|
This is part 2 of a series on building a desktop computer, titled "PC Building". Click here to read the previous entry.
 The
decision made to build my own desktop, I now have to figure out where
to start. The main things I picture doing with my PC include
multi-tasking regular tasks (web surfing, word processing, playing
music, etc.), gaming, music recording (via USB mic), and basic
photo-editing. So to begin, I thought it best to lay out all the parts I
would need or want for my machine. I began compiling a list of
essential computer parts, including a barebones definition of what each
is and does. Here's what I came up with:
Core Components
The Case - The computer's skin & skeleton. Holds all the computer components together and protects them.
The Power Supply - Provides electrical power from the wall socket to the computer.
The Motherboard - The computer's nervous system. Contains all
necessary ports and slots for connecting all components of the system
together, and the circuitry for them to communicate.
The Central Processing Unit (aka the CPU or Processor) - The brain of the computer. Does all the calculations and performs all the active functions.
The Random Access Memory modules (aka RAM or memory) - Provides temporary data storage for information being readily accessed and used by the computer (e.g. running programs).
The Storage Drive (aka hard drive) - The permanent storage space for computer data and programs. Comes in solid state and hard disk forms.
Additional Components
The Graphics Processing Unit (aka the GPU or Graphics Card) - An expansion card with its own processor and memory, specifically designed to handle system graphics.
The Sound Card - An expansion card which handles audio signal input and output from the system.
Fans and Cooling Devices - Keeps the case environment and system hardware cool.
With this list in front of me, I now had to figure out where to put
my money. With today's computer prices, $850 is not a modest budget by
any means. That's not to say I couldn't easily spend beyond that on just
one or two top end computer parts. The reality is, in the electronics
industry there is always a sweet spot in performance/dollar. Determining
hardware priorities will help me determine these sweet spots and when
it's worth paying more.
It became very clear to me after a little digging that the most
crucial parts of any computer system are the processor and motherboard.
The processor is the workhorse, and its speed will largely determine the
speed of the computer. The motherboard is also key; not because of
speed, but because it is designed around the processor and components it
uses. The motherboard is also the limiting factor for system upgrades -
I can't buy better parts down the road if they can't connect to my
board. My conclusion - don't skimp on the processor or motherboard.
For my system, the graphics card is the other key piece. While most
CPU motherboard combos have video processing capabilities, those who
want to watch movies or play games on the computer need a dedicated
video card. To make my system future-proof for the next few years, a mid
to high level card is a priority.
With the CPU, motherboard, and GPU at the forefront, I can now begin
compiling and purchasing parts. There are a number of great online
resources for selecting PC parts, my favorite being pcpartpicker.com,
which I will be using to track my build.
To be continued…
(Dude writing list image credit: thelifestylecompound.com)
| 
Re: PC Building, P2 - Plans and Parts
