Build your own

Group Logo: Georgios, Ian, Siobhan, Helen, Paul, Oates

Build your own PC

What is the purpose of your computer?	The first step: Decide how much you want to spend. Next, decide what to spend it on. Define a price: that should be easy. Set a maximum amount of money and one more preferable. You need to figure out exactly what you want to do with your computer in order to decide what hardware is best suited for your needs. Word Processing? Spreadsheets? Graphic or Sound development? Games? Using your priorities, develop the emphasis of your computer. If the priority is business applications, then you can probably downgrade the CPU, sound and 3D video requirements. If gaming is the priority, then emphasise in the computer itself, especially the CPU and 3D video, not printers and extra stuff. If you want to do graphic work then get a big monitor, a graphic card with lots of RAM, and possibly even a drawing tablet. You will also want a Zip drive to store large graphics. Part of the point of building your own system is that you can exactly put what you want in, down to every component. Remember that the cost of extras adds up quickly.
Hardware Recommendations	So, you've decided how much you want to spend and what your needs are. A list of the basic components you will have to include in your system, follows:
CPU	It is not always necessary to buy the fastest CPU available. Often, a CPU that is slightly slower than the fastest available will be a lot cheaper, making it an excellent alternative.
CPU
Memory	The more the better. Look to get at least 256MB as a minimum, possibly looking at 512 MB. Most of today's operational systems require 256 MB as minimum.
Video Card	Most good video cards have excellent 2D image quality and speed, supporting refresh rates and resolutions way beyond what nearly any monitor can support. That makes 3D quality and speed the distinguishing factor.
Video Card
Hard Drive	Size is everything. Get as much as you possibly can afford. Also, make sure to go with a good-quality manufacturer that offers a long warranty.
Monitor	Unless you are seriously concerned about price, consider at least a 17” monitor. You and your eyes will be happier. 19” monitors have taken off recently, because of their added screen size and lowered pricing. If you are into graphics, publishing, or CAD, go for a 21” monitor. Also, be sure to test and compare every possible monitor, even those not in your price range. Do this to make sure you will be happy with the final decision.
Sound Card	This one, is entirely up to you. If you want to play games, go for the best quality card you can afford. If you just want sound, and you don’t care about the quality, buy the cheapest card you can find. This way, you can spend the money on components that really matters to you.
Case	Usually a system builder will want a large case with easy access for easy upgrading. However, having a smaller size may be important as well. Keep in mind when getting a full tower that longer cables may be necessary to reach the furthest bays. Plan out the case, putting drives where you want them keeping in mind that the cables must be able to reach, and the drives will be accessible.
Where will you buy everything?	Deciding where to buy the goods from can be the most difficult decision. Far too often in the computer industry, getting a good deal means getting cheap hardware and/or little support or warranty. However, not every component has the same need for support. The parts you should require a warranty for are: CPU’s, Hard Drives, Memory, Monitors and possibly sound cards or video cards. Basically, anything that will have a high cost to replace. And is more likely to fail at some point. For things like floppy drives, speakers, and other peripherals a warranty is pretty much unnecessary. Remember to pay only with a credit card. This will make it easier to return a defective product, and also most credit cards will work on your behalf. A nice tip is to buy your heaviest stuff from companies that offer free shipping.