Computers and Technology

Ensure that the computer parts are compatible with one another! Also, if this is your first time building a computer or barebone kit, it may be wise to find someone who can guide you through the process so as to prevent damaging y our hardware components. Never force the components into their respective slots! If they don't fit relatively easily, then something is wrong, double check to ensure the functionality and integrity of the integrating hardware component mechanisms.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 1
Plan your budget for the computer kit you want to buy.

The very first variable you want to consider when building a computer is your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Basically if you build your computer you can save hundreds of dollars on parts. But how much do you have in mind? Also consider what additional hardware components you may need in addition to just a PC computer, such as printers, mice, keyboards, and monitors.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 2
Make a list of all of the essential components that you will require. Typically the essential computer hardware components you need when you build a computer are CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), hard drive, motherboard, powersupply, and computer case. Additionally, consider if you want to make utilization of the videocard on your motherboard, or if you want to get a separate videocard. If you intend on using video intensive applications such as developing programs, or games, then it would be best to get a separate videocard to handle the computations.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 3
Once you have purchased and obtained all of the necessary hardware components to build a computer, you want to plan and think how they will all connect to one another and verify you're ready to begin. Ensure that you have an anti static matt to work on and that the humidity in the room isn't too high. An anti static wristband can also be helpful, and the manuals that came with your motherboard and computer case can be helpful and often provide schematics explaining how to connect the components to the board and case.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 4
Get a clean working environment that's well lit and contains a flat surface. A kitchen table or a work bench often work the best. Remember you want to avoid static electricity at all times when building a computer, so try to avoid cotton clothing and wear rubber shoes!

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 5
Ensure that you have all the tools necessary to build a computer! I would suggest a flathead screwdriver, a phillips head screwdriver, and maybe a torx screwdriver. Please refer and analyze the hardware that is attached to your computer case, hard drive, and DVD roms to ensure you have the adequate tools to build a computer. Also, it's wise to have a flashlight, and a pair of tweezers to attach the jumpers for the front panel connectors on your hard drive if your hands aren't that nimble!

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 6
Now you can begin actually configuring your components. First, place the ram into the motherboard. If you've done your research accordingly, the ram should fit without problem. If there are color coded ram slots, ensure to abide by the color coordination! Some have a pattern of blue, black, blue, black, in this instance, if you install 2 ram cards, make sure to color coordinate! Install 2 blue, and 2 black. You know it's installed correctly if it snaps in snugly. After your ram is seated, install the processor, and heatsink fan. Ensure to place thermal compound between the CPU and the heat sink fan in order to ensure an equal distribution of heat!

With the ram, cpu, and heatsink installed the videocard should be installed, if you decided to obtain one. Ensure that it fits snug in its correct slot, and most PCI Express slots have a pin that "locks" so you know it's correctly placed.

Once the CPU, videocard and RAM are secure, the hard drive, and DVD rom should be plugged in. Next you need to screw the motherboard into the computer case, and ensure that you use risers! It's very important that you don't screw the motherboard directly to the case, this will cause a short out and a serious malfunction to your board, so don't forget the risers!

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 7
With the motherboard secured in the computer case, you should make sure that the back panels are aligned properly with the back of the case. Your monitor, mice, keyboards, and other external components will rely upon a clear access point for the back of the computer case. With the back panel established, it's time to connect the front panel case connectors to the motherboard. Doing this can be tricky as they are the smallest components in building a computer, so refer to the motherboard manual to learn the correct settings, and also you might want to use tweezers if your hands don't have much dexterity.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 8
With your hard drive, cpu, ram, videocard and motherboard installed, it's time to install the power supply! Ensure that the power supply fits snug, and then plug the power connector into the motherboard. Many modern motherboards require two separate power connections, so observe the motherboard manual to ensure both of them are snug. Once the powersupply is seated properly and plugged in, it's time to close the case, plug in your monitor, mice, keyboard, and power the machine up.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 9
One of the most important steps in how to build a computer is setting up the operating system. Once you have installed all of the components you should make sure you have a operating system DVD. Windows 7 is one of the best Microsoft operating systems and is of recommendation. You may have to verify that you can boot from your DVD rom drive by going in your BIOS, if not already established, boot from your DVD rom first, and follow the on screen instructions to install Windows Vista.

How To Build A Barebone - Congratulations! Hopefully this guide offered a resolution that will save you hundreds of dollars. Remember, building your computer from scratch or from a barebone computer system can save you hundreds of dollars, offers you an element of customization impossible to obtain from most retailers, and most importantly educates you about system hardware components and computer science. If you ever require additional information, the best resource is the documentation that came with your motherboard, cpu, and other components, but please feel free to make wise utilization of this documentation! Happy computing.