Build

• Getting Started
• 1. RAM
• 2. CPU
• 3. Case
• 4. Drives
• 5. Expansion Cards
• 6. Power Source
• 7. Wiring
• 8. Finishing Up

Resources

Tools

• Power Supply Calculator
• Tom's Hardware Benchmarks

Shopping

• Newegg.com
• TigerDirect.com

Materials

• Components
• Motherboard - This is the part that binds all the other components together.



• Processor - The brain of the PC. The majority of the calculations and instructions are processed through this component. Also known as: CPU



• RAM - Stands for random access memory. Serves as data storage for data that needs to be accessed often and quickly. Faster access time than data stored on a hard drive. Also known as: Memory


• Hard Drive - The storage unit for large amounts of data to be stored for the long term. Also known as: Hard Disk



• Optical Drive - Reads data from disks using a type of laser. Common types of optical drives: DVD Drives and Burners, CD drives, Blu-Ray Drives



• Graphics Card - Seperate processor for complex three dimensional graphics. Most often used for video games. Also known as: Video Card, GPU


• Power Supply - Supplies all the components of a PC with electricity. Also known as: Power Source



• Case - Houses and protects PC components.




• Fans - Used to cool the PC components and prevent them from overheating.

• Connectors
• Standoffs - Used to connect the motherboard to the case. They raise the motherboard away from the case enough to prevent current from flowing through the case.
• 20/24 Pin Connector - Large connector from the power supply to power the motherboard.



• SATA Cable - Transfers data from the data drives to the motherboard.




• PATA Cable - Another type of data cable. Typically used with older components.



• Power Connector - A 4-pin connector from the power supply used to power most of the components of a PC including fans, drives, and high power components like graphics cards.

Design >>