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For some time now ...I've
been wanting a New Computer system , because my old Dell was getting
tired and just didn't have a big enough processor to handle some of
the stuff I wanted to do.
So, for a short while I thought about just buying another Dell built
to my specs...but in the end decided that if I could learn about all
the stuff I did for converting buses...I certainly could learn how
to build my own PC.
And that's what I did... got a couple of pretty much up-to-date
books on the subject...
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"Build Your Own PC" by Morris Rosenthal
and..."Building a PC for Dummies" by Mark Chambers
Did a ton of Web research ...bought all the bits & pieces ...and put
her together.
This was a lot of fun , and wasn't nearly as hard or scary as I
imagined it would be.
So far , I'm really happy with my new system , and think it's the
best way to go about getting the computer you want ...versus taking
what you can get from a large Computer manufacturer.
Dell , Compaq etc. are good company's who produce fine computer
systems for the average user...but for folks who need something a
bit more advanced ...then Building it Yourself is the only way to
go....
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The truly Cool thing about this is...When you build the Computer
yourself you can choose the very-best parts you can find for your
system .
Versus buying a Company manufactured PC ...which might look great on
the outside...but often use some pretty cheap stuff on the 'inside'.
Stuff like...not so good Motherboards , cheap modems , graphic cards
, questionable memory & sometimes will use reconditioned parts.
I don't hold it against Dell or whoever for doing this....they need
to sell a lot of reasonably priced PCs ...to stay in business.
I'm sure they figure that the average user is going to do fine with
systems like these ...plus undoubtedly , they must figure that lots
of folks will buy a new computer every few years ...so , why bother
using the best parts if you can just sell them a new computer system
in the near future .
But ,building your own PC
isn't for everyone . You only want to do this if you're like me and
need a specialized system ...or if you're a gamer , who needs a
system with some very fast processing speeds.
I really think the average PC user should stick with a big company
manufactured PC ...because you get 24/7 Tech support ..and a
mostly good 'whole system' warranty.
When you build them yourself ...you do get much better warranties on
the individual parts ...but 99% of the time you don't get toll-free
Tech support .Typically you have to pay a fee , which can be a
pretty hefty one ...if you need some help with a piece of hardware.
But all things
considered...if you've researched this stuff well and are reasonably
computer literate you're just not going to have to call tech support
much.
A neat thing happens here... if you start from square one and put it
all together yourself ...if something does go wrong you'll know how
to trouble-shoot your system and hopefully come up with a fix. |
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This is not a " how to build your own Computer " page ...so I'm not
going to go into a bunch of 'How-To' details . But I am going to
list the parts/components I used and try to explain a few details
I've learned about how to choose the right parts.
OK...Here goes....
Computer Case
The very first item I shopped around for was a computer case. And ,
since most new CD & DVD drives these days have black faceplates ...I
knew that I needed a Black computer case so things would look good.
(Note: some drives come with Black or white faceplates . But lots of
the really good ones only come w/ Black Faceplates)
So , after a bunch of searching ... I bought a beautiful case.
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ANTEC SONATA MID-TOWER CASE w/ TRUE
POWER 380 WT ATX POWER SUPPLY |
I love this case ! Antec
designed it to be extremely quiet .
Which it is... Compared to my old Dell , which sounded like a vacuum
cleaner when it was working hard...my new system is so quiet I
hardly know it's even running.
Plus it's a really pretty case too...which I think is important .
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Here's an important detail to
remember when your shopping around for a case...
You're going to see some really cool looking small cases
online and in stores ...little cases like these tend to
be used by Gamers who build a system just for this.
The smaller cases often are designed for Motherboards
other than a more standard ATX form factor 12 x 9.6
inch ones.
So make sure the case you buy is designed to hold the
Mother Board you want to install . |
MOTHER BOARD
There's a lot of different Mother Boards out there to choose from
...how I chose mine was to read the postings on online Gamers
forums.
Even though , I'm not into gaming ...I figured since these Folks are
into Mother Boards that are designed for maximum performance ...this
was the place to look for one that could handle what I want to do.
So , after checking it out ...I picked up a ....
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ASUS
P4C800-E DLX INTEL 875P CHIPSET SERIAL ATA150 ATX FORM
FACTOR 1xAGP(PRO/8X)/5xPCI/1xWIFI/4xDDR
W/SATA,RAID,1394,USB 2.0 & AUDIO |
This is supposed to be a very good Mother Board..here's some info on it
Intel
875P chipset
Leveraging the Intel 875P chipset to support
3.2 GHz+ P4 CPU on 800MHz FSB, Dual DDR 400
memory, Intel Hyper-Threading Technology,
Intel Performance Acceleration Technology,
and a full-range of advanced features,
P4C800-E really delivers a full-value,
high-performance solution for today's most
demanding tasks.
