By Jessica Hupp

These days, it’s easier than ever to build your computer. There are so many places to buy and comparison shop for individual computer parts that you almost have to try not to get a good deal on a homebuilt PC. Even better, there are a number of resources out there that offer step by step instructions, buying guides, and support, so you’ve got help every step of the way, even if you’re a beginner. We’ve compiled 100 of these resources, as well as some of the things you’ll need to get the job done.

Tools & Components

These tools aren’t online resources. Rather, they’re the essential bits and pieces you’ll need both in your computer and the tools to put it all together.

1. PC Case: This is the piece of hardware that everything will live in.
2. Phillips head screwdriver: Most PCs use a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Hard drive: This one’s essential, as just about everything in your computer will live in the hard drive.
4. Screw extractor: If you drop a screw into your PC’s body, this tool will make it easy to get it out.
5. CD-ROM drive: You’ll almost certainly want a CD drive, even if it’s just for installing new software.
6. Cable ties: Tidy up your cables with these ties to help increase airflow.
7. Keyboard: You can’t get by without attaching this input device.
8. Mouse: Another important input device, the mouse is just as essential as the keyboard, unless you want to learn a lot of keyboard shortcuts.
9. Monitor: Although media PCs may not need it, most PCs can’t get by without a window into the way it’s working.
10. Flashlight: Get a good look at what you’re working on by using a flashlight.
11. Lint-free cloth: Get rid of accumulated dust with a lint-free cloth.
12. Processor: A processor will interpret instructions in your computer.
13. Processor cooling fan: Keep the processor cool and efficient with a built-in fan.
14. Tweezers: These are helpful for picking up and installing various bits and pieces. Needlenose pliers will work as well.
15. Motherboard: The motherboard provides the connections other components will need to work together.
16. Motherboard spacers: Although spacers generally come with the motherboard, you may need to buy some to space your motherboard off of your mounting plate.
17. Memory: Without memory, your computer would only be able to perform a fixed operation and immediately output the result, like a calculator. With memory, your PC becomes a multifunctional device like the computers you’re likely used to.
18. Floppy disk drive: If you want to be able to use floppies, don’t forget this drive.
19. Power supply: Without juice, your computer won’t run.
20. Video card: A video card will generate an output image on your display. This is especially important for gaming computers.
21. Drive cables: Although they may be included with components, be sure you have the cables you need to hook everything up.
22. LAN card: This card can be used to connect computers together and form a network. Your motherboard may already have a LAN port, so check before you buy this.
23. Screws: PC cases generally provide all of the screws you need, but just in case, make sure you’re covered.
24. Sound card: The sound card translates digital signals into analog audio. This is essential if you want to play games or run multimedia applications.
25. Spare parts container: Store small parts while you’re working to keep everything handy and safe. This can be anything from an old coffee can to something you pick up at the hardware store.
26. Anti-static wrist band: Computer components are sensitive to static electricity. Make sure you’re wearing an anti-static wrist band to protect them.
27. Grounding strap: Just like an anti-static wrist band, a grounding strap with help mitigate static electricity.
28. System disk: This disk should have all of your system and setup files on it.
29. Device drivers: Although they usually come with hardware, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve got all of the right device drivers to do the job.
30. Operating system: This software will manage your computer and give you a way to interact with it.
31. Fdisk and Format: These utilities configure PC hard drives for use. You’ll also learn about hard drive partitioning and formatting from this resource.

Buying Guides

Get help finding the best parts for the best price with these guides.

32. How to Choose a Good CPU For Your Computer: Read this article to get the lowdown on picking up a processor.
33. A Guide to Choosing Computer Motherboards: Check out this guide for valuable information on choosing this all-important component.
34. 3 Cheap Gaming Computers That You Can Build: This article lists the components for three different gaming computer rigs.
35. Budget PC Guide: Check out the parts of a budget PC here.
36. Choosing a Motherboard, PC Case and PSU: This guide offers reputable brands and advice on buying these three important components.
37. 5 Essential Things to Know About Buying a Computer Power Supply: Read this article before you buy a power supply device for your computer.
38. A Guide to Buying Computer Monitors for Displaying Graphics: Learn about monitors from CRT to LCD and the factors to consider when choosing one.
39. Some Information on Choosing a Good CD, DVD, or Hard Drive: If you’re building your computer from scratch, you’re probably going to buy one or all of these components. Find the right hardware for your needs using this guide.
40. A Guide to Choosing the Best Desktop Computer System: Buy parts that meet your needs by using this guide.
41. Selecting and Buying a Good Sound Card for Audio Output: Learn the ins and outs that come with buying a sound card here.
42. A Guide to Buying a Computer Video Card for Displaying Graphics: Find the right video card for your PC using this guide.
43. Looking For a Computer Part? An Online Store May Have a Good Deal: This article recommends good PC shopping sites and provides advice for making the shopping experience a little easier.
44. Learn How to Choose Computer Parts That Suit Your Needs: Get the ultimate in customization using this guide.
45. My Cheap Computer Tool Kits Suggestions: Read about one computer builder’s must-have tools.

Guides

Learn how to build your PC through these tutorials that range from all-inclusive guides to specific task instructions.

