Build List
What You Need to Build a Computer

When you are exploring how to build a computer from scratch, one of the first things your need is your build list. 

Your build list ties into:

• Budget
  • Cheap Computer Tips can help you keep to your budget, if it's a tight one.
  Build Type
• Cheap Gaming PC configuration has links to specific parts
• Mid Range Gaming PC configuration has links to specific parts
• Want/ needs assessment
• Finally then to installing the parts how to put the parts all together in the pc case

Build List:

Articles about what to look for in the parts listed.

1. CPU
2. Thermal Grease
3. CPU Cooler (heat sink & fan - custom is needed if you are overclocking, otherwise stock retail is fine)
4. Motherboard
5. Video Card (Cards if running SLI or CrossfireX )
6. RAM
7. Optical drive (DVD burner or blu-ray or which ever combo of drives you want)
8. Data back up hardware (unless you already have a NAS or home file server )
9. PSU (power supply unit) and power cord
10. Case (chassis), screws and motherboard mounts (if not built in)
11. Monitor , power cable and video cable
12. Speakers (if not built into monitor)
13. Keyboard
14. Mouse
15. OS - Generally some flavor of Windows 7 (64 bit)
16. UPS (uninterrupted power supply unit) I prefer this over a surge protector

Tip:

I realize anti-static mats and wrist wraps are advised. Personally, I ground myself by touching the steel case, before I pick up the motherboard, video card, RAM, CPU and etc.

It's up to you and your comfort level which route you want to go.

1. If you are upgrading you can cross off from the list any of the items you are keeping from your old machine.
2. If you are using your existing PSU, make sure it can support your new components and that it has the proper connectors.
3. Motherboard power is a 24 pin connector. The power for the CPU is generally a secondary 8 pin connector and optionally tertiary 4 pin connector although it might be a splittable pair of 4 pin 2x2 connectors (backwards compatibility).
4. New video cards are 8 pin instead of 6 pin connectors. If the video card rail on old PSU does not match new video card, I strongly advise you to purchase a new PSU.
5. If your Monitor is VGA and your new video card is DVI you'll need a converter. It could also be a "reason" to upgrade your monitor.
6. If you are planning SLI or Crossfire, be positive your PSU is certified for it.

Important:

If you are ordering your parts online, be sure that everything arrives properly. That you aren't missing anything out of the packages.

Keep your receipts together, it makes it easier if you know where they are if there is:

1. a warranty issue
2. a DOA (dead on arrival) issue
3. or a packing issue (something missing)

Building your system - Brief run down on installing the parts. Along with some tips.

Part Definitions - A bit about what each part does.

Part Installation - How to install the parts.

Casual Gaming Rig - Article on part choices behind a mid range gaming pc.

Mid Range Gaming PC - Configuration for a solid gaming pc.

Cheap Gamer - About a cheap gaming rig.

Cheap Gaming PC - Configuration for a cheap gaming computer (aka specific parts) 

Hardcore Gaming Rig - a sample of a hardcore gamer.

When Friends Ask for Help with Computer Issues - Giving help is similar to project scope creep. Some things to be aware of before you merge onto the road paved with good intentions.

Static Electricity - Things that cause it and tips on grounding yourself.