Step 1 Choosing Computer Parts

Choosing Computer Parts



Motherboard ][ CPU ][ RAM ][ Video Card(s) ][ Hard Drive(s) ][ CD/DVD Drives ][ Expansion Cards ][ Power Supply
Case and Cooling ][ Operating System]

Note: I would like to point out, one of the first things a person can run into while choosing computer parts is OEM and retail products. OEM (Original Equipment manufacturer) products are generally cheaper than retail products but usually do not come with any software and warranties. Retail products come shipped in the original box with all instruction manuals, software, warranty, etc.


Choosing a Computer Motherboard

• Make sure the processor socket type and FSB match the processor being used.
• Make sure the memory slots are correct for the type and speed of memory being used
• Make sure it has the correct video card slots. (The motherboard I will be using has SLI technology so I will be using two video cards.)
• Make sure the motherboard has the correct storage device slots such as IDE or SATA.
• Depending on how crazy you are about sound check what onboard sound the motherboard comes with.
• Make sure the onboard LAN (internet connection) and all of external ports match what is being used. (example: USB or PS/2 Ports)
• Make sure to leave room for expansion for the future.

Choosing a Computer Processor

• Make sure the motherboard supports the Processor that picked and has the correct socket type so it will mount to the motherboard properly.
• Make sure the FSB of the processor is supported by the motherboard.
• When Choosing Processor Cooling:
• If using an OEM processor a heat sink/fan assembly will need to be chosen.
• Make sure that when choosing a heat sink/fan assembly that is will be efficient and cool the processor properly for how much of a demand will be put on the processor.
• Make sure the fan connector will work with the motherboard

Choosing Computer RAM

• Make sure the motherboard has the correct slots for the type of RAM chosen.
• Make sure the motherboard supports the type of memory chosen.
• Make sure the motherboard supports the amount of RAM to be used.

Choosing Computer Video Card(s)

• If using SLI, make sure the video cards and the motherboard are SLI ready.
• Make sure the motherboard supports the correct slot(s) for the video card(s).
• Make sure the Core clock speed and the stream processors are adequate for what the computer will be used for.
• Make sure the memory clock, size, interface and type are adequate for what the computer will need to do.
• Make sure the video card has the correct monitor and accessory ports needed.

Choosing Computer Hard Drives

• Make sure the interface (Example: IDE / SATA) is correct for the motherboard being used.Make sure that the capacity of the Hard Drive will suit current needs and store all of the programs intended to be run.
• Make sure the physical spec (size) of the hard drive will fit inside the computer case.

Choosing Computer CD/DVD Drive(S)

• Make sure to look at the performance levels on how fast the drive accesses and writes information. (Depending on how long you are willing to take to have these tasks finished.)
• Make sure the physical spec (size) will sit into the case.
• Make sure to pick the correct interface (SATA/IDE) depending on what the motherboard specs are

Choosing Computer Expansion cards (Example: sound card or physics card):

• Make sure that the interface (example: PCI) is correct for the motherboard.
• If buying a video card make sure all of the ports are correct for what is needed.

Choosing a Computer Power Supply

• Make sure there is enough power for all of the computer components.
• Make sure the main connector will work with the motherboard
• Make sure all of the other connectors will work with all of the computer components. (Examples: SATA Power connectors, IDE Power Connectors, PCI Express Power Connectors)

Choosing a Computer Case and Cooling

• Make sure that there is enough room for all of the computer components inside the case. (Example: Mid ATX / Full ATX)
• Make sure to have the correct spaces allotted for the power supply, hard drive(s), CD/DVD drive(s), ect.
• Make sure there will be sufficient room for cooling.

Choosing an Operating System

*Make sure all of the system requirements of the operating system are met.