Assembling a PC (How to Build a Computer)

Who says you have to buy a computer off the shelf? With wide availability of computer towers, cases, motherboards, processors, hard disk, CD or DVD disc drives, and other computer components – and a little bit of technical know-how – you can build your dream computer from scratch.

As far as technical skills go, yes, you will need to have a basic aptitude for building computers before you attempt to build your own PC. While bolting together parts is relatively straight forward, you will also need to install an operating system, configure the devices, and make sure that the computer’s components are compatible with each other. You may also need to troubleshoot the system and solve conflicts. A+ certification training video courses are basic computer technician training courses that can give you the skills needed for building computers for yourself as well as for companies. Imagine building your own computer - and having marketable skills you can use to launch a new career!

Whether you want to pursue an IT career or not, creating a custom computer is a satisfying experience. You are not limited by the current offerings of computer manufacturers such as Dell, Toshiba, or Sony. Instead, you can select your own processor, CPU clock speed, memory, and hard disc capacity. Before you begin, decide exactly what type of computer you want to build. Do you want a high performance gaming PC? Do you want a basic computer for checking email, surfing the Internet, and writing documents? Do you need a computer capable of video editing? The decisions you make at this point will determine the types of PC components you must buy.

Selecting Computer Components
Next, you’ll need to order computer parts. You will need a case or chassis which will hold all of the internal components. However, because the internal components may have varying sizes, hold off on the case until you know all of the dimensions of your chosen internal parts. Choosing the motherboard is one of the most crucial decisions you will make. Go back to your original goals and use those as a guide. For example, if you simply want to build a basic computer, you won’t need a high-end motherboard. On the other hand, if you are building a gaming or video editing computer, you will need an extremely capable, high-end motherboard. The same is true of processors.

Processor chips (CPUs) and memory chips (RAM) must have the appropriate pin connectors in order to attach to the motherboard. Once you know which motherboard you want, you can then select your Central Processing Unit and memory chips. Make sure that your RAM matches any specialized RAM configuration requirements of your motherboard. Depending on whether the motherboard has an onboard video card, you may need to buy a video card.

Next, you will need a hard disk. Choose a disk drive with the right type of connector for your motherboard and with the highest amount of storage capacity you can afford. If you plan on using the PC for video editing, you’ll need far more storage capacity than if you plan on using it for basic tasks like email and Web surfing.

You will also need a CD or DVD drive. Combo drives with burning abilities have become less expensive. If you plan on watching movies on your computer, consider ordering a Blu-ray drive, too.

Choose a computer case that can accommodate all of the components as well as a power supply. Some computer cases come with built-in power supply units while others do not. If yours does not, you will also need to purchase a power supply.   

Your computer will also need an operating system such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Macintosh OS X, or Linux as well as a computer monitor, keyboard, speakers, and mouse.

Building the Computer
Once you have all of the components and the disc for the operating system, you are ready to begin building your computer. Remove all jewelry such as rings and bracelets and set up a clean, dust-free area to build the computer. Carefully unwrap the motherboard and CPU. Align the corner of the CPU chip so that its markings line up with the markings on the motherboard’s socket. Slip the chip into the socket and then install its accompanying heat sink according to the directions provided with the CPU.

Next, install the RAM chips onto the motherboard into the appropriate slots which will be numbered. You’ll need a gentle, yet firm touch as memory modules require some pressure in order to seat properly.

Once the motherboard has been set up with the CPU and RAM chips, it’s time to install it into the case. You’ll need to install the power supply unit (if not already installed) and connect the power connections to the motherboard. You will need a small screwdriver when installing parts into the case and you may need to knock out metal covers or install faceplates. Assemble the case and install the hard disc and CD/DVD drives as well as any other components such as video and sound cards.

Once the case is assembled and all internal components installed, it’s time to hook up the external devices such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Physically, the computer is built. However, the operating system will need to be installed and configured. Follow the operating system installation instructions provided by the OS’s developer. Typically, you will insert the disc in the CD drive and power on the PC where you will then be prompted to install the operating system.

Building your own computer is involved, but relatively easy when you have basic technical skills. CBT Planet offers numerous CBT training courses that equip you with the technical skills you need ranging from basic “A+” computer technician skills as well as advanced IT certification training programs for IT professionals of all abilities. Whether you want to learn how to build a computer or pass an advanced IT exam, self-paced, instructor-led training videos on CD or DVD deliver the skills that you need in a convenient and effective training format.