Homebuilt Computer Guide

From Missouri Academy Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

The University provides one computer in every student room. They aren't good for much, and using them is one step above poking your eye out with a stick (however, they make good folding slaves). If you are like me, you will probably want your own computer. But don't get a Dell, build your own!

This is just an idea, since new academites are always wanting help with new computers. I'm thinking it will be more of a shopping guide and resource rather than an instruction manual since those are more widely available.

Before you begin

What do you want to use you computer for, and how much are you willing to spend? A complete system suitable for most tasks can be bought for $500-600. If gaming performance is what you want, plan to spend a little more. Focus on a better video card and more RAM. If you plan to install Linux, a few considerations must be made.

The components

CPU

This is probably your first choice: AMD or Intel, and 32-bit or 64-bit. AMD typically has better gaming performance and is a better value, but Intel has the best pure computational performance. 32-bit CPU's such as the is the best value, best support, and most common today. 64-bit is the up and coming technology and promises future speed. Basically: if you are a gamer or have limited cash, go with AMD. If you have money to burn, get the latest Intel. If you want the latest and greatest 64-bit, go with the AMD Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, or Opteron.

Motherboard

Your choice here will depend on what CPU you choose and what features you need. They come in different sockets for different CPU's. These are the interesting ones:

  • Socket A (462) - AMD Athlon XP
  • Socket 478 - Most Intel Pentium 4
  • Socket 754 - AMD Athlon 64
  • Socket 939 - AMD Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX
  • Socket 940 - AMD Opteron, Athlon 64 FX (Sledgehammer core)

Desirable mobo brands: ASUS, Shuttle, MSI

Cheaper, but still good brands: Gigabyte, Biostar, Chaintech

RAM

512 MB is enough these days, but 1 GB is better. Sometimes you can find good deals on eBay. RAM in stores seems to vary in price dramatically, make sure you are not getting ripped off.

Performance-minded brands: Mushkin, Corsair, OCZ (?)

Value brands: Kingston, PNY

Hard drive

Western Digital is generally considered to be the best, but Seagate and Maxtor are also well known brands. You generally have two choices here, ATA or SATA. ATA is the best value and provides the most space, and SATA is faster and more expensive. If you go ATA, look for at least 7500 RPM and 8 MB of cache. If you go SATA, make sure your motherboard supports it.

Monitor

LCD or CRT is the choice here. CRT is tried and true and the best value, but they are big and heavy. Despite what you may think, CRT screens are more valued to gamers and artists for their better color definition and refresh rates. LCD screens are flat, light, and expensive, but prices are dropping every day. They look better at higher resolutions (but don't always support them), and sometimes have a ghosting effect. If you spend more, you can get an LCD that is as high quality has a CRT screen.

Desirable brands: Sony, ViewSonic, (Samsung, NEC?)

Case

A poor case can contribute to poor cooling. You can spend your money and get a quality Antec, or you can go all out and get a Lian Li, Thermaltake, or a Coolermaster for a really nice looking one. Many other cheaper cases exist like Raidmax, Aspire, and Rosewill where you can find a real deal. See if you can get a case + power supply combo, and make sure it has adequate cooling in the front and back (support for at least 80mm fans). Be sure to get fans for your case, and a power supply, if it doesn't include those. Clean power is important, a crappy power supply can lead to future fried components. Just because it is rated at 400W does not mean it will deliver that much power.

Construction tips

  • Get an electrostatic wristband thing, or make sure to ground yourself whenever you mess with computer components.
  • Getting the heatsink and fan attached to the processor core is probably the most difficult part. The heatsink must have full contact with the core for proper cooling. You might want someone who has done it before to help.

Linux support

  • Buy a Nvidia video card. ATI does not support their linux drivers very well, and their performance is abysmal when compared to the equivalent Nvidia card.
  • Get an HP or Epson printer. These companies provide good linux support. Lexmark is cheap for a reason.

Websites

The cheapest place to buy components is typically online, but some great deals on some types of items can be found in stores as well.

Retrieved from "http://masmcwiki.com/mw/index.php?title=Homebuilt_Computer_Guide&oldid=1217"