Build your own PC

Rosie the Restarter

Preamble

PC = Personal Computer

We will be building a ‘desktop’ machine

Not a laptop

Not a tablet

Not an Apple Mac

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Purpose

Who will use this PC and what will it be used for?

• Mostly games
• Child’s homework
• Videos, TV, music... a ‘media centre’
• Work... e.g. design, graphics, websites, writing
• Mainly just casually browsing the internet

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Check

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Technology changes fast

Review your selections frequently and thoroughly

Read online reviews, visit forums, watch videos

Case

Must be able to fit all your components and keep them cool

Consider the input/output interfaces, e.g. USB, mouse etc.

Form factors...

• Tower
• Mini-tower
• Desktop
• Cube

CPU

CPU = Central Processing Unit

Price + performance

Intel vs AMD

Multi-core for complex tasks e.g. video editing, high spec games

Faster processor -> more power consumed -> more heat produced

Does it come with thermal pad/paste? What about heatsink/fan?

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GFX

GFX = Graphics Card

Speciality cards

• gaming for high-end games
• workstation for video editing, high-res viewing

Expensive, consume much power, produce much heat, can take up a lot of room in box

Motherboards usually have onboard graphics which may be sufficient

Mobo

Mobo = Motherboard

Most important part of your PC!

Compatibility is key!

Used units not a good idea, buy brand new and do your research!

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Mobo

• Will the make/model of your CPU fit?
• Will it fit in the case you’ve chosen?
• Does it have all the right slots for your other components?
• Do you want onboard graphics, audio, network, wifi etc.?
• If on-boards required, what about the output interfaces?
• How many fans can be connected to it?
• How many/what type of memory slots does it have?
• How many/what type of storage drives will it support?

RAM

RAM = Random Access Memory

Check your motherboard’s memory support

4GB sufficient for normal usage

8-16GB for most gaming

16GB or more for video editing and extremely complex processing

Storage

HDD = Hard Disk Drive -> cheap

SSD = Solid State Drive -> fast

SSD + HDD combo

Install the operating system and applications on the (smaller) SSD

Store all your files on the (larger) HDD

PSU

PSU = Power Supply Unit

Each component has a power requirement

PSU must be able to supply them all

Look for quality and efficiency

Cooling

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Does your CPU come with a fan/heatsink?

Does your motherboard or case come with fans?

Review your selections… will you need extra cooling?

(ps. clean your PC from time to time, dust and fluff keep it warm!)

Peripherals

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Mouse

Keyboard

Monitor

Cables

Shelf-life

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How long do you want this PC to last?

Will you want to upgrade it?

Will you be able to replace parts?

Will you be able to repair parts?

Vendors

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Reputation - What are people saying about them?

Warranty - Basic? Extended? What is covered?

Returns policy - Extremely important! Read the small print!

Shipping costs - Fewer vendors to keep postage down