button @ the top-right of the page and search "Building new Family".
i posted a lot of pictures (hi-res) so people could see my build.
-my OS is Vista Ultimate (upgrade), i got it for $120 including shipping (JourneyEd.com)
I have always built my computers in the past until my notebook, and then my desktop. it is fun to build not cheap but fun. right now i am running a quad core phenom, with 3gb ram, and haven't had a problem yet. thanks good guide
@rswrc
Multi-core processors aren't restricted to just running a single application threads concurrently. Nowadays, regardless of operating system, a user will generally have a couple dozen or more processes loaded and available to run. This includes system processes and user processes. Multiple applications can take advantage of a multi-core processor. So anyone with a quad core system should see a performance improvement whether they are running a multi-threaded application or a few applications.
This is not to say that a dual-core system isn't enough for the average user though. Dual-core is plenty for most people.
I was just curious what other things you bought that are not listed here. Was the heat sink and thermal compound included with the processor? Or was that a separate purchase? And did you buy extra fans for the case, or were they all included with the case? And was there a need to buy any extra cables? Thanks.
This case looks pretty cool to me:
RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP ATX Mid Tower With 500W Power Supply — $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6811156062
Does the 450w power supply included with the the case have any 6 pin connectors for power because I plan on installing a 8800 GT in my setup.
Hey there.. thank you for all the great advice. i did the comptia a+. how do you know what to run, what goes with wht. i'm puzzeled.
No monitor? No OS? Gotta add that into the purchasing options when building a "new" computer.