Build Your Own PC on a Budget: A DIY Guide for Hobbyists and Gamers

John Mueller (Cardiff-by-the Sea, CA) is a freelance author and computer consultant who has written over 40 computer book titles including Osborne's Visual Studio 6. Visual C++ 6, and Microsoft Internet Information Server 4.

• IntroductionPart I—Developing a PC Plan1 Defining What You WantConsidering Why Off-the-Shelf Systems Aren’t AppealingDealing with Standard Off-the-Shelf SystemsDealing with Customizable Off-the-Shelf SystemsEmploying the Bare-Bones KitsWriting Down Goals for Your SystemCreating a BudgetIdentifying the Parts You Have NowDefining What Reusable MeansObtaining Documentation for Existing PartsEnsuring the Part Is Actually Usable2 Introducing the Major PartsOpening the CaseUnderstanding the Role of the MotherboardProviding Power to the SystemConsidering the Add-on BoardsWorking with Display AdaptersHearing with Sound CardsProviding Interfaces Using Host AdaptersControlling Access Using Security Device CardsConsidering Other Add-on BoardsDeciding on Storage DevicesConnecting with CablesKeeping Things CoolFocusing on External ConnectivityDealing with Network CardsDealing with Port Cards3 Considering the VendorsGetting on Vendor SitesPerforming Quick ComparisonsObtaining Part Information in the Correct OrderPerforming Apples-to-Apples ComparisonsUnderstanding the Value of TestingPerforming Comparisons EfficientlyFinding Reliable ReviewsGetting Good Professional ReviewsUnderstanding the Value of PointsUsing the Good Review ChecklistUnderstanding the Compatibility PitfallsConsidering Problems with Standards AdherenceConsidering Problems with Feature ExtensionsWorking Through the Odd Bad PartDealing with Compatibility IssuesReading Between the Lines4 Getting What You NeedCreating and Verifying a Purchase ListDealing with SpecificsConsidering ReputationPerforming Comparison ShoppingVerifying the WarrantyChecking the Return PolicyMaking the PurchasesAllowing ScriptsGetting Your Information TogetherCompleting Your PurchaseVerifying the Package ContentsChecking the BoxesChecking the Individual Parts Box ContentMaking a List of ExtrasGetting the Extras You NeedEnsuring the Documentation Is CompleteInventorying the Required ToolsObtaining a Computer ToolkitGetting Individual ToolsSetting Up a Work AreaSelecting a WorktableEnsuring You Have Enough LightChecking the OutletsKeeping Your Work Area CleanPart II—Building the Hardware5 Adding RAM and ProcessorUnderstanding Static ElectricityVerifying the Processor and RAM PositionsAdding Cooling to the ProcessorUnderstanding the Need for Thermal PasteWorking with Standard Processor CoolingUnderstanding Liquid Processor CoolingInserting the ProcessorOrienting the ProcessorLocking the Processor DownInstalling the RAMLooking at the RAM SocketsInserting and Securing the RAM6 Installing the MotherboardConfiguring the CaseInstalling a Power SupplyIdentifying the Power Plugs and SocketsSetting Up the MotherboardEnsuring the Motherboard Is in PlaceInstalling the StandoffsPositioning the MotherboardScrewing the Motherboard in PlaceConnecting the Case Features to the MotherboardIdentifying the Pins on the MotherboardConnecting the Case PlugsTesting Your Initial Setup7 Providing VideoUnderstanding the Video BasicsUnderstanding How Things WorkUsing a Special Motherboard SocketFinding the Special Power Supply ConnectionViewing the Back of the CardInstalling the Video Card CorrectlyConnecting Any Required CablesConsidering CrossFire and SLI Configuration NeedsConfiguring the MotherboardUsing the Correct SlotMaking the Required Power Supply ConnectionsMaking Connections Between CardsConsidering TV Tuner Configuration NeedsConnecting DevicesPerforming a Quick Video Test8 Mounting Permanent StorageUnderstanding Permanent Storage BasicsDefining the Form FactorsConsidering the Power CableConsidering the Data CableWorking with Drive Size AdaptersInstalling a SATA DriveInstalling an Optical DriveWorking with Solid-State DrivesUsing USB StorageWorking with External DrivesConsidering Other Permanent Storage OptionsConsidering the SCSI OptionUnderstanding RAID9 Attaching Auxiliary DevicesChoosing Keyboard and Other Input Devices CarefullyConnecting the KeyboardConsidering the Advantages of Wired KeyboardsWorking with Wired KeyboardsWorking with Wireless KeyboardsConnecting the Mouse or TrackballConsidering the Trackball DifferenceWorking with a Wired Mouse or TrackballWorking with a Wireless Mouse or TrackballTesting the Basic SetupAdding a PrinterWorking with WebcamsProviding Other Device ConnectionsPart III—Considering Networks10 Installing