Computer Components

Components :

we need to select the actual parts that we will use in assembling our machine. I normally choose my components in the order that they are listed. The first 6 are mandatory or core components and the rest are optional.
Note: Below, you'll find descriptions for different components and some suggestions on where to buy those parts. Now, one thing to keep in mind is that if you order all your parts from a single retailer you can save some money on postage costs.

Note: Below, you'll find descriptions for different components and some suggestions on where to buy those parts. Now, one thing to keep in mind is that if you order all your parts from a single retailer you can save some money on postage costs.

a) Computer Case

This is the actual case that will house all your other parts. Consider it your computers house. It will dictate how your machine looks at first glance as well as what and how many parts you can put into your machine. Some people choose to build their own case. This is usually not cheap or easy! Please note that the motherboard also needs to be compatible with your Case. In other words if your board will not fit into your case you will have a big problem!

I have used sites like Xoxide.com, ATXcases.com and NewEgg.com. You have a lot of choices for your case; colors, sizes, number of drive bays, etc. Different motherboards have different designations like ATX, AT, Nano ITX and Mini-ITX and now Pico-ITX. These sizes directly correlate to the motherboards that go into them. You can see the differences in size of this boards below.

Most motherboards are built for an ATX case because these are the most popular and standard. Most of the PC cases you come across these days are for ATX motherboards.

They are pretty big in size like the two cases show below. You can fit lots of parts into here in with a standard ATX board. Obviously if you don‟t need all that room you might want to opt for a smaller case and motherboard.

Then you have Nano-ITX and Mini-ITX, these are newer smaller boards that hold low power processors like the Atom. Make sure you have enough room for things like hard drives, DVDROMs and enough room/support for the amount of storage memory (number of slots for keeping hard disks) you want.

The case pictured above is a low cost Apex Mini-ITX case. This case comes with a 250 watt power supply. If you buy your case with a power supply like this you can usually save money and not have to worry about researching compatibility issues. Keep in mind when you choose computer parts that you can get computer cases with one clear side so you can show of those colorful and glowing parts.

b) Power Supply

This is what supplies your computer‟s juice. Power is needed to um power your computer. Most basic computers are fine with a 250 to 300 watt power supply. But if you plan on adding more demanding video and sound cards, several hard disks or other add-ons you may want to get a more powerful power supply. A lot of computer cases come with power supplies but if yours does not you will have to match one up to your board yourself

c) Processor

When building a new computer, you need to decide if you want to go with an Intel or an AMD processor. Some people have their own feelings as to which are better and why but this decision is up to you.

Intel processors are known to be more expensive and in some instances more powerful. But again this decision is personal preference and will effect your next decision as well. This is your computer's brain.

I personally prefer Intel over AMD and if I have to go with an AMD processor I am more likely to buy one or two grades higher to match performance. IMO Intel outputs more power and has more bang for it‟s buck.

d) Motherboard

A motherboard is also called a main board or just “The Board”. So don‟t get confused. This is your core computer part. It is where all your components will plug into.

When you pick your motherboard you should decide what peripherals are going to be plugged into it. It will dictate your maximum memory, processor speed and the amount of available slots for cards and other goodies. The ATX board below has 5 PCI slots, 2 IDE connectors and two slots for Memory (DRam).

This would be a good time to run down what these actually do. The PCI slots are for add on cards. You can have boards with one PCI slot or 10. I have some servers that have 20 PCI slots. Obviously if you want more add-on‟s like a TV card or a wireless card you should make sure you have ample space.

I like to have at least one left over when I am done as a rule of thumb. This way if you need to add to your system you will not have to overhaul the whole box.

The IDE connectors on this board will connect to IDE hard drives. You can also have SATA (the newer standard) connections, or you can not use either of them and throw a SCSI card in the machine and use SCSI drives. The cheapest solution is still IDE so if you want to stay cheap that is the way to go. These are still very popular hard drives these days.

You can find low-end boards for under $50 and the slightly better mid range for around $100. You can buy high end boards with ridiculous amounts of slots and support for somewhere in the $300 range and that‟s without a processor!

e) RAM (Memory)

Your RAM aka Memory is what your computer uses to run programs. The more RAM you have on your machine the easier you make it for your computer to perform its functions. If your computer is using its entire available RAM it can use virtual memory on the hard drive. This will slow your machine down. Get as much memory as you can. Although Windows XP recommends a ridiculously low amount of RAM as a minimum, I'd get at least  2GB to start and with RAM being as cheap as it is today from places like Crucial.com, I would recommend maxing out your configuration. This is the best section to max out as it will help you all around in every function of your system. You can also get good deals sometimes on sites like SurplusComputers and even eBay!

We will only be talking about 32-bit Operating systems here (To keep it simple) so the max ram will be around 3.5GB (give or take a few MegaBytes). So don‟t go out and buy 8GB to put into your Windows XP or Vista 32 bit Operating System.