Dual-Channel DDR400
Dual-channel DDR technology doubles the
bandwidth of your system memory and hence
boost the system performance to out perform
any memory existing solutions in the market.
System bottlenecks are eliminated with
balanced architecture and peak bandwidths up
to 6.4GB/s.
Intel PAT
P4C800-E's built-in Intel PAT (Intel
Performance Acceleration Technology) is a
trigger for extreme performance. It helps to
boost performance by 3~5%.
Multi-RAID for ATA133 & Serial ATA
The P4C800-E Deluxe offers the most complete
RAID solution. A Promise SATA controller
offers RAID 0, 1 and 10 functions with Max.
2 UltraATA 133 ports and 2 SATA HD ports,
enabling users to build a RAID array with
any 2, 3 or 4 of the ports. With unique
multi-RAID function, RAID 0 and RAID 1 array
can co-exist.
Intel Gigabit LAN
With Intel CSA-based Gigabit LAN controller,
network data can be transferred at a much
higher rate with lower latency. This new
interface performs networking tasks more
efficiently, and achieves bi-directional
gigabit speeds.
AI AUDIO (6-channel digital audio)
AI series motherboards employed the world's
first intelligent audio CODEC. The 6-channel
AD1985 audio CODEC automatically detects and
identifies what types of peripherals are
plugged into the audio I/O jacks and
notifies users of inappropriate connection,
meaning there will be no more confusion of
Line-in, Line-out and Mic jacks.
AI BIOS
CrashFree BIOS 2~
Whenever BIOS gets corrupted, ASUS CrashFree
BIOS 2 allows users to reboot the computer
and perform an smart auto-recovery procedure
through the motherboard support CD.
Q-Fan~
This unique technology intelligently and
automatically adjusts CPU fan speeds
according to system load and temperature,
enabling users to work in a distraction-free
environment with minimal noise.
ASUS POST Reporter~
A voice warning design during POST notifies
users of any system errors, which means no
more complicated LED messages!
AI Overclocking
overclocking up to 30% (depends on CPU and
RAM). It automatically detects and optimizes
every relevant parameter to provide both
performance and stability.
The BIOS in AI Series also keeps all the
special design for overclocking:
-- Flexible CPU Core Voltage Adjustments in
0.025V increments over defaults
-- SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) up to
400MHz at 1MHz increanerts
-- Adjustable FSB/DDR ratio. Fixed AGP/PCI
frequencies
-- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
AGP8X/Pro
AGP8X (AGP 3.0) is the next generation VGA
interface specification that enables
enhanced graphics performance with high
bandwidth up to 2.12GB/s.
ICH5R with Integrated SATA and RAID 0, 1
Intel is the world's first chipset maker to
integrate Serial ATA (SATA) and RAID 0, 1
functions into the South Bridge. The latest
ICH5R chipset now delivers 150MB/s fast data
transfer (SATA) and striping performance to
enhance computing efficiency.
IEEE 1394 interface
IEEE 1394 interface provides high speed
digital interface for audio / video
appliances such as digital television,
digital video camcorders, storage
peripherals & other PC portable devices.
8 USB 2.0 ports supports
USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard
for next generation components and
peripherals.
Backwards compatible with current USB 1.1
peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer
speeds up to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for
easy connectivity and ultra-fast data
transfers. |
TECH STUFF:
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CPU |
-Socket 478 for Intel
Pentium 4/ Celeron up to 3.2 GHz+
-Intel Hyper-Threading Technology ready
-New power design supports Intel next
generation Prescott CPU |
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Chipset |
Intel 875P MCH
Intel ICH5R |
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Front Side Bus |
800 / 533 / 400 MHz |
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Memory |
-Dual Channel Memory
Architecture
-4 x 184-pin DIMM Sockets support max. 4GB
PC3200/PC2700/PC2100 ECC/ Non-ECC DDR SDRAM
memory
-Intel Performance Acceleration Technology
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LAN |
Intel CSA 82547EI
Gigabit Ethernet Controller |
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Expansion Slots |
-1 x AGP Pro/ 8X/ 4X
(0.8V, 1.5V only)
-5 x PCI
-1 x ASUS WIFI Connector for optional
wireless LAN upgrade |
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Storage |
South Bridge:
-2 x UltraDMA 100
-2 x Serial ATA with RAID 0, 1
Promise 20378 RAID controller:
-1 x UltraDMA 133 support two hard drives
-2 x Serial ATA -RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1,
Multiple RAID |
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AI Audio |
-ADI AD1985 SoundMAX
6-channel CODEC
-Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology
-support S/PDIF out interface |
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AI BIOS Feature |
CrashFree BIOS2,
Q-Fan, Post Reporter |
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AI Overclocking |
-Intelligent CPU
frequency tuner
-ASUS JumperFree
-CPU, Memory, and AGP voltage adjustable
-SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from
100MHz up to 400MHz at 1MHz increment
-Adjustable FSB/DDR ratio. Fixed AGP/PCI
frequencies.
-ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
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IEEE 1394 |
VIA 1394 Controller
supports 2 x 1394 ports |
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USB |
Max. 8 USB2.0 ports |
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Special Features |
Power Loss Restart
support S/PDIF out interface
ASUS Q-Fan technology
ASUS EZ Flash
CrashFree BIOS2
ASUS POST Reporter
Multi-language BIOS
Asus Instant Music
Asus MyLogo2 |
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Back Panel I/O Ports |
1 x Parallel
1 x Serial
1 x PS/2 Keyboard
1 x PS/2 Mouse
1 x S/PDIF Output
1 x IEEE1394
1 x Audio I/O
4 x USB 2.0/1.1
1 x RJ45 |
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Internal I/O Connectors |
-2 x USB 2.0
connector support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports
-CPU / Power / Chassis FAN connectors
-Chassis Intrusion
-S/PDIF out connector
-CD / AUX / Modem audio in
-1 x IEEE1394 ports
-Front Panel Audio connector
-COM2 connector
-GAME/MIDI connector
-20-pin ATX Power connector
-4-pin ATX 12V Power connector |
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BIOS Feature |
4 Mb Flash ROM,AMI
BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3,
Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash, MyLogo2,
ASUS C.P.R. |
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Industrial Standard |
PCI 2.2, PCI 2.3, USB
2.0 |
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Manageability |
WfM 2.0,DMI 2.0,WOL
by PME,WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion, SM Bus |
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Support CD |
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe
Trend Micro PC-cillin 2002 anti-virus
software
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility |
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Accessories |
User's manual
InterVideo WinDVD Suite
2 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
IDE cable
FDD cable
4 x Serial ATA cable
2 x SATA power cable
4-port USB2.0 / Game port module
IEEE1394 module
I/O shield
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Form Factor |
ATX Form Factor 12"x
9.6"(30.5cm x 24.5cm) |
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Here's a couple of pics of
my Mother Board installed...the CPU , Memory & Graphics Card have
been installed on the board also.
Installing the Board is
really easy...when you get your Case & Mother Board , you'll receive
very good instructions on how to do this.
Basically , all it entails is to pull the cases IO panel/shield out
and replace it with the IO Shield that fits the Mother Board ...then
you'll screw in the Mother Board stand-offs in the appropriate spots
and screw down the mother board
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Before I forget this....here's
something very important to remember when you're
building a computer.
All the bits & pieces you'll install can get ruined by
even the smallest charge of static electricity . Never
take the Mother Board out of it's protective Anti-Static
electricity bag while you standing on carpet.
Some folks get these do-hickeys that strap onto your
wrist and then clamp onto the computer case that are
supposed to protect against static electricity
problems...
I just hauled a card table into the kitchen which has a
vinyl floor and made sure to touch my case every once in
awhile and had no problems.
Just be careful ...and you should do fine. |
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CPU
Now that I had my Mother Installed ...I installed the Pentium 4 CPU
Chip ( 478 Pin ) ...added a dab of Thermal Grease to the top of the
chip and Installed the CPU Fan.
Whatever CPU Chip you go for ...they come with good instructions on
Installation. Just watch out that the 'Pin' sizing on the Chip
matches the Mother Boards sizing.
Note: When you buy a Mother Board ... lots of places offer a
'Bundled' deal ...where you can buy the CPU , Memory etc. along with
the Board . I didn't do that because I wanted to research CPU's &
Memory a bit ...before I bought them.
But, when I build another system , I'll definitely go for a Bundled
Package...you save quite a bit when you do this.
Next ...
MEMORY
Not only was I running a slow & old Pentium 2 CPU in my Dell
Computer ...I never had enough Memory to run some of the Newer
Graphics Program applications .
So , for this system I installed 2 GIGS of ...
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CORSAIR TWINX1024-3200C2 2X64X64 400MHZ 2X512MB (MATCHED
PAIR) CL2 DDR DIMM W/HEAT SPREADER |
Once again , like most
parts of building a computer ...this is a very easy process . Your
Mother Board instructions will tell you how to do this and it will
also tell what type of memory and how much of it the board is
designed to handle ...this is important info , read the specs before
you buy Memory .
I bought pretty expensive memory...but at least Corsair has a Great
reputation .
I was tempted to go for one of those cheaper memory deals you see
advertised on the net a lot...but decided to go for the good stuff .
From what I've read on Memory ....the, 'you get what you pay for'
statement really applies here.
