Building your own computer can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. The process of building a computer is called PC renovation, or rebuilding in some circles. It’s also one of the best ways to customise your system and get exactly what you need from it. Customisation is important because every system is different, with different purposes and uses. The answer to that depends on the kind of PC you have in mind. Do you want to game? If so, how much space do you have for a gaming PC? Are you looking for something quiet for home use? Do you want to upgrade your system in the future? These are all things to consider when making your decision. This guide will walk you through step by step on how to build your own PC like a pro.
What is a PC?
Simply put, a PC is a system that you can use to store and access data. They come in a variety of forms and can be part of everyday life, like computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and so on. Or they can be something more specialized, like a laboratory workstation or an artificial intelligence computer. A PC can also be a generic term for a computer.
Parts List
Parts list is not set in stone, but a general guideline. It’s always best to have more than you think you’ll need. Even if you have an old computer laying around, it might not have all the parts you need. This is why it’s a good idea to start planning out your next computer a few months before you’re ready to start. The parts list will look a little something like this: Computer Case: This is where you’ll put all the parts of your computer. You’ll want to buy a case that’s strong, but also a case that fits your needs. There are lots of different types of computer cases, from custom-made cases to cheap cases that are meant for a specific purpose. You’ll want to find one that fits your needs and aesthetics. Motherboard: This is one of the most important parts of your computer. Everything in the computer connects to it. Your GPU, RAM, CPU, and other parts all connect to the motherboard. Modern motherboards have multiple expansion slots, which allow you to add more components like SSD drives, more PCIe slots, and so on. Also, your motherboard will have a BIOS and UEFI, which is the system used to set up your computer. Different motherboard brands have different BIOS/UEFI and this is something you’ll want to find out before buying a motherboard. CPU: Your CPU is the brain of your computer. It’s what stores and processes data. There are a large number of CPU models and brands on the market, but they all perform the same basic tasks. Some CPU models are cheaper than others, so you need to make sure to get the right one for your budget. GPU: A GPU is essentially your computer’s eyes and ears. It processes the images and sounds that your computer sees and hears, and displays it to you on your monitor/TV. RAM: RAM is short for random access memory. It’s what your computer uses to temporarily store information. Computers and phones use RAM to store and work with data. With RAM, the more you have, the faster your computer works. SSD: A solid state drive (or SSD) is a computer-only drive. It’s what your computer reads data from, which leads it to being a popular upgrade for many people. Make sure your motherboard has enough PCIe slots for your SSD drive. HDD: Hard drive drive is what your computer uses for data storage. It’s what you’ll want to upgrade in the future, possibly to a large SSD drive.
The Hardware you’ll need
Here is a list of the parts you’ll need to build a PC. If you’re building a new computer, you’ll need to buy all of these parts. If you have an old computer laying around, you might be able to use parts of it. Computer Case: This is the part that holds all your parts. It’s where your computer, motherboard, and other parts are all housed. Take into account the size of your computer and have a look around for a case that fits your needs. Motherboard: The motherboard is the main part of your computer. It connects all the other parts in your computer together, such as your CPU, GPU, RAM, and other components. Different motherboards have different features, so you’ll want to make sure it has what you need. Your board should have a BIOS and UEFI. CPU: A CPU performs the basic functions of your computer, such as processing data, reading data, and writing data. For example, the CPU in your computer is the thing that stores and runs your operating system. GPU: A GPU is what your computer uses to display images and sounds. For example, your computer has a GPU inside that runs games. RAM: RAM is just like a computer’s short term memory. It temporarily stores data, and is used by your computer and GPU. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer will work. SSD: A solid state drive is just like a regular hard drive, except it doesn’t use spinning parts, making it faster than a hard drive. HDD: A hard drive is just like a regular CD/DVD drive, except it uses spinning parts, making it slower than an SSD.
The software you’ll need
Some of these programs can be used with a regular computer, but a good majority can’t. The good news is, you can easily download most of these programs for free. Operating System: Your operating system is what controls your computer. It’s the largest part of your computer and is responsible for a lot of things, like running programs and storing your data. Drivers: Drivers are the thing that let your computer talk to your motherboard. They let your GPU talk to your motherboard and let your CPU talk to your RAM. If your motherboard or GPU is different than the one you have, your computer won’t work. So make sure you have the right drivers.
Final Words
There’s plenty of prep work that comes before building a PC, and there’s a certain art to it. But once you’ve completed it, you’ll have a customised machine that will do exactly what you need it to. From quiet desktops to powerful gaming rigs, there’s something for everyone. PC renovation will allow you to customise your machine to suit your needs.