With an ever-expanding array of barebones kit options, a growing number of PC parts suppliers, and seven new versions of Microsoft's next Windows client coming, many technology professionals may choose to build custom systems from scratch. Doing so offers several advantages, including the ability to tailor components to your needs while controlling costs. This list offers 10 recommendations to review when building a PC from the ground up.
#1: Select the mobo carefully
The motherboard is the most important component you select when building a PC from scratch. Not only does your motherboard choice determine the number and type of ports (parallel, serial, USB, memory card, etc.) a new system possesses, but it also dictates which processor powers the box, the memory (type and speed) that's used, the number and type of disks (IDE, SATA, etc.) supported, and the resulting PC case style (micro, Shuttle, mid-tower, 1U server, etc.), as the motherboard's form factor (ATX, mini-ITX, etc.) typically determines the case that must be used.
Pay particular attention to a motherboard's CPU socket type when reviewing your processor options. The CPU socket type typically dictates the CPU manufacturer (Intel versus AMD) as well as the processor family (Pentium 4, Athlon, Celeron, Sempron, etc.). If you become confused as to which socket is designed for which CPU, Wikipedia maintains a handy listing.
It's also a good idea to review the motherboard's chipset and video port specifications. Chipset type determines maximum RAM configuration (among other elements), while most every contemporary board supports older PCI technology. Newer boards, however, favor PCI-Express slots over AGP for improved video performance.
#2: Review CPU options
While your motherboard choice often determines the processor (AMD Athlon 64-bit and Intel Core Duo are but two examples), you still have a decision to make. That is, how fast should your processor be?
Remember that a CPU boasting additional processor cycles will provide improved performance during its service life, and the service life may well be extended proportionate to its increase in speed over base models. In other words, a Pentium 4 3.06 GHz chip is more likely to meet minimum system requirements longer than the same model CPU with a 2.26 GHz clock.
#3: Don't skimp on the PC case
Avoid the temptation to purchase the cheapest beige box. The case that houses the system does more than just hold the PC's components. Cases also determine the system's footprint, as well as the type and number of data ports easily accessed from the machine's front.
#4: Power up
Never underestimate the importance of a good power supply. Problematic power supplies can be a nightmare to diagnose. Ensure that you purchase a quality unit that generates sufficient power for your system's configuration.
#5: Check the RAM
You can never have enough RAM, but you can certainly purchase it improperly. For example, if you need 2 GB of RAM, don't plan on plugging four 512 MB sticks into most boards. Many motherboards now feature only a pair of RAM slots, so be sure to purchase the most concentrated RAM modules you can.
Also, purchase the correct memory. It's easy to confuse different types. Confirm that you've received the proper RAM and aren't the recipient of 333 MHz DDR memory when you paid for a 400 MHz DDR stick, as almost happened to me recently. (Fortunately, I caught the error and corrected a well-intentioned clerk prior to completing the purchase.)
#6: Choose the right disk format
Your motherboard selection will provide you with several disk options. In addition to the requisite CD/DVD drive, you'll likely have your choice of IDE, SATA, or even SCSI hard disks. If your system will process large amounts of data often, it's worth supplying the new system with a SATA or SCSI drive.
But if the system is to be used for nonintensive applications (likely the case for the majority of corporate systems), cheaper and potentially recyclable IDE hard disks are readily available and will adequately meet your needs. Don't just assume you need the latest and greatest hardware. Significant savings can be had by reusing an existing 5400 RPM 20 GB IDE disk as opposed to purchasing a new 7,200 RPM 300 GB SATA drive.
#7: Consider video requirements
There used to be little call for potent video cards in most corporate environments. Other than graphic artists, CAD designers, professional photographers, and video production houses, few people other than gamers really required video cards packing more than even 64 MB of video RAM.
But that's all changing. The use of rich media is growing exponentially across all professions. The trend is sure to stress a vast number of video cards currently in use, and Windows Vista (with its graphically intensive Glass interface) will push many organizations to using video cards with 256 MB or more RAM.
Video adapter type is another consideration when building a barebones system. PCI- and AGP-based adapters long met most organization's needs. But PCI-Express, with higher speeds resulting from serial interconnects versus the old-style bus, is overtaking AGP (which itself overtook PCI).
Be sure to keep your organization's requirements, and the system's intended use, in mind when specifying the new PC's video parameters. In many cases, a simple embedded video adapter will meet your needs. In others, a separate AGP or PCI-E slot and video adapter with 256 MB nonshared video RAM may be required to accommodate graphically intensive tasks.
#8: Secure everything
More than a few systems have been hastily built and pressed into service. It's easy to overlook fundamentals, especially when projects stack up, but always take the extra time to secure all the components inside a PC.
Ensure all power supply and data cables are directed away from cooling fans, including fans used to cool the CPU, video card, and the case itself. PCs have lots of moving parts, so prevent cables from shifting position by connecting them to the case's frame (or even other cables) using zip ties.
Also take time to secure all drives and disks in their bays. Don't rely upon a single screw to hold a hard disk or CD/DVD drive in place; use at least two screws (one to each side) and preferably four (two to a side).
#9: Buy a burner
If 40 is the new 30, a CD/DVD burner is the new floppy. Many PCs no longer even include a floppy disk. Assuming a little extra cost now (for a CD or DVD writing drive) will save you time and trouble in the future.
Sure, everyone believes they'll be able to e-mail or FTP larger files to the appropriate vendor, supplier, or customer, but I've lost count of the number of times I've needed to transfer large files but couldn't access FTP shares due to security or firewall issues and couldn't e-mail the files due to Exchange attachment restrictions.
Add a burner to your barebones PC and you'll also have a secondary method of creating backups, too. The benefits simply outweigh the costs.
#10: Cool is good; heat is bad
PC cases commonly don't include five-dollar case fans. Buy one and install it. Heat's a PC's worst enemy.
Purchase a quality CPU fan, too. Both cheap and expensive models (particularly any that add neon glow) should be avoided. Instead, go with tried-and-true manufacturers that don't make CPU cooling complicated. It's a simple problem with a simple solution.
Also, don't store the system's documentation inside the PC. I recently replaced a failed hard disk in a physician's computer that likely died an early death because the previous administrator placed a plastic bag containing the PC's documentation inside the case. It's a practice I see occasionally. Although it's a good idea in concept (keeping a system's documentation, license, and install CD with the unit), the material obstructs airflow. In this case, it blocked numerous exhaust ports and likely contributed to the hard drive's premature failure.
Source : http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-6062218.html
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