It will be much more advisable to assemble your own computer from individual elements. Firstly, it will come out cheaper, because in stores a ready-made kit can cost much more than its individual elements combined. Secondly, the user can choose exactly those components that fit the characteristics specifically for him. This article will describe a complete guide on how to assemble a computer yourself.
What is needed for this?
A computer will only work if it has all the components inside. Even if you don’t need an element, it should still be for the PC to work properly (except for the drive, mouse or keyboard). If there is no need to use any element of the computer, then you can simply save on it and purchase this part at a low price (for example, RAM). Before buying, you must consider the compatibility of PC components, as parts from different manufacturers may not synchronize together. Here are all the main components of a computer:
- A housing in which other parts will fit.
- A power supply that will be the main source of energy for processes.
- The motherboard is the place of attachment of other elements and provides a relationship between them.
- The processor performs all necessary operations.
- A cooler installed on the processor cools it to prevent overheating.
- Thermal grease that prevents overheating of the processor or fan on it.
- The video card displays all the information on the monitor.
- The hard drive is a file keeper.
- RAM is responsible for the performance of the device.
- The drive provides reading external media in the form of disks.
- The mouse and keyboard.
On good motherboards, an integrated graphics card may already be installed, so if you do not plan to build your gaming computer, then there is no need to purchase an additional one. The built-in is quite enough for standard work on a PC. When all the necessary details are identified, how to assemble a computer is the next question.
Housing assembly process
- If there is no already attached power supply in the computer case, then you need to install it yourself. This part is often mounted in the upper back of the case with the screws that are included with the purchase.
- Now you need to prepare the base of the computer to install the motherboard. This part must not be allowed to come into contact with the iron case, since during operation a short circuit may occur and the motherboard will become unusable. To prevent this, it is necessary to fix the protrusions on the corresponding holes (on the side wall of the case), onto which the motherboard itself is then fixed. Thus, it turns out that there is space between the wall and the motherboard.
- Now, while the system board is not yet installed, you need to attach the drive (if available) and the hard drive. The first part is placed above the second, but their slots are in the front of the case. They are also fixed with screws on both sides. It is important to screw them tightly so that there is no unnecessary noise during the operation of the PC.
Work with the motherboard
- You need to find the part where the processor should be installed. At this point there is a lever that prevents the processor from flying out. This fuse must be pushed and lifted up so that the part can be installed. On the surface of the processor there are a large number of small contacts that must be correctly inserted into the appropriate place. This element is inserted easily, so do not use force so as not to damage the part. Then you need to fix the processor with the same lever, which is now in the upper position.
- Now you should put the cooler on the newly installed element. It is very important to first apply a special paste to the processor. This is done as follows: a small drop is squeezed out of the tube, and then it must be spread evenly with a thin layer on the surface with a plastic card or something similar. If this substance is already applied to the cooler, then there is no need for additional lubrication. The fan is located exactly on the surface of the processor, and then fixed by the appropriate mechanism, which is also easy to use.
- The line for RAM came up. Slots for her look like long connectors. However, you should not confuse them with a place for a video card that looks about the same. The connector for the RAM corresponds to its size. No need to take the bar for the chips, as you can damage them. It is necessary to grab it precisely by the plastic part in order to avoid breakage. Next, place the part in the appropriate slot until it clicks.
Motherboard installation
Now it is ready for installation in the computer case itself. It is necessary to put the board in such a position that the holes coincide with the previously installed protrusions. Then simply fasten with screws. They should be tightly screwed, but not too tight so as not to damage the motherboard, since it will immediately become worthless at the slightest crack.
Installing a graphics card
To assemble your computer, you need a video card. But as mentioned earlier, it can be integrated into the motherboard (you need to pay attention to this when buying). If this is not observed, then the external part is installed after the motherboard is fully installed and fixed. The compartment for the card is usually located perpendicular and below the RAM (the same long input). It can be fixed with a screw, however this is not necessary, but desirable.
Energy supply
So now the time has come for powering up all the necessary parts. This is the final part for assembling your computer. First you need to insert the wire into the corresponding connector in the motherboard. The end of the wire has many contacts, so you need to insert it correctly into the desired connector.
For the hard drive and drive, the wires are the same and have 4 pins. The main thing here is to connect them in such a way that they do not intertwine and do not interfere with further work.
If the motherboard has a built-in video card, then it does not need additional power. The same situation can be with external weak cards. But if you are building your gaming computer, then you need a powerful video card that needs to provide additional energy. The wire from the main power supply must be connected to the card slot.
The last and most important part will be connecting the wires to turn on the computer. These cords exit from the front of the case where the power button is located. You need to find the appropriate inputs for these wires and connect.
Power connection to the main unit
To assemble your computer completely, you need to bring the power supply to work. To do this, from the outside of the case you need to find the input into which the cord is inserted, plugged into an outlet. Then in the same place there is a switch that needs to be put in the "ON" position. It remains only to check the computer for operability.
If it doesn’t turn on when you press the corresponding button on the front panel, you should check the internal elements of the computer: perhaps something is disconnected or not connected at all. Also, the reason may be that the compatibility of PC components is simply not selected correctly.
Build cost
Many people care about the question: "How much does it cost to assemble a PC?" The cost, in fact, will vary greatly from the type of computer you want to build. For example, the minimum price when buying all the necessary elements for a gaming PC will be 30,000 rubles. However, for a simple office computer, 10,000 to 15,000 rubles will suffice. Such a large variation in price arises because games are very energy-intensive applications, and therefore, the details for the PC need appropriate.
How to build a powerful computer cheaply? It all depends on what the user understands by the word "powerful." If this is really a modern PC that will support many heavy games, then the cost for it will increase much (from 40,000 rubles). An ordinary gaming PC, which will not have supernatural characteristics, will cost from 30,000 rubles.
Of course, all the details here are selected separately, so the total price will depend on the user. So, for example, you can save on less important details if they are not in demand in this case. Build your gaming computer on the basis of more powerful parts, but for a regular PC, you don’t need these - just ordinary ones.
Useful Tips
- Appearance does not matter. This is especially true for internal parts, since they are not visible with the finished assembly. Therefore, attention should be paid specifically to the declared characteristics and functions, and not to the finish and color. This advice is most relevant when answering the question "How to assemble a cheap computer yourself from the components?", Since the price is often reduced due to a not very attractive appearance.
- It is necessary to determine in advance how much of the total budget will be used to purchase a particular part. So, for example, 40% of the total amount should be set aside on the video card; the processor and motherboard will require a payment of 30%; 10% of the amount will be taken by the purchase of RAM. The remaining funds will be intended for the purchase of the housing and power supply.
- Choose the right manufacturer. In no case do not need to be carried out on enticing inscriptions on boxes with parts. Often manufacturers overstate their product. The best option is to study the reviews of the company and the item itself for the PC, and only then buy it.
This article introduced the complete guide, "How to Build a Computer on Your Own."