How to build a pc: the basic components and how they fit together
Building a computer is relatively simple, essentially consisting of taking the necessary components, connecting them correctly, and powering up.
The basic parts of a computer are contained within the actual case of the computer. When dealing with a desktop computer, you have the tower (the 'box' with most of the components that actually make it work), and your various input and display devices (monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, etc).
If you already have a computer, chances are you can use your monitor, keyboard, etc of your old computer. So unless you want to upgrade one of these, your focus will be on the components that make it all work. If you do not already have a computer, you'll need at least a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Along this line, if you will be starting with an older computer and do not wish to get a new hard drive, you can use the old one and not have to deal with reinstalling an operating system. By doing this, you are getting closer to upgrading rather than building new.
In addition, if using a new hard drive you will need any software you want on your computer, including an operating system. If not using an old hard drive, make sure any important files are backed up.
Whatever the case, a computer is made up of several basic, physical parts:
Case
Motherboard (or mainboard)
CPU
Memory
Hard disk drive
Any additional drives
Network or modem card
Any additional cards
The case is where all the other components go. When you buy a case, it will probably have a power supply. If it doesn't, then you'll need to get one of those as well. Make sure your case will take the kind of motherboard you buy. Otherwise the holes in the mother board won't line up with those in the case, and you'll have trouble securing the motherboard.
The motherboard is where everything connects. Most of the remaining components hook into it either directly or through cables. Many motherboards have sound, video, and printer cards built in. For the general computer user, these will all work perfectly well for day to day running. However, if you are building a computer to primarily use for gaming, you may want a more advanced video card, and if sound is important, you may want a better sound card.
When you buy a CPU, many times you'll also get a heatsink and fan. Much like above with the motherboard and the video and sound cards, the heatsink and fan supplied will work fine, although others are available to use instead. You'll want to make sure the motherboard you get will accept the CPU you buy, as there are several different socket types. The motherboard must accept the type of socket your CPU has, which depends on brand and type of CPU.
The more you want to do with your computer, the more memory you need. If you are building a gaming computer or plan to be doing heavy multitasking, you want more memory than is in the typical store-bought computer. If you will just be using your computer for word-processing and other office tasks, 256Mb should be fine, although if you can get a good deal on more, you might go for it. Memory is easy to upgrade later, if needed. Again, much like the CPU and motherboard, you will need to make sure your motherboard has slots for the type and amount of memory you will be installing as different types sometimes have a different number of pins.
The hard disk is where the operating system and any other software and files you have are stored. The bigger the files you want to store, the more space you want to have. The hard drive often connects to the motherboard with an IDE cable, which often comes with the drive. The cable will have places for two drives, so you can have two hard drives if wanted.
Other drives that you could possibly also have are a floppy drive, a CD or DVD drive, a zip drive, or possibly a card reader.
You'll also probably want to have either a network card or modem if you want to connect to either the internet or a network. If you have DSL or cable internet, you'll need a network card, and if you have dial-up, you'll want a modem.
When actually building the computer, you'll want to have an area that is free of clutter. If you can, you should avoid carpeted areas, as static can be damaging to computer parts. You will also want to have a screwdriver.
Throughout, keep the computer unplugged from anything.
First you will need to take the cover off the case.
Next, you will either want to put the motherboard into the case using plastic snaps and screws (should be provided with either the motherboard or case). You'll do this by lining the holes in the case up with the holes in the motherboard. You may need to remove the plate so that the connectors for your monitor, printer, etc, fit in the back of the case.
Now you'll need to attach your CPU and the heatsink and fan to the motherboard. Follow the instructions provided with the CPU to do this correctly.
Once your CPU is in place, put in your memory. You'll do this by lining it up in the memory slots and pushing down. They should lock in place as you push down on the ends and bring up the clips on the ends of each slot.
Next you'll need to slide in, secure, and connect any drives. Set the drives up according to the provided instructions. As a tip, if you are connecting a CD or DVD drive, remember to connect the audio cable to the motherboard or sound card. Otherwise you won't hear anything when you play CDs or DVDs.
Once you have everything in place, it's time to power up. If you're using a new hard drive, you'll need to partition the drive (if needed/wanted) and load on an operating system.
Things may not run correctly at first if something is not hooked up or set up correctly. If this occurs, turn the computer off and unplug it, then make sure all cables and components are connected correctly. If they are and the computer will still not start up, you may need further help.
Hopefully you do not have many problems and your computer is up and running.