a LANUnderstanding LAN BasicsConsidering the LAN HardwareCreating the Physical ConnectionConsidering the LAN SoftwareSeeing the Other ConnectionsConfiguring the Motherboard LANDealing with JumpersPerforming the System ConfigurationConsidering Multiple-LAN MotherboardsInstalling a Separate LAN CardUsing External LAN SolutionsUnderstanding WLAN EssentialsDefining the WLANDelving into Wi-FiDelving into WiMAXConsidering LAN SecurityDeveloping a Security PlanCreating Useful PasswordsDefining the Hazards of WLAN11 Connecting to the InternetConfiguring Multiple LANsConsidering the Need for a RouterConnecting to the LANsDetermining Your Internet Connection TypeConnecting a MODEMDefining the Purpose of a MODEMObtaining the Correct MODEMConfiguring the MODEMConnecting to the MODEMUsing a Test System to Check the ConnectionUsing Alternative Connectivity OptionsConsidering Internet SecurityDefining the Internet DifferenceLocking Your System DownLocking the Browser DownRelying on FirewallsUsing Other Security Measures12 Accessing Wireless DevicesUnderstanding the Common Wireless StandardsEnsuring You Have the Correct Wireless SupportConfiguring Common Computer DevicesConfiguring Alternative DevicesConsidering Wireless Device SecurityDefining the Types of IntrusionsProtecting the Communication ChannelProtecting the NetworkUnderstanding the Role of Wireless Access PointsPart IV—Installing the Software13 Installing the Operating SystemChoosing an Operating SystemDefining What You Want to DoConsidering Version IssuesConsidering LongevityExploring Alternative SolutionsObtaining the Vendor Installation InstructionsLocating the Windows InstructionsChoosing a Linux FlavorHacking OS XEnsuring You Have All the DetailsGetting a Licensed CopyObtaining ManualsPerforming BackupsDownloading Device DriversPerforming the Installation14 Accessing the DevicesUnderstanding the Operating System to Device ConnectionConsidering the Use of Low-Level ResourcesAvoiding Device ConflictsCircumventing Application ConflictsRelying on Operating System DriversDefining the Advantages of Automatic AccessConsidering the Missing DeviceObtaining and Using Device Vendor DriversConsidering the Advantages of Vendor DriversKeeping Vendor Drivers UpdatedInstalling the Device DriversDocumenting Driver SettingsPerforming a System BackupRemoving Existing DriversPerforming Required System RebootsInstalling the New DriverOvercoming Driver-Specific ProblemsEnsuring Device ConnectivityDisabling the Driver TemporarilyVerifying Driver SettingsConsidering the Device Driver Mismatch15 Choosing ApplicationsMatching Applications to Your SystemVerifying the Hardware RequirementsValidating the Platform RequirementsChecking Version InformationConsidering Connectivity RequirementsObtaining Application ReviewsInstalling the ApplicationAvoiding Installation ComplexitiesUsing an Installation ProgramUnpacking the ApplicationWorking with Web-Based ApplicationsCorrecting Application Installation ProblemsDealing with MismatchesFinding Missing ComponentsGetting Peer HelpResetting an InstallationRemoving Errant and Unused ApplicationsPart V—Performing Maintenance16 Maintaining the HardwareCleaning the OutsideVacuuming the Louvers and CablesWiping the CaseChecking for DamageCleaning the InsideOpening the CaseSpraying the Dust OutCleaning the FiltersInspecting Your HardwareChecking the Add-on BoardsChecking the Storage DevicesChecking the CablesKeeping Things CoolSpinning the Fan BladesPerforming a Powered TestObtaining Spare PartsCreating a Parts ListShopping for Older PartsGetting Updated PartsMaintaining Essential SparesCreating a Maintenance Schedule17 Managing the SoftwarePerforming Required UpdatesSetting Software to Check Updates AutomaticallyValidating the UpdateDownloading and Installing the UpdateTesting the UpdateKeeping Things SecureStarting with PasswordsInstalling the Correct Background ApplicationsApplying Security Updates QuicklyReading Those Installation and Update ScreensDealing with System SlowdownsRemoving Unused ApplicationsCleaning the Hard DriveCleaning Up the Operating SystemKeeping Data SafePerforming BackupsKeeping Backups Off-SiteEncrypting Data as NeededOvercoming DisastersChecking Drivers, Services, and AgentsTesting Errant HardwareRestoring a Backup18 Preparing for UpdatesMaintaining a Wish ListBuilding with Expansion in MindDeveloping a Processor PlanUpgrading Your RAMUpgrading a Display AdapterAdding a Display AdapterIncreasing Your StorageObtaining Special Add-onsConsidering the Role of SoftwareObtaining and Installing Hardware UpdatesKnowing When to Retire Your Old SystemIndex