Welcome to building computers for beginners. The first step when considering building your own computer is to find the best computer case for your requirements.
The computer case is a much more important hardware component than most beginners to computer building would imagine. They are now available in numerous computer form factors, colours, styles, shapes, materials and custom designs. Computer cases are also referred to by several names and descriptions often defined by their specifications and intended use. Computer cases are also called known by the following terms:- PC case, chassis, box, enclosure, housing, cabinet and base unit.
An entire technological language of pre-fixes has emerged to describe and differentiate between types and sizes of desktop computer cases, towers and chassis. Firstly, the computer form factor defines the physical dimensions of the computer system's components. Standard form factors ensure that hardware components are interchangeable amongst competing manufacturers. There are hundreds of different computer standard form factors but the most widely used for desktop computers is ATX which stands for Advanced Technology Extended. If you are intending building your own gaming computer an ATX (large) computer case would provide the best cooling options. As stated these are big computer cases and have a lot of room inside making the build slightly easier. Home or business computers are suited to smaller Micro ATX computer cases (but you can also use a large ATX computer case).
Standard Form Factors
• ATX - Advanced Technology Extended
• Micro ATX and EmbATX
• Mini ITX
• Nano ITX
• Pico ITX
• BTX
• Micro BTX or uBTX
• WTX (Workstations)
The internal workings of a desktop computer may be interesting to some people but for most of us it is just a lot of cables and circuit boards with a few LED's. A popular trend in computer cases has been the introduction of transparent cases. Although considered an unusual case they do offer some practical benefits because it is possible to see whether cooling fans are working properly. Computer cases are often differentiated by a descriptive prefix (or suffix) to indicate the type of design, material and colour of the box. The days of dull grey and beige computer towers with bland appearances have long gone. The most popular colours of computer case are Black, White, Silver, Pink, Red, Blue and transparent (or with clear panels). Another popular trend amongst custom computer builders is the introduction of personalised case badges, stickers and decals. There is also a growing market in modified (aka modded) PC cases.
There are plenty of computer case manufactures making the choice of selecting one much more difficult. Some of the names are well known for certain types of case such as gaming or budget cases for home and business machines. I've compiled a list of some of the most popular brands of computer chassis.
• Xcase
• Xblade
• Asus
• Gigabyte
• Arianet
• Lian Li
• Nexus
• Thermaltake
• Coolermaster
• Zalman
• Antec
• 3ADL
• NZXT
• Silverstone
It is important to find the right computer case for the computer system that you are building. If you are building a desktop computer for a girl they might like it in pastel colour (maybe pink - but probably best to ask them first).
What is the Best Computer Case?
It is dependent on whether aesthetics (the way it looks) is an important factor. When computers are built to be sold by retailers they need to look good even though this does not affect their performance or reliability. Most people make a purchase based on the physical appearance of the system. This stands to reason because given a situation where two identical computer systems are for sale side by side. One of them is dented, scratched and has a poor build quality the perspective buyer is likely to select the other one. However having a clean appearance does not guarantee good performance or reliability. A computer that has a good appearance on the outside suggests that it has been assembled correctly by a competent computer builder. In other words if you want to build computers to sell they have to be of a very high standard of build quality.
Not all computer enthusiasts are looking for a silent or quiet computer case but most people put noise suppression high on their list. It is more important to try and find a case that has good cooling performance without the addition of expensive water pumps and coolants. When building a computer slide-out hard disk bays make the process much easier and quicker. This style of case is also better suited to builds that use large graphic cards because often the centre bay can be removed making more space inside the case.
Look for the position of the I/O user connection interface for USB and SATA II, firewire, mic jack, and headphone jack etc on the computer case. Sometimes these are positioned on the top, rear or on the front.
The defining factor will always be the price because no matter what type of computer you are building the case will have to fit in with your budget.
Rackmount Computer Cases
As a beginner to computer building you may come across the term Rackmount Case on your travels. These cases are a specially designed form factor for computer servers that are fitted into a rack (hence the name Rackmount).
I/O Panel for Motherboard
On the back of most desktop computers there is a panel of interfaces where you can connect all of your devices. Motherboards that comply with the same form factors do not have the same arrangement of ports and connections. To ensure compatibility cases have a pop-out I/O panel on the back. Simply press out the generic panel and replace it with the I/O panel supplied with the motherboard (making sure it is the right way up and facing outwards).
