# How do I build my own computer? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 23, 2003, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156 "2003-10-23T17:28:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![II\_Gyan\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bbe5ce/32.png) [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/21 "2003-10-24T02:54:49Z")
Another builder here… Honestly, if you want a run-of-the-mill comp and only want brand-new stuff, then don’t bother and get a clone like suggested above. Assembled tend to be cheaper when you go for exotic hardware. The Dells and Alienwares tend to put good premium on such workstations. The only way, you’ll get a regular built PC cheaper is if you buy second-hand components from either eBay or online trading forums like the one at Ars OpenForum ([Agora Classifieds](http://arstechnica.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?a=frm&s=50009562&f=57909216)). Generally, I don’t have a problem buying such components, as long as they still have warranty left on them. I haven’t been burnt (to date). But, that’s your call. ---
**Author:** ![Shepherdless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85f322/32.png) [@Shepherdless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shepherdless)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/22 "2003-10-24T03:33:19Z")
You’re a brave woman. I’ve built my own PCs since my Pentium 150 and the experience had allowed me be self-dependant, which utlimately saves me money and much trouble. But be warned: if you’re starting from scratch to build a new PC, you won’t be saving any money. In fact you may screw something up and ruin a component. Also, used parts from eBay and such are risky - they may work but have hidden defects that you will only discover later. I would suggest buying a cheap older PC (a clone) from a friend, just to fiddle around with it. It should be ATX-based (PII or K6-2 and later) as older AT PCs are quite different. Take it apart and rebuild it. If you screw something up, no big deal. If you feel you don’t have the time, then you shouldn’t be doing this. Then move on to your “new” PC. Invest in a QUALITY NEW motherboard as it will allow you to upgrade in the future; the rest you can buy used or cheap and replace later if necessary. There are many sites that take you step by step. Here’s a couple I found: [PC Mechanic](http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm) and [Motherboards.org](http://www.motherboards.org/articlesd/how-to-guides/924_1.html) ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/23 "2003-10-24T03:39:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Derleth \* > If you don’t want to do gaming, don’t bother with Windows. Linux will do all of the things you want and isn’t as big of a pain in the ass about it (especially when it comes to security). With all due respect, it sounds like she’s going to have enough to learn without also having to worry what /dev/hda1 means and whether she wants lilo in the MBR or on the boot partition. In fact, I’m not sure how your suggestion to use linux instead of windows helps in any way with regard to the OP’s desire to learn about how to build a computer. Is this one of those [platform hijacks](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73951) I’ve been hearing about? ---
**Author:** ![Toddly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/22d042/32.png) [@Toddly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toddly)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/24 "2003-10-24T05:56:38Z")
Shepherdless gives good advice. Try to find an older one and take it apart and put it back together. Don’t buy parts from E-Bay.Check out the [Forums](http://www.techimo.com/forum/index.html) at TechImo and theycan help with advice. ---
**Author:** ![Skillet38](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8797f3/32.png) [@Skillet38](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skillet38)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/25 "2003-10-24T06:43:11Z")
You can save some coinage and get just as good a system based on the Athlon XP as opposed to the p4. a nforce2 chipset motherboard isn’t expensive. ABITs NF7-S comes to mind, though it’s something of an enthusiasts board (read tons of free support forums online-like [AMDmb.com](http://AMDmb.com)) [www.anandtech.com](http://www.anandtech.com) is a great knowledge base / resource. my first homebuilt was an AMD DX2-80 !!! we’ve come a long way baby. It’s hard to recommend if you should bite this off or not, I’d say go for it. Many motherboards today come with the EIDE cables clearly labeled and they autodetect hardrive parameters. You’ll have to buy an ATX case. ---
**Author:** ![NaughtyMe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@NaughtyMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NaughtyMe)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/26 "2003-10-24T07:17:26Z")
Slight deviation - I want to buy some memory for my home pc. However, I’m a bit confused over the different types of memory. I know I want an extra 256mb to take my total to 512mb. So do I need DDR, RIMM, SoDIMM, Pro or DIMM. Some memory also comes with a clock speed - how important is this? I have a Dell Optiplex 1.8GHz (its one of those cases that have no screws - everything is held in with self locking plastic (ooooh lovely!)). ---
**Author:** ![Elycien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/48db29/32.png) [@Elycien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elycien)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/27 "2003-10-24T07:33:49Z")
NaughtyMe you can go to [Crucial](http://www.crucial.com/) and use there dropdowns to find your comp and then the recomended memory. Their prices are usually pretty good but once you know what you need you don’t have to buy from them. I looked through it but you didn’t post your exact model so i couldn’t get to the memory recomendations. All you need to know is your maker/model/and model number…you are most of the way there. ---
**Author:** ![NaughtyMe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@NaughtyMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NaughtyMe)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/28 "2003-10-24T07:39:31Z")
**Elycien** Ah yes - theres a reason for that. I am at work at the mo (which you are probably at too) and for the life of me can’t remember what the model is I have sitting on the desk at home - how crap is that?. Anyway thanks for that website I’ll have a butchers a little later on. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![NaughtyMe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@NaughtyMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NaughtyMe)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/29 "2003-10-24T07:42:49Z")
Sorry, should have added this to the end of the last post - in simple terms what is the difference between DDR, RIMM, SoDIMM, Pro or DIMM. Is the difference in the number of pins, internal structure etc? Just curious, its a part of the computer I’m a little confused about. ---
