Things to consider when building a PC

So you want to build a computer... but where do you start? This article is my recommendations on how to choose parts for your new computer.

First: Choose a processor first. Most people you will see choose a motherboard first, but I believe the processor is the most important part of the PC, so everything should revolve around that. I also recommend a dual core if not a quad core processor with today’s Windows OS and applications software.

Second: Choose your motherboard. Your motherboard is the 2nd most important part of the PC. Do you want PCI-Express slots? How many? X16, x2? Regular PCI? SATA? You must choose a motherboard that meets your needs. My next computer will use the new Intel core i7 board. I recommend at least 1 PCI-E x16 slot as well as at least one PCI-E x1, and at least 2 PCI slots.

Third: Your case. Your case is more of a personal choice than essential choice. As long as your motherboard fits your case, you should have no major issues. As I said, this is more of a personal choice, such as color scheme and look, and manufacturer of your case. I like the cases that look similar to the Mac Pro.

Fourth: Memory. Hard drives, as well as RAM are absolutely essential. My recommendation is at least a 320 GB Hard Disk Drive and at least 3GB of DDR2 or 4GB of DDR3 RAM. RAM will determine how many programs you can run at once, as well as how much you can do at once, along with your processor of course. Hard disk size is also very important. I prefer a large hard drive, simply because I have over 1TB total of music and video content on my PC. Just remember, there is no such thing as a hard disk being “too big”.

Fifth: Cooling systems. Completely optional, most CPUs will have a heat sink and fan. If not, you will need to purchase one. Serious gamers will typically use liquid cooling. This is again for serious gamers who tend to over clock their CPU(s) and use their graphics card(s) to the fullest potential possible. I have never had any liquid cooled systems because I’m no hardcore gamer. My idea of gaming is a few hands of Poker on UltimateBet.net

Sixth: Graphics cards. This is an extremely important decision for gamers. ATI vs. nVidia etc... All play into a choice of a graphics card. There are so many out there, it just depends on your need. Gamers like their SLI dual graphics cards, where as for me I can live on a dual DVI 64mb card. Again, it just depends on what you will use it for

Seventh: Operating systems. Windows Xp? Home or Professional? If you’re going vista, which one? Basic, premium or ultimate… or even business? I tend to use Vista ultimate more than anything else. When vista first came out, it was a complete flop. Everything was a problem but since then it has improved drastically. There are still those that like good ol’ XP though, or even Linux and that is perfectly fine.

Eighth and last: Accessories. From internal PCI cards, such as TV tuners, to the choice of keyboards and speakers, there are a million and one accessories you could buy. I like to use TV tuners and expensive sound systems, but it’s really not necessary. Webcams, microphones, USB hubs, printers etc… are all choices you have to decide on what to buy. I much prefer building my own PC to buying one already made, and I hope I have helped you in your decision, or at least taught you something from this article. Feel free to direct any questions to my email: Dylan@Combs.tv
Thank you for reading, my fellow geeks.

Dylan Combs