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GRAPHICS CARD
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ATI ALL-IN-WONDER 9600 128MB AGP 4X/8X DUAL VGA SVIDEO
COMPONENT VIDEO IN/OUT GRAPHICS CARD |
This is a really Cool
Graphics' Card !
It's got inputs for 2 monitors... I can watch TV Shows on my monitor
, by just plugging in a standard Coax cable in the back of the card
...and a connection where you plug in ATI's conversion cable that
allows you to input video in from any source ( camcorder , VCR , DVD
player etc.)
Here's some info on it....
" The
ALL-IN-WONDER® 9600 gives you the power to sit back, playback, and
capture or edit the finest quality TV, HDTV, streamed video, and
DVD’s that today’s technology has to offer for the PC. Combine this
with the awesome graphic rendering power of its RADEON™ 9600 visual
processing unit, remote control freedom, plus dual VGA monitor
support and you have a multimedia dynamo. With support for the
latest DirectX 9.0 graphics standard, AGP 8X and up to 128MB of DDR
memory,
the ALL-IN-WONDER® 9600 launches gamers into immersive 3D game play
at blistering speeds right out of the box "
I really like this Card...when I sitting here working on websites I
can watch TV
Here's a somewhat blurry screenshot of a Fox News program. Which I
like watching on occasion ,when I want to know what those dim-witted
election stealing Republicans are up to...
The TV option is fun ...but what sold me on this card is the ability
to input Video for my work . Having a setup built into the card
seems to work much better than Dazzle worked for me on my 'Old' PC
. (Where you plugged dazzles 'hardware' into a USB port.)
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The rest of it was simple stuff like...Installing the 160 GB hard
drive , Connecting the power-in leads and then connecting the IDE
cables to the correct spot on the Mother Board.
Installing the TDK CD/DVD BURNER DRIVE , TEAC CD/DVD ROM drive ,
IOMEGA 250 MB ZIP drive & The Floppy drive.
( Remember to set the correct Jumper Settings on your drives ...IE.
Slave , Master . The manuals you get with your Drives show you how
to do this)
Finally I hooked up all the power lines to fans , CPU fan , Lights ,
Power Button ...USB & Audio internal etc. etc...on the Mother Board.
There's a lot of connecting stuff ...but it's much easier than it
sounds. My ASUS Mother Board came with a wonderful manual that walks
you through the process.
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FINAL THOUGHTS...
This was a surprisingly easy project to complete ...and I'm really
glad I did it. Now , I've got a system that can handle anything I
need it to do.
Probably the MOST important things I learned about putting a
computer together are issues about 'Balance' and compatibility.
What I mean by that is... if you don't match things correctly
you're going to run into all sorts of problems.
You have to very carefully read your Mother Board specs and find out
stuff about Memory Type/compatibility...CPU's...etc etc. ...and then
get that stuff.
In other words...Don't go out and buy stuff that might not fit your
board ...even if some salesman tells you this the greatest deal on
the planet.
Doing it that way is only trying to drive a square peg into a round
hole....and doomed to failure.
READ THE MANUAL !!!!
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What did it cost to build this computer ?
It wasn't cheap ...for sure.
But all things considered , for such a good system designed for
graphics & video processing it wasn't outrageously expensive
either...
ANTEC SONATA CASE ...$98.00
ASUS MOTHER BOARD...$179.00
PENTIUM 4 CPU... $211.00
2 GIGS MEMORY...$350.00
ATI GRAPHICS CARD ...$167.00
MODEM...$39.00
160 GB HARD DRIVE ...$124.00
SONY FLOPPY DRIVE .... $9.00
TEAC CD/DVD ROM DRIVE ....$65.00
TDK CD/DVD BURNER DRIVE ....$152.00
IOMEGA 250MG ZIP DRIVE ....$100.00
A total ( before shipping ) of...
$1494.00
That's just the Computer...The other stuff I picked up ...
Samsung SyncMaster 910v (19 inch LCD Monitor)
Epson Stylus Photo 1280 printer & Epson 2480 photo scanner
New Microsoft Internet keyboard
brought the grand total up to....
$2650.00
Since I live on an Island
in Alaska ...I had to buy all my stuff online.
The Majority of the parts I got through MWAVE .
Somehow I lucked out and found these guys...their service and
shipping rates are wonderful.
I'm used to getting the special 'Screw you' you live in Alaska
shipping rates ...that usually works out to be twice the cost of the
item.
But MWAVE treated me very fairly and their TECH people were a lot of
help.
There are cheaper places online to buy this sort of stuff ...but I'm
sticking with MWAVE.
99% of the stuff I bought online through them shipped out the same
day...now that's what I call good service .
Here's their URL
http://www.mwave.com
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CATEGORY -
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MY
COMPUTER PROJECT |
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