Choosing computer components can be nerve racking. Every part you choose has to work will all of the other components in your computer system. If one component is not chosen properly your computer system may not function to its full potential. I broke down each section into what parts I chose when building my own computer and also the things you need to make sure of before choosing particular components.
I would like to point out, one of the first things a person can run into while choosing computer components is OEM and retail products. A OEM (Original Equipment manufacturer) products are generally cheaper than retail products but usually do not come with any software and warranties. Retail products come shipped in the original box with all instruction manuals, software, warranty, etc.
Example: You will run into this when buying a processor. The component on the left is OEM and is only the processor, not in the original box, with no heat sink or fan and comes with no instruction manual. The component on the right is retail and comes with the processor in original box, a heat sink / fan is included, all instruction manuals, and a warranty.
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Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor  |
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor  |
Things you need to make sure of before choosing particular components:
Choosing A Motherboard
- Make sure the processor socket type and FSB match the processor being used.
- Make sure the memory slots are correct for the type and speed of memory being used
- Make sure it has the correct video card slots. (The motherboard I will be using has SLI technology so I will be using two video cards.)
- Make sure the motherboard has the correct storage device slots such as IDE or SATA.
- Depending on how crazy you are about sound check what onboard sound the motherboard comes with.
- Make sure the onboard LAN (internet connection) and all of external ports match what is being used. (example: USB or PS/2 Ports)
- Make sure to leave room for expansion for the future.
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Choosing A Processor
- Make sure the motherboard supports the Processor that picked and has the correct socket type so it will mount to the motherboard properly.
- Make sure the FSB of the processor is supported by the motherboard.
Choosing A Processor Cooler
- If using an OEM processor a heat sink/fan assembly will need to be chosen.
- Make sure that when choosing a heat sink/fan assembly that is will be efficient and cool the processor properly for how much of a demand will be put on the processor.
- Make sure the fan connector will work with the motherboard
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Choosing Video Cards
- If using SLI, make sure the video cards and the motherboard are SLI ready.
- Make sure the motherboard supports the correct slot(s) for the video card(s).
- Make sure the Core clock speed and the stream processors are adequate for what the computer will be used for.
- Make sure the memory clock, size, interface and type are adequate for what the computer will need to do.
- Make sure the video card has the correct monitor and accessory ports needed.
Choosing Power Supply
- Make sure there is enough power for all of the computer components.
- Make sure the main connector will work with the motherboard
- Make sure all of the other connectors will work with all of the computer components. (Examples: SATA Power connectors, IDE Power Connectors, PCI Express Power Connectors)
Choosing Computer Case and Cooling
- Make sure that there is enough room for all of the computer components inside the case. (Example: Mid ATX / Full ATX)
- Make sure to have the correct spaces allotted for the power supply, hard drive(s), CD/DVD drive(s), ect.
- Make sure there will be sufficient room for cooling.
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Choosing RAM
- Make sure the motherboard has the correct slots for the type of RAM chosen.
- Make sure the motherboard supports the type of memory chosen.
- Make sure the motherboard supports the amount of RAM to be used.
Choosing DVD Drives
- Make sure to look at the performance levels on how fast the drive accesses and writes information. (Depending on how long you are willing to take to have these tasks finished.)
- Make sure the physical spec (size) will sit into the case.
- Make sure to pick the correct interface (SATA/IDE) depending on what the motherboard specs are.
Choosing Hard Drives
- Make sure the interface (Example: IDE / SATA) is correct for the motherboard being used.
- Make sure that the capacity of the Hard Drive will suit current needs and store all of the programs intended to be run.
- Make sure the physical spec (size) of the hard drive will fit inside the computer case.
Choosing expansion Cards
- Make sure that the interface (example: PCI) is correct for the motherboard.
- If buying a video card make sure all of the ports are correct for what is needed
Choosing an Operating System
- Make sure all of the system requirements of the operating system are met.
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My Parts List:
- MSI P6N Diamond Motherboard
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
- CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
- Two XFX GeForce 9600 GT Video Cards
- Two Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB Hard Drives
- ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive
- ASUS 20X DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA
- DIAMOND XtremeSound XS51 Sound Card
- ASUS PhysX Processing Unit
- RAIDMAX QUANTUM RX-700 700W SLI Power Supply
- diabolatek 802 computer case
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3
Note: I am only installing the sound and physX Processing cards to give a tutorial on how to install them. The physX Processing card is not necessary with these video cards and the sound on the motherbord will be fine for me. Also, I will eventually upgrade the computer case to something better. |
Stay connected with a Comcast WiFi Package.
Note: Now that I have chosen all of my computer parts I will place my order. It is also advisable that you use an anti-static wristband while building your computer because some of the computer components can be damaged very easily by static electricity.
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