46. Anti-Static: Learn how static works against your PC components and what you can do about it.
47. CPU Cooling: Read this resource to learn why CPUs get hot and what you can do about it.
48. PC Building Precautions: Read this guide to stay safe and avoid damage when building your PC.
49. Build Your Own Computer: PC Mechanic offers this 23-step tutorial that takes you from materials to tidying up.
50. IDE Configuration: Use this resource to set up multiple IDE hard drives and CD/DVD drives in your PC.
51. Installing an Operating System: Get installation guides for a number of operating systems here.
52. Courseware: Build Your Own PC: Watch PC Mechanic’s tutorial in video action.
53. Build a Hackintosh Mac for Under $800: Check out Lifehacker’s tutorial for building a Mac from scratch.
54. The Basics of Personal Computer Hardware: Learn about hardware essentials in this article.
55. Installing a CPU Onto Your Computer’s Motherboard: Find out about the details behind installing a CPU.
56. Building a Low Cost PC: This article offers a 6-part tutorial for building a highly customized PC on the cheap.
57. Build Your Own G4: Learn how to build an Apple G4 with this tutorial.
58. Installing a Motherboard is Easy: This guide breaks motherboard installation down into four easy steps.
59. How to Format a Hard Drive: Once you’ve got your components in, format your hard drive to get started.
60. My Super PC: Learn how to build an affordable, quality computer with this guide.
61. Building the $200 OSx86 Mac: Get your hands on a super cheap Mac using this tutorial.
62. How to Install a Power Supply for Your Computer: Get the juice to your PC using this installation guide.
63. How to Install a Primary Hard Drive: Install a hard drive with this four-step guide.
64. Install RAM Memory in Your PC: Find out how to install this component and give your PC some speed.
65. How to Open a Computer Case: Follow this guide to learn how to open a case properly.
66. Build Your Own PC: This tutorial takes you through many steps of building your own computer from purchasing components to installing the OS and drivers.
67. Hard Drive, Floppy & CD Drive Install: Read this guide to learn how to install a hard, floppy, or CD drive.
68. Install PCI Cards on Your Desktop Computer: Get the details and troubleshooting information on this easy install.
69. Learn to Build a Computer: This ten step tutorial takes you through everything you’ll need to build a computer.
70. Installing a Dual Boot Operating System: Learn how to put both Red Hat Linux 9 and Windows XP on your computer with this tutorial.
71. Learn What Lies Inside a Computer: This article details the many parts of a computer.
72. Top 5 Tips for Disassembling a Computer: If you’re scrapping an old PC for parts, be sure to check out this guide.
73. Learn How to Install a Motherboard: This article details the installation of a motherboard.

Media Center and Gaming Resources

If you’re going to build your own PC, why not take it a step further and build a media or gaming machine while you’re at it? These guides and resources will help you get the job done.

74. Free TiVo: Build a Better DVR out of an Old PC: Check out this tutorial to learn how to build a DVR on your computer.
75. The $500 Gaming Rig: Read this guide to learn how to build a cheap gaming computer that works great.
76. How to Build a Gaming PC for Just $1,000: Build a gaming PC on the cheap using this guide.
77. How To Build the Ultimate Windows Media Center on a Budget: This tutorial lays out the details of building a Windows Media Center of your own.
78. Build Your Own Vista Gaming PC for Under $1,000: Get the details and price list for building a Vista gaming PC here.
79. The Linux HTPC How-to-Basic and Advanced Media Center Build Tips: Check out this how-to to find out how to build a media center on Linux.
80. Build Your Own Budget Gaming PC: Computer Shopper details the components, installation, and upgrades that go along with building a gaming PC on a budget.
81. Build It: A Homemade Media Center PC: PC Magazine offers a guide for creating a homebrewed media center.
82. How to Build Your Own Media Center PC with Gaming Capability: Terri Stratton discusses building a media center PC with gaming capabilities with a small business system builder.
83. Introduction to Building Custom Gaming Computers: Get introduced to the world of custom gaming computers and learn about their advantages.
84. MythTV: MythTV offers all-in-one software to get TV on your computer.
85. Custom Gaming Computers: Why Build Your Own?: Find out about the perks that come with building a gaming computer on your own.
86. FreeCodecs.com: Load your PC up with all of the essential audio and video codecs with FreeCodecs.
87. Building a Cheap Gaming Computer: Tips to Save Money: Build your computer on a tight budget with these tips.

Support

You’re not alone in your homebrewed PC adventure. Get tips, support, and more from these communities and services.

88. PC Mechanic Forums: These forums have advice and support for building your own PC as well as general computer questions.
89. Hardware Zone: Check out Hardware Zone’s Hardware Clinic for help with technical issues.
90. Taming The Beast Hardware Training: This training section has a plethora of information about specific pieces of PC hardware as well as troubleshooting.
91. Hardware Central: Hardware Central’s forums offer peer support on everything from motherboards to overclocking.
92. Glossary: If you’re confused about PC building terms, check out this growing glossary for some insight.
93. CyberTechHelp: Get free help and support from this online community.
94. Build Your Own PC Forums: Find hardware discussions and help on these forums.
95. My Super PC Forums: Get help from first boot problems to assembly on these forums.
96. PC Troubleshooting Plus: This resource has loads of troubleshooting help for homebuilt PCs.
97. 10 Tips for Maintaining Your PC: Follow these tips to protect your hard work and investment on an ongoing basis.
98. HardwareCentral Forums: These forums offer support and discussion of the technology behind home PC building.
99. alt.comp.hardware: This discussion forum on Google Groups offers lots of hardware help.
100. alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt: Homebuilt PC users can share information and help each other using this group.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 at 11:07 am and is filed under Features, News & Updates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.