A normal machine will have 1-2 GB of memory any less than 1GB on Windows XP will be slow. If you're planning to run Windows Vista then don't go for anything lower than 2GBs.

f) Hard drive

This is where your computer stores your programs, personal data and Operating System. The bigger the hard drive the more stuff you can fit on it. Again because prices are where they are you should think about getting at least one hard drive with 250GB of space. You can get a 250GB drive in some online stores for under $100. I like NewEgg.com for drives and have been finding good deals on eCost.com for years as well.

We are working with IDE drives here because of how cheap they are and most boards come with IDE connections. But SATA drives are becoming more and more popular as they are faster and slightly more reliable.

You also have the option to add a SCSI controller card and SCSI hard drives. These are the best drives around and are commonly found in servers. They can be configured into redundant arrays that will prevent you from losing data!

But if you are having a hard time deciding just get your self a 7200 RPM (that is how fast it spins) IDE drive. They are cheap and can be found all over the web including Surpluscomputers.com and http://www.geeks.com/products.asp?cat=HDD .

You can find 80GB drive (with 7200 RPM) for as cheap as $20 and 250GB drives for $100. You just need to look around. If you are working with video files you will want a faster drive and can look at 10k or better for speed.

g) CD/DVD-ROM

This is your optical drive. Optical drives are very handy and nowadays are in more systems then floppy drives. You use this type of drive to listen to music, watch videos or to backup/move data.

Your optical drive can be a CD-Rom capable only of reading CD‟s or a CD-RW that can read, write and re-write CD‟s. If you have ever wanted to view DVD movies on your computer, then you can get a DVD-ROM. They also make combo-drives that read and write CD‟s and DVD‟s. Newer technology has given birth to Blue-Ray DVD‟s and the soon to be obsolete HD-DVD‟s. These are still new and very expensive.

You can also find drives from HP that are Light Scribe activated that allow you to print directly onto special CD‟s and DVD‟s from your drive.

h) Video/Graphics Card

If you decided to use your Motherboard‟s on-board graphics card you can skip this section. A good graphics card can be the difference between good and great image quality on any monitor. That is if that is what you are going for. If this system will just be a headless server or an internet terminal you can normally use a Video Chip built into your motherboard.  Actually you're a gamer or designer you should do just fine with inbuilt graphics chip. The easiest way to check is to see if there is a DVI or VGA connector on the motherboard.

If you are going to be creating a media server and want to record Television (or just use your PC as TV) you will need a TV Tuner graphic card. If you want to watch your computer‟s output on your Television then you will need a video card with S-Video or HDMI out. So before buying the graphics make sure to check if your motherboard has the external connections you want like DVII/VGA (for the monitor) or S-Video (for TV).

An AGP card is probably the most common type pf graphics cards you will find. You can salvage one from an older system or even buy it from someone on eBay. If you are looking for the latest and greatest to get your video games going you are going to be spending a few bucks more on an PCI-Express card.

i) Network/Ethernet Card

You can find 10/100 or 10/100/1000 also known as Gigabit. Almost all modern Motherboards have this built in as well. Try to find a motherboard with a built-in Ethernet plug.

Just take your motherboard and look for the following slot in your motherboard, if you have it then you don't need a separate Ethernet Card. These types are generally more reliable and you won't have to take up a PCI slot to have the internet.

You may also want your system to only be wireless and then you will have to add either a PCI wifi card or an external USB wifi adapter.

j) Sound Card

If you don't plan on having surround sound or anything that requires crystal clear Quality sound, then just use the integrated sound card that comes with motherboard (most motherboards come with integrated sound cards these days). Nonetheless, if you want state of the art sound chances are you already know the component you want.

k) Monitor

If you have extra money in your budget, definitely spring for an LCD. Not only are they more attractive than a CRT, but they don't take up hardly any room on your desk. You don't have to get a huge LCD display; I have a 15 inch one that works great! Monitor is an essential part of your setup and if you're going to be spending lots of time in front of it I'd recommend going after at least 19” LCD screens. Or for the max. productivity you might consider going with even a 24” screen.

But if you are looking to build a cheap computer chances are you are not looking to drop the same amount of money on building your system as buying a display. You can get GREAT deals on CRT monitors around your neighborhood. Sometimes companies give them away when they are upgrading. You can find links to these giveaways on Craigslist or other similar sites.

l) Keyboard and Mouse

Don't go spending an arm and a leg on these. There are two main types of keyboards, corded and cordless. If you want to cut back on the amount of cords, then get a cordless keyboard, but keep in mind that it'll use batteries. Ball mice are pretty obsolete. Get at least an optical mouse and a cordless one if you don't like the cords! If you don't mind spending a few extra bucks I'd recommend going with Logitech brand. I personally have a simple corded USB keyboard and cordless mouse. Works pretty well.

j) Speakers

Some boards have a sound chip on board but they are usually pretty crappy. This will not help you listen to anything other than system sounds like that donnnnnnng noise you get when you have encountered an error!

Speakers are needed to actually output sound. Get a set of external speakers if you are not planning on just using your headphones or another external source like your home sound system.

Posted in: Hardware