How to Build a PC: Hunting for Parts
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When looking for parts, one should use the following criteria:
Here is a table of the minimum components you will need:
| Component | Suggested Specifications |
| Operating System | For compatability, Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP is the necessary operating system. Linux is a free alternative, but will not run the heavily used Windows programs such as Microsoft Office. Mac OS X is probably the best operating system out there, but it does not work on PCs. Mac OS X is the easiest operating system to use and supports the Microsoft Office for Mac OS X software. You need to buy Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP. XP is probably the better choice. |
| Case | The typical computer case is and ATX mini-tower. You are going to want a case with a power source inside. USB ports on the front of the case are useful. |
| CPU & Motherboard | You are going to want at least a 2Ghz Intel Pentium 4. Your motherboard and CPU should must have the same Socket Number and Bus Speed. Motherboard size should match the case. If you get an ATX case get an ATX motherboard. CPU should come with a fan. |
| RAM | For Windows XP I suggest at least 512MB |
| Hard Drive | An 80GB drive should be enough for the normal user. Keep in mind Windows XP uses about 1.5GB. |
| Floppy and/or CD-ROM and/or DVD-ROM | Floppies are useful. Most people still use floppies, but computer makers are starting to take the floppy drives out of their machines. CD-ROM is the minimum for XP. DVD drives are nice because they support CD-ROMs and DVDs. Get a DVD drive if you want to watch movies or read high-capacity DVD-ROM discs. Be sure to buy a burning CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive so you can read and write CDs or DVDs. |
| Video Card | May come on the motherboard. For XP you need a minumum of 800x600 resolution. |
| Monitor | I suggest a 19" LCD with 1024x768 resolution, but XP will take an old CRT with 800x600 resolution. |
| Ports | You will need at least 2 USB, 1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse, 1 Printer, and Audio out ports. |
| HIDs (Human Interface Devices) |
You must have a keyboard. I suggest a mouse. A mouse is not needed because the certain commands can be used to navigate using only the keyboard, but a mouse is much easier. |
| Internet | Modems are basically dead now, but if you get one it can be used. XP supports most modems out of the box. Ethernet Cards are for high speed internet. Most of the time Ethernet ports are already on the motherboard; however, you may have to buy a card if your motherboard does not have an Ethernet port. Modems and Ethernet Cards are entirely optional. |
The following is a list of components that can be bought either used or new:
The following is a list of components that should be bought new:
You may consider buying a barebone computer kit from TigerDirect.com.
Barebone kits are nice because they come with a case and all of the internal components, but they don't usually come with an operating system.