I hope this has been a useful post for anyone finding it difficult to find the right computer case for their first custom build. Now that you have found the ideal computer case for your self build project read my next post about finding the best motherboard
Its time to start putting this thing together!
Marvin Africa
Monday, 31 August 2009
Monday, 24 August 2009
A Step by Step Guide to Building Computer Systems
Welcome to Building Computers for Beginners.
If you have ever thought or are currently thinking about building computers you've come to the right place. I've decided to write a simple step by step guide for beginners to computer building. There are a couple of points that I want to make first of all, building a computer is not as difficult or complicated as many people appear to think. I'm not in favour of the building computers for dummies approach that several websites or books take. This implies that because you do not know how to build a computer you are stupid. In most cases it is simply a case of learning how to build a computer and gaining confidence in your new skills. There is obviously a level of technical ability and aptitude required to build a computer.
Personal computers are generally sold as home, business and gaming computers. It does not matter which type of desktop computer that you want to build. The principle is the same but you would use different specification of hardware components. This may already sound complicated but in simple terms a home computer is used for less demanding tasks such as email, word processing and surfing the internet. Business computers require more storage and processing power because they need to run specific applications often inclusive of large databases. Gaming computers require highest specification of components because computer games use a lot of system resources. It is possible to build computer system tailored to your exact requirements and install hardware components of a higher quality than those sold by many high street and internet retailers.
A custom built computer is often a good idea because it is built to run the applications or games that you are likely to use. It is often a worthwhile consideration to future proof the system (to some degree) by adding the most up to date technology.
There are several well documented pros and cons associated with building your own personal computer. In most articles disadvantages tend to outweigh advantages but only due to their being more of them whereas the pros are actually less in numbers but more significant in my opinion.
Advantages (Pros)
Barebones Computers
It is understandable that many people want to build their own computer but have reservations about starting from scratch. There is a way to build a computer without the hassle of researching the compatibility of all hardware components. It is now possible to buy a computer building kit known in the trade as a barebones computer. These computer building kits contain pre-selected compatible hardware already installed in the computer case. Barebones computers are usually supplied with the motherboard already fitted and the central processing unit (CPU) seated. Depending on the retailer or the package various other hardware components may already be in place. Essentially a barebones computer is a partially built computer system that the buyer has to complete after purchase to get a fully working PC. This can be a real advantage to the beginner and also to the buyer who wants to recycle or re-use the components from their existing computer/s.
Fear of BIOS
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is an integral part of any computer system. This is the boot firmware for your personal computer. It is basically a set of instructions and settings stored on a CMOS chip on the motherboard. The CMOS chip is usually powered by a small lithium onboard battery. There has always been an irrational fear of the BIOS by new computer builders because the settings are essential for the PC to work. It is also possible to cause damage or instability to a computer by entering the wrong settings. Modern motherboards are more BIOS friendly than they used to be and can run on default/auto settings. There is no need to fear the BIOS but consider carefully any changes to the settings as they can prevent the computer booting up. It is always worth keeping a written copy and a backup disc of all the settings in case the CMOS battery loses the settings. The BIOS settings must be correct to get the best performance from the computer's hardware.
BuildingComputers for Beginners
It has never been easier to build your own computer. I think that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. I built my first computer because a large computer manufacturer and online retailer let me down in all departments. They sent a computer with a very poor build quality and several inherent faults. They refused to accept responsibility or refund my money which triggered a lengthy legal dispute. This was an extremely stressful situation. Eventually, with legal advice and photographic evidence I did secure a full refund. However, this is not something that I am prepared to go through again. Since this happened I began building my own computers and have never looked back. The point that I'm making here is that there is risk involved even when dealing with the well known computer manufacturers.
Follow my step by step guide on how to build your own computer. Please read my next post about Custom Computer Cases
If you have ever thought or are currently thinking about building computers you've come to the right place. I've decided to write a simple step by step guide for beginners to computer building. There are a couple of points that I want to make first of all, building a computer is not as difficult or complicated as many people appear to think. I'm not in favour of the building computers for dummies approach that several websites or books take. This implies that because you do not know how to build a computer you are stupid. In most cases it is simply a case of learning how to build a computer and gaining confidence in your new skills. There is obviously a level of technical ability and aptitude required to build a computer.