**Author:** ![Elycien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/48db29/32.png) [@Elycien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elycien)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/30 "2003-10-24T08:22:58Z")
> [@](#): > > in simple terms what is the difference between DDR, RIMM, SoDIMM, Pro or DIMM. Is the difference in the number of pins, internal structure etc? In a simple response, yes…it’s difference in number of pins, internal structure and etc. 🙂 I build my own comps but i’m no tech guru so can’t explain the exact differences. Basically, it comes down to the fact that none of the different types of memory is interchangeable. Some motherboards may support more than 1 type of memory but that is rare. I did a quick google and couldn’t find anything really explaining the physical differences. ---
**Author:** ![cletus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f08c70/32.png) [@cletus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cletus)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/31 "2003-10-24T08:55:02Z")
[Ars Technica](http://arstechnica.com/guide/building/) is your friend. ---
**Author:** ![cletus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f08c70/32.png) [@cletus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cletus)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/32 "2003-10-24T09:16:18Z")
Let me add one quick thing regarding static electricity. I’ve found it best to just take off all my clothes while working inside my computer. It would help if you assembled it in a room without carpet too, just to be extra safe. Hopefully you have something like a kitchen or dining room with hardboard floors. Of course, even then I’ll occasionally touch the computer case to discharge any static that might have snuck in. Me? Paranoid? Nah. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![NaughtyMe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@NaughtyMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NaughtyMe)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/33 "2003-10-24T09:55:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by cletus \* > \*\*Let me add one quick thing regarding static electricity. I’ve found it best to just take off all my clothes while working inside my computer \ \*\* 1. How _big_ is your computer? 2. All sorts of strange images are invading my head :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/34 "2003-10-24T11:35:31Z")
**ntucker** : She’s concerned about cost. She’s apparently plenty intelligent, as well. I think Linux would be a good choice for her. After all, what use is a modern computer without a functional OS? ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/35 "2003-10-24T19:18:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Derleth \* > **ntucker** : She’s concerned about cost. She’s apparently plenty intelligent, as well. I think Linux would be a good choice for her. After all, what use is a modern computer without a functional OS? Fine. But the choice is unrelated to the topic at hand, which is building a computer. You don’t even know if she **needs** a new operating system. (not to mention that I think throwing redhat or debian at your average computer user seeking advice is a awful idea, and I’m a linux enthusiast) ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/36 "2003-10-24T22:59:24Z")
**ntucker** : Then enlighten us all, please: Which distro would you suggest? (I’m honestly curious.) ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/37 "2003-10-25T02:12:44Z")
What gives you the idea that I’d recommend **any** linux distribution to random Windows users? I think in order to use and maintain a linux system, you either have to be a hardcore nerd or **really** into tinkering and learning arcane stuff. I was once really fired up about linux, and would recommend it at the drop of a hat. I spent a **lot** of time helping fellow **computer programmers** who’d never used linux before figure out why their cdrom or sound or firewire drive or whatever didn’t work, because I was the group linux nerd, and I was the one who recommended they try it. I came away with the opinion that if Joe Blow wants to try linux, he better have a linux nerd on call. Microsoft, on the other hand, spends bazillions of dollars making sure that you **don’t** call them and ask them lots of questions. They do this by making windows easy to use. (easi **er** , anyway 🙂 ) ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/38 "2003-10-25T02:26:13Z")
You guys use a _ **case** _? With a _cover?_ **We** don’t need no stinkin’ _cases_! Spread the shit on the desk where it belongs. _Soooo_ much easier to upgrade. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2003, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/39 "2003-11-04T19:03:04Z")
And as further evidence that linux isn’t for most people, the CEO of Redhat [agrees with me](http://www.silicon.com/software/os/0,39024651,39116741,00.htm). > [@](#): > > **Red Hat CEO says you should buy windows** > … > “I would say that for the consumer market place, Windows probably continues to be the right product line,” he said. “I would argue that from the device-driver standpoint and perhaps some of the other traditional functionality, for that classic consumer purchaser, it is my view that [Linux] technology needs to mature a little bit more.” > > Szulik gave an example of his 90-year-old father going to a local retailer in order to purchase a computer with Linux: “We know painfully well what happens. He will try to get it installed and either doesn’t have a positive experience or puts a lot of pressure on your support systems,” Sorry for contributing to this hijack. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2003, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156/40 "2003-11-04T21:45:41Z")
**Rysto** I _suppose_ building it out of a bunch of NAND chips is an acceptable shortcut. Better yet is to start with some transistors. Best of course is to start with some beach sand… Tho making your own transistors is a pain, blowing your own vacuum tubes may be easier. Brian [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-build-my-own-computer/209156.md?page=1)