When you open up the side of a computer for the first time, you may ask yourself “How could I ever build one of these?”

It is a maze of wires, circuitry, chips, and cables. Inside are boxes that hum, and LEDs glowing softly. For the beginner it all seems complex and intimidating.

If you have never built a computer before, your greatest challenge is to accept the challenge itself.

There really doesn’t have to be any apprehension, though. As I have said in many articles, there are only 11 major parts in a computer. Most of them either snap together, or plug-in. The most complicated tool you’ll use is a screwdriver. If you can follow simple instructions, you can build a computer in an afternoon.

These instructions can be found throughout the internet. There is an almost unlimited number of sites that devote part or all of their space to building computers. If you prefer the printed page, guidebooks can steer you through planning, buying parts, assembly, and loading your operating system.

If you fear plugging something in the wrong way and frying parts as a result, there’s no need to worry. The plugs are keyed to connect together one way only. If there is any doubt in your mind, the wires are color-coded as well.

All the ports you’ll be plugging things into on the motherboard are labeled, albeit with tiny letters. Motherboard manufacturers, like Asus, Abit, and Intel, send out fine manuals with their boards, with easy to understand diagrams.

The motherboards, and all the other parts you’ll need are so widely available that competition is keeping prices down. In addition, manufacturers constantly bring out new models, driving down prices on merchandise that may have been issued only a few weeks before. So, it is possible to build a “dream machine” on a bargain budget.

Michael Quarles is the author of Building a PC for Beginners.

Share This