Personal computers are generally sold as home, business and gaming computers. It does not matter which type of desktop computer that you want to build. The principle is the same but you would use different specification of hardware components. This may already sound complicated but in simple terms a home computer is used for less demanding tasks such as email, word processing and surfing the internet. Business computers require more storage and processing power because they need to run specific applications often inclusive of large databases. Gaming computers require highest specification of components because computer games use a lot of system resources. It is possible to build computer system tailored to your exact requirements and install hardware components of a higher quality than those sold by many high street and internet retailers.
A custom built computer is often a good idea because it is built to run the applications or games that you are likely to use. It is often a worthwhile consideration to future proof the system (to some degree) by adding the most up to date technology.
There are several well documented pros and cons associated with building your own personal computer. In most articles disadvantages tend to outweigh advantages but only due to their being more of them whereas the pros are actually less in numbers but more significant in my opinion.
Advantages (Pros)
- Value for Money
- Clean hard drive free of unwanted pre-installed software
- Customized system to suit your requirements
- Less time waiting for the computer to be built or delivered.
- Unrestricted access to the computer tower or case. No warranty seals.
- Fun - some people actually enjoy the experience of building a computer
- Experience of build will make future upgrades, repairs and troubleshooting easier
- Good knowledge of hardware components in the PC
- High quality components throughout (essential for a stable PC).
- Sense of accomplishment - building a computer is a worthwhile learning experience.
- No 24 hour technical helpline or direct online support
- No collective warranty (although each component should have a Manufacturer's Warranty)
- You will need to buy an operating system or install a free Linux operating system (for example Ubuntu)
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause damage to hardware components.
- No free software bundles/incentives. Some retailers are able to provide highly discounted or free software suites with their computers.
- Incompatibility of hardware components or peripherals (including printers and scanners)
- Extra postage or carriage costs when ordering components or peripherals from several different retailers.
- Motherboard's BIOS drivers are likely to be out of date and require updating.
- If you encounter faulty components diagnostics can be difficult and/or expensive.
- The BIOS settings have to be correct for maximum performance.
Barebones Computers
It is understandable that many people want to build their own computer but have reservations about starting from scratch. There is a way to build a computer without the hassle of researching the compatibility of all hardware components. It is now possible to buy a computer building kit known in the trade as a barebones computer. These computer building kits contain pre-selected compatible hardware already installed in the computer case. Barebones computers are usually supplied with the motherboard already fitted and the central processing unit (CPU) seated. Depending on the retailer or the package various other hardware components may already be in place. Essentially a barebones computer is a partially built computer system that the buyer has to complete after purchase to get a fully working PC. This can be a real advantage to the beginner and also to the buyer who wants to recycle or re-use the components from their existing computer/s.
Fear of BIOS
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is an integral part of any computer system. This is the boot firmware for your personal computer. It is basically a set of instructions and settings stored on a CMOS chip on the motherboard. The CMOS chip is usually powered by a small lithium onboard battery. There has always been an irrational fear of the BIOS by new computer builders because the settings are essential for the PC to work. It is also possible to cause damage or instability to a computer by entering the wrong settings. Modern motherboards are more BIOS friendly than they used to be and can run on default/auto settings. There is no need to fear the BIOS but consider carefully any changes to the settings as they can prevent the computer booting up. It is always worth keeping a written copy and a backup disc of all the settings in case the CMOS battery loses the settings. The BIOS settings must be correct to get the best performance from the computer's hardware.
BuildingComputers for Beginners
It has never been easier to build your own computer. I think that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. I built my first computer because a large computer manufacturer and online retailer let me down in all departments. They sent a computer with a very poor build quality and several inherent faults. They refused to accept responsibility or refund my money which triggered a lengthy legal dispute. This was an extremely stressful situation. Eventually, with legal advice and photographic evidence I did secure a full refund. However, this is not something that I am prepared to go through again. Since this happened I began building my own computers and have never looked back. The point that I'm making here is that there is risk involved even when dealing with the well known computer manufacturers.
Follow my step by step guide on how to build your own computer. Please read my next post about Custom Computer Cases
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