For the vast majority of users, pre-built computers get the job done. However, for people who want a top end machine without breaking the budget, building your own computer can be a relatively inexpensive solution. Although the task may seem intimidating, assembling your own computer can be much simpler than it seems.
There are a few good reasons why someone might not be satisfied with the standard builds available on the market. If you are a gamer, for example, you will probably need a high performance graphics card in your computer. A quality GPU is needed to play many cutting edge video games. These cards are rarely expensive but are simply left out of many manufacturer’s systems. Gaming optimized hardware are usually included in much more costly machines. As if this weren’t enough, many computers do not include a power supply strong enough to run a quality video card. For someone who wants to play video games on a budget, this means performing some serious surgery on an inexpensive off-the-shelf system. However, if you are willing to build a system from scratch, you will have a fairly easy time buying a competitive setup at a low price, and you won’t have to deal with the frustration of a slow computer.
Building your own high performance computer is a simpler process than it might appear at first. You only really need a few basic parts. The short list includes a power supply, motherboard, processor, case, hard drive, and DVD drive. RAM is another necessity. If you want high quality graphics, you can include a quality video card in your shopping list. There are many more optional hardware components to choose from as well. Buying your own pieces allows you to customize your system to run the programs that you prefer. This can save quite a bit of money. Manufacturers frequently include hardware that will exceed the requirements you need in one category while failing to provide quality components in another.
The power supply is a particularly underrated piece of hardware. Future upgrades will only be made possible by having a good quality power supply. The same is true of the motherboard; a poor or outdated motherboard will not be compatible with high performance processors. You should choose a motherboard that has good upgrade potential. Your processor and motherboard must be compatible, otherwise your entire system will not function. If you invest most of your budget in those two pieces, you will be able to upgrade very easily in the future.
Once you have purchased your parts, make sure that you have the proper tools to put together your computer. You will probably only need a small phillips-head screwdriver, but other tools may be necessary. You can ask at the store or a representative online whether you will need additional tools when you purchase your parts. It would be a good idea to purchase an anti-static wrist bracelet while you are getting the hardware. Static electricity can damage your valuable computer parts. Since an anti-static wrist bracelet costs so little, you should purchase one for good measure.
Putting together the computer will be a bit of a challenge for the first-timer. Have patience. Carefully read the instructions that come with each component. Watch a few instructional videos. Take note of the shapes of each connector, they are specifically designed only to fit into the correct socket. Never try to force a part that does not look like it matches the slot you are attempting to fit it in. You should leave a little room in the budget for unexpected expenses; your first build might involve some accidental damage to parts. Do not dispose of any of the packaging or receipts for the components until you have finished building and tested your PC. You may find that certain parts do not work together despite appearing to be compatible, or a few parts may suffer from manufacturing errors that render them non-functional. Any such parts must be replaced with working, compatible equivalents.
Once you have completed your first machine, you will have an excellent, personalized computer and a sense of accomplishment. It will also be very easy for you to upgrade in the future. While the vast majority of consumers will be sated with pre-built computers, the user with specialized needs will find this strategy much cheaper.
Since computer repair is our business here at Geek Choice, we spend a lot of time rebuilding computers, testing hardware, and resolving compatibility problems. If you run into any issues while putting together your own computer, whether it’s trying to pick out the right power supply for your needs or troubleshooting a newly assembled machine that isn’t working, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-GEEK-HELP (433-5435) for advice or on-site support for all your tech needs.
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