Book: Build your own PC

[Qqmike]

A plug for a book that's worked for me ...

This is the book I've used to successfully build my PCs (two so far since 2005).
Anyone can do it, certainly should be able to do it, using this book. Easy to read, easy to follow, nice writing style, nice color illustrations.

*** Wait for the 3rd edition to be released December 1, 2010 ***

Building the Perfect PC, Third Edition
http://oreilly.com/catalog/0636920010197/

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Building-Perfe...tt_at_ep_dpt_1

Authors are the owners of this hardware web site:
http://forums.hardwareguys.com/ikonboard.cgi

[Qqmike]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

Just noticed I put this under the wrong topic/category.

[woodsmoke]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

Those linkys look very useful to someone who wants to build their own pc.

I would also add in what I did to learn to build a pc. I purchased for a very nominal fee, two old but working pcs. Think 386 class here, one should be able to get them for just a few bucks.

Lay then down next to each other on their "off" sides and remove the sides that are used to work on them. I would recommend on a table or, even better, an "ironing board" because it is adjustable so you can match the height to the level with which you are comfortable., really, a junque ironing board at a thrift store is maybe 3 bucks.

Place a nice, brightly colored, or white sheet on the floor that you don't mind walking on or getting kinda dirty.

Leaving one alone start removing the others parts starting on the "up" side, closest to you, and place the pieces, in order, in a row down the sheet. Eventually you will have all the pieces on the sheet. You also have a complete pc to look at.

Now, start replaceing the pieces from the bottom up.

You could, also, if you have a digital camera take a picture of each thing that you remove before you remove it.

You can also then look at the pictures in reverse order.

just a doof way to do it, and the books will help.

woodsmoke

BTW you can also use the same method to rebuild the transmission in your car! That's where I got the idea! lol

[oshunluvr]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

I've been building my own PC's for 20 years. Back then it was the most economical way to buy a computer. Now it's more about getting what you want.

I haven't looked at your links, but I'll say these days it a lot easier than before. ZIF sockets, built-in components, USB and SATA replacing more complicated interfaces - all make it much cheaper and easier.

My advice to those seeking to build their own PC: Spend the most of your budget your can on the human interface parts of your build: keyboard, mouse, video/monitor, sound system. Why? I can guarantee two months after you launch your new PC you won't notice much difference between a 1.6ghz processor and a 2.1ghzz one and that 2tb hard drive won't have any more files on it than the 750gb one, but if you hate you keyboard or can't stand looking at the screen, you'll be mired in regret.

[dibl]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

After a series of "store-bought" PCs, I built my first one in 2003, just to get it the way I wanted it. I've built a half-dozen since then -- three for myself and the rest for relatives. I just finished up a new one for myself over the past weekend. I never cease to marvel at the new technology that a consumer can just order on the internet.

Depending on what you want, you need to invest some planning time, and carefully verify the interfaces between your components. Some things are very standardized -- all ATX-size motherboards will fit any ATX case, for example. Other things need to be carefully checked out -- memory voltage provided by motherboards is NOT all the same, nor is the voltage required by all DIMMs the same. Just do the planning.

[Detonate]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

I build my on because I want the best components. Carefully read all reviews of each component before purchasing. And of course, check for linux compatibility. Don't skimp on the tower, because it is the one component you will probably use over and over. I like a really big one because it is so much easier to work in. It's not hard. Actually it is just a matter of screwing down the MB, and pugging in some wires. Mounting the processor correctly is the most important part. Be sure and use a quality thermal paste. I prefer Arctic Silver.

[Qqmike]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

As you guys--Oshunluvr and Denonate and dibl--have implied, and another way I like to put it, nowadays it's really a matter of "connecting connectors." Of course, you gotta pick compatible components, and there are a few details to pay attention to, but as dibl says, much of it is standardized.

If you go to Crucial's site, you can use their memory configurator--specify your mb and it tells you the compatible memory cards to use. And Intel's site is excellent for DIY builders.

Denotate's point about getting a good case, imo, is right on. A good case can make your build go easy as pie. A case with the room, the layout, well-made parts that fit nicely, removable cage options for hard drives, plenty of fans, and so on, AND one that does NOT have sharp edges (or if it does, it also has plastic edge guards so you don't cut yourself at every turn). It doesn't have to be too expensive if you catch the sales (e.g., at Newegg). I got a nice Lian Li for about $110 this last build, and before that an Antec on sale at Newegg for about $100.

The book I linked to will give beginners the principles, some explanations of the why's and where-for's, the logic, your many options, some subtle details to watch for, do's and don't's.

[Detonate]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

Be sure and check newegg for their "open box" deals.

[Detonate]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

I have a friend that built his own computer without a case. He fastened all the components to a piece of plywood and nailed it to the wall. Pretty neat.

[sithlord48]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

I have a friend that built his own computer without a case. He fastened all the components to a piece of plywood and nailed it to the wall. Pretty neat.

back when i had my computer store we used to have the machine we used on the wall in a similar fashion.

i have never bought a prebuild computer (other then a laptop). i enjoy the building process and knowing exactly how my machine is built.

the only issue i have w/ larger cases is that sometimes the wires are to short, and you have to get longer ones. but it does make it a lot easer to work in.

[dibl]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

Mounting the processor correctly is the most important part. Be sure and use a quality thermal paste. I prefer Arctic Silver.

This is essentially true -- and like many things, there is the "official" way, as per Intel or AMI instructions that come with the CPU, and then there is the best way, which may be different. The first PC I built had an LGA775 processor interface, and I attempted to follow the Intel instructions and mount the CPU heatsink after the motherboard was mounted in the case. What a &$#^&% job that was! Turns out (in my experience) it's about 10X easier and better to mount the heatsink while the motherboard is laying out in front of you, so you can verify that all four legs are securely snapped into position. Same goes for the LGA1366 which is what I built this time.

Same deal for the TIM paste (and I agree on Arctic Silver) -- you can watch youtube videos of the "factory official" way of applying it -- using a plastic straightedge, like a credit card, to smear a line of TIM from one side of the mounting surface across the surface. But, what actually gives the superior result, in my experience, is (with freshly washed hands) to take your little finger and carefully smear a thin, even layer of TIM across both the CPU top and the heatsink surface, with attention to complete and even coverage of the surfaces. It needs to be very thin and even. Then you mate the heatsink to the CPU, and don't move anything until the heatsink is secured, and let the pressure of the connection squeeze the two surfaces together. I've got an i7-950 running at 4.2GHz, with air cooling only, to prove my case.

[Detonate]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

I agree on the careful application of the thermal paste. The only thing I would differ on with dibl, is you should not touch the surfaces or spread the paste with your bare finger. You can leave body oils behind that may interfere with the conductivity. Instead, I just wrap my finger in a piece of plastic wrap. Makes cleanup easier also.

[dibl]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

you should not touch the surfaces or spread the paste with your bare finger. You can leave body oils behind that may interfere with the conductivity.

Yes, of course that's true. A bit of plastic food wrap would be the better way to do it, for sure.

[woodsmoke]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

standoffs are rather critical also.

woodsmoke

[dibl]

Re: Book: Build your own PC

Standoffs were tricky in years gone by, but the recent vintage cases that I've used have nice standoffs already installed and ready to go. Just position the motherboard, and insert screws. This new Corsair 600T even has a stud in lieu of the center ATX screw, that positions the motherboard so you can put all the rest of the screws in correctly. Very simple and accurate.