Homebuilt Computer Guide

The University provides one computer to every student. 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. ???

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)

Different mobos come with different features. If you want to save money, get one with integrated sound and ethernet, and video if gaming is not important to you. Nvidia Soundstorm integrated sound is really good, if you can find it. Make sure it has enough PCI slots. If you need RAID, SCSI, or SATA, make sure it has that. Also, make sure it FITS in the case you select.

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

Video Card

NVidia or ATI is the choice here. Both are good, but get an NVidia if you ever plan to run Linux. Video cards change so rapidly, its hard to know what brand is the best. For example, in the ATI Radeon 9xxx and Nvidia Geforce FX generation, ATI is clearly on top. Check pages like Tom's Hardware for an exaustive comparison of video cards.

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?)

MAG Innovision LCD's are relatively cheap. If your video card can handle high resolution, they look about as good as any on the market currently (at least within a reasonable price range).

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

If you need more help with selecting your components, try these sites for help.

• Ars Technica Buyer's Guide
• Tom's Hardware Guide

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.

• Newegg.com - Crazy low prices and fast shipping
• Tigerdirect.com - Another good site with low prices
• PriceWatch
• PriceGrabber - This is a really great price comparison site. It includes shipping with the price.
• FatWallet - Message boards with hot deals and coupons. Also, you can get a percentage cash back from some stores if you register.