[Jade]

I have always wanted to look into building my own computer so I know exactly what is in it, I wouldn't be bothered how long it would take me which I know would be a while.

Lets just say I have no experience in building a computer so where would I start?

[CG Man]

When you buy the motherboard in the box there will be all the cables you need and the manual to show you how to put it all together. To make life easier buy a super tower case so you have lots of room to work in, that too should come with a manual so you know how to install the parts into it.

Find out what processor you want and graphics card first then choose a compatible motherboard and a power supply unit that can power it all. For a gameing PC 480 watt is the minimum. If you want a quiet PC buy a PSU with quiet technology like the Tagen ones and a Zaleman Aero Flower cooler for the processor. Make sure the case has a fan at the front and back if not buy some that fit the case.

[Reuben]

Well once you have bought all the parts, the building only takes about an hour or two.
First of all, you are going to need to decide what you really want the computer for - gaming, work, etc.
If you don't need to computer for anything more than using the internet for email every so often, do you really need a new computer?
Then start looking at the price range for items you can afford. The system will differ depending on what you need the computer for.
Start by choosing a motherboard and work your way around that. Make sure your motherboard has all the slots you need, otherwise when you receive all the parts you might realize that they aren't compatible. Start looking at parts on www.newegg.com.

If you need more hlep just ask.

[Jade]

Oh my god I had a look at that link and I got well confused. I don't really 'need' a computer but I want to build on to learn etc as this is the sort of thing I would like to do on the side. I think I am going to need everything in dumb down terms..

[CG Man]

Take apart the computer you have now and then re build it. Thats the simplest way but don't blame me if it does'nt work. Have a look on Wikipedia about computers parts. Get your brain full of knowlege, if you don't know what to buy or what goes with what then you will have a hard time building computers that work.

[Reuben]

It always helps if you get one of those "Build a PC for Dummies" books. When I first started off they really helped me. They give a good general idea of things and really dumb it down so that anyone could understand.

I think you can also find some guides on the internet, but they are never as detailed.

[Jade]

I don't think I would dare take my computer apart, as I need my computer anyway.

Thanks Reuben I will have a look on Amazon for a book like that and see what I can learn!

[Mike]

Yes, building a computer is quite simple. That's easy for me to say as I have never done it before, but I have looked at guides and such, and have taken my computer apart before. I think I could do it easily with a guide. Just when buying parts, make sure everything is compatible.

Remember that you can make a computer quite cheap, and always upgrade the parts later on as you have more funds.

O, and don't forget the acrylic window, it's not cool without it.

[Reuben]

Well it's quite hard to update (a major update) your hardware nowadays. Usualy, to make the most of your new updated hardware, you will have to update the rest of your computer along with it. It's no use having a GeForce 7950GTX (high end graphics card) without a good enough CPU to make the most of it.

[Jade]

I have decided to give up on building a PC for now, all though I might have a stab at it in the future. There is this man across the street from me who builds computers etc. So I am going to see if I can learn anything from him.

[CompGal]

My husband builds computers. He's pretty quick with it too. He's self taught. I'm sure for those that want to learn how to do it there are plenty of sources on the Internet to help. I think it ends up cheaper to put the system together yourself. Also if you do that you learn a lot about each component of the computer as you go along. If you have any problems you can troubleshoot things yourself instead of having to relay on a tech person.