Cheap Custom Built Computers
There are several advantages why you should consider custom-built
computers. Even though there is such a wide selection of name-brand
computers at very low prices available, custom-built computers allow
you to get the best system available with the advantage of future
upgradeability.
Store-bought (already built) computers will not allow you to get
exactly what you want; instead, you will have to compromise and accept
the ‘best fit’ available for your requirements.If you are a gamer, do
digital photography or run a lot of graphics, you should build a
computer to fit your needs and budget.
To build your own
computer requires following all instructions diligently and paying
attention to every detail…. No shortcuts! But… it’s lots of fun!
Computer Tools
You should acquire computer tools so as to prevent damage to your
custom-built computer. This should include an anti-static wrist band
that should be worn while handling the computer parts to protect the
components from Static Electricity.
Static Electricity is the accumulation of electrical charges in an
object and your body and this can damage your computer parts. Keep your
components stored in the antistatic bag that they came in until they
are ready to be installed.
The parts that are required for custom-built computers
The case protects all the
internal components and helps to minimize radio frequency interference
(RFI). There are various designs and form factors relating to a
computer case. Whatever you choose will depend on how much space is
available for it to fit and your preference. Do you prefer a desktop
that sits on your desk? Or, do you prefer a tower that sits underneath
or beside the desk?
The
motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer. All the other
computer parts plug into it. Making the right choice of motherboard is
important since it will enable future upgrades to your computer system.
The processor is the ‘brain’ of
the computer. It tells every component of the system and the programs
what to do. When building your computer, deciding on which processor to
use is extremely important. Your choice will determine the type of
motherboard that you will buy.
Computer
memory (RAM) is like your everyday ‘scratchpad’. It’s where the
computer randomly stores running programs. It’s volatile – that means
whenever the system is powered down (turned off), RAM is lost. Your
choice of memory (RAM) will also be determined by the type of
motherboard that you acquire. Operating systems now require large
amounts of memory. High-level graphics programs, gaming and digital
photography also require a lot of memory. Purchase as much memory as is
allowable.
Your hard drive is like
a filing cabinet. It stores all your files and programs. The operating
system, system files and programs are stored on the hard drive. You
should try to purchase the largest hard drive capacity that you can
possibly afford. There are several advantages why you should consider
custom-built computers. Even though there is such a wide selection of
name-brand computers at very low prices available, custom-built
computers allow you to get the best system available with the advantage
of future upgradability.
Although it is now the ‘norm’ for today’s
computers not to have floppy drives, I would strongly recommend that
you acquire one. This drive can become very helpful if your system
crashes and you need to boot from a floppy diskette.
You will need this drive to install your operating system and watch DVD movies.
This is the component that displays all the graphics on your monitor.
Produces the audio for the speakers. This is needed for playing games and watching DVDs.
The Keyboard and Mouse are the two most used input devices in your system.
- IDE/EIDE/SATA/Drive Cables
Ensure
that you have available all the drive cables that will be needed for
connecting the hard drive, floppy drive and DVD-ROM to the motherboard
of your computer. These cables are usually supplied with the
motherboard.
Although it is not a
computer part, it is extremely important that you purchase a very good
surge suppressor to protect your custom-built computer from power
surges and voltage spikes.
- UPS (Emergency Backup System)
This
functions both as a surge suppressor and an emergency backup system to
protect your valuable data during a power outage. It will help to
protect your computer against surges, spikes and brownouts. It will
also protect your system and data whenever there are fluctuations in
power and during power outages. If you purchase a UPS system, you do
not need a surge suppressor.
An
operating system is a set of programs that instructs the computer how
to perform various tasks. The computer will not function without it.
Although not a computer part, it should be acquired along with your
parts.
This is the most important output component of your computer system. It will allow you to view texts, graphics and DVD movies.
Ready to build your own computer?
After acquiring your parts, you are now ready to build your computer. Let’s do it! .....
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