SiliconMage

Assembling a computer at home involves the following steps:

STEP 1:
Install your motherboard on the casing first. Put plastic stands-off under motherboard. Place in position in casing and install all screws required.

STEP 2:
Mount the CPU on the motherboard - being careful to position as required, as the fine pins are quite soft. This may take some time. Install the Cooler Fan Heat Sink assembly. Apply the paste which adds adhesion and contributes to the cooling effect on the top of CPU before clipping on the fan.

STEP 3:
Install the RAM module. To allow for easy insertion of RAM, push the white levers on both sides down. The gap in the RAM module should be matched to the slot. Push down the RAM firmly and pull the levers back up. They will click into position.

Any new motherboard should come with a diagram of the RAM layout. If there are empty slots a single ram module must be installed in the proper order.

STEP 4:
After the RAM is installed, the graphic card should be installed. It is usually next to the RAM slots and the may have to be pulled out if  the RAM was installed later .

STEP 5:
Install all the drives - the DVDRom, Floppy Disc Drive and HDD.

STEP 6:
Wiring up. Fit all your drives data cabling for the HDD, floppy disk drive (if needed) and DVDRom drive. These cables carry data signals between  hardware and the motherboard. They should be installed with their red edge facing the power supply plug.

For most motherboards, the primary slot is assigned to the HDD, the secondary slot will support an additional HDD/DVD Rom drive and the third slot will support the floppy drive.

STEP 7:
Connect up the mouse, keyboard and monitor.

LAST STEP:
As a last step, connect up all power plugs to the motherboard and drives. The main power source from the power box should be connected first.

For assembling your own computer, you need to buy the essential components that are needed for a function computer. These include the latest version of

1. CPU with Cooler Fan.
2. Compatible Motherboard
3. Ram module
4. HDD - with IDE cable
5. DVDRom Burner/Drive
6. Floppy Disc Drive - with cable
7. Graphic Card
8. Computer Casing with Power Supply box.
9. Modem
10. Sound Card
11. Network card (optional)

If you wish the Monitor, Keyboard and mouse can be salvaged from your “old” working computer system. Monitors are usually expensive and take up a lot of space, so it is better to use the old monitor. The keyboard and mouse get worn out quickly, so getting new parts is better

Hardware accessories include screws, plastic stands off ( to lift the motherboard off the enclosure), Plastic Ties.

Some major computer manufacturers like Dell allow buyers to order custom built computers where they can specify the amount of RAM / hard disk space,  but there is a limited amount of  flexibility as only a finite  number of option are available.

The best custom made computers are those which are assembled by the end user or by a  reliable computer assembler who knows the applications which will be run on the computer and selects the hardware accordingly. By doing so, the user gets a computer gets the best deal at a cost effective price.

Not everyone can or even should attempt to assemble a computer themselves. Some of the minimum requirements for assembling a custom built computer  at home are as follows :

1. Intermediate to advanced knowledge of  computer hardware and assembly. You should not only be able to read and understand component specifications and assembly instructions, but also be able to fit components together and ensure that there are no loose connections.  If you are not proficient, it is advisable to hire the services of  a reliable computer technician for a few hours.  Verify the credentials of the technician if possible.

2. Tools for assembling the computer:   Magnifying glass,  small flashlight , a set of  Philips screwdrivers for assembly and needle nose pliers. An anti static wrist strap is also recommended to prevent damage to components.

Though mass produced branded computers are cheap and easily available in most countries, custom built computers can be better for certain applications / uses.

Some of  the advantages of  buying / building custom built computers are :

1. You pay only for the components and hardware you need and use. Every computer user uses the computer for different applications. Most mass produced computers have some hardware features which are not used by many users. This hardware can be eliminated, reducing the overall cost of  the computer.

2. More user friendly : For a custom built computer, there is a lot of  flexibility in selecting  the cabinet , so that USB / parallel ports can be easily accessed  and peripherals like printers connected or disconnected from the computer. Though major manufacturers like HP hire some of  the “best” designers,  USB ports for many PC models cannot be accessed from the front of  the PC.

3. In case of  component failure, you are not dependent on the manufacturer and you can use a similar component  of  any other make , if the specifications match .

4. If you use your computer for gaming, the graphics card of standard computer models may not be adequate, so it is better to custom build  your computer as per your requirements.

About custom built computers and assembly of computers.

Today, millions of computers are used all over the world in offices and homes for business and entertainment. About a decade ago  a  significant percentage of these computers were assembled, as branded computers were expensive and cost  2-3 times more than assembled computers.

However, in the last few years with increasing volumes of computers being manufactured worldwide and cost of production of the components decreasing due to improved manufacturing techniques, the cost of branded computers has become comparable to that of assembled computers.  Most consumers now prefer to purchase branded computers since the manufacturer offers an after sales warranty for a period of  at least one year (this can be extended to 3 years by purchasing a carepack) with toll free helplines.

The quality of the after sales service offered for assembled computers is often inconsistent. Due to decreasing margins, many of the  smaller dealers  use poor quality / second hand components. They may promise after sales service,  but do not respond to customer service calls. Since the volumes of the computers they assemble is low, the price they pay for each part is usually higher than what manufacturers of branded computers pay. They are also unable to carry out stringent quality control tests which larger companies incorporate in their manufacturing process.