Build Your Own PC Do-It-Yourself For Dummies Cheat Sheet

What you need to build a basic PC

The basic, no-frills model PC will cost you the least to build. This type of computer is great for word processing, Internet e-mail, keeping track of finances, and simple applications that don’t need lots of memory or a fast computer. Here’s a list of equipment you need to build an entry level PC:

Equipment for building a mid-range PC

If you’re looking for a computer to browse the Web, e-mail, use simple desktop publishing software, or work with more advanced productivity programs (like spreadsheets and scheduling applications), then a standard model PC is for you. Here’s the equipment you’ll need to build this PC:

Making sense of PC beep code descriptions

If your computer starts beeping, don’t worry; your PC is trying to tell you something. Here’s a guide to those PC beeps and what they mean:

What you need to build a top-of-the-line PC

If you want to build a first-class computer — a PC that does advanced computational work (like video editing), plays the latest computer games, and has high-quality video — then here’s the equipment you’ll need to build this power user’s dream:

Commonsense rules for computer assembly

When you’re ready to put your PC together, keep these things in mind when you’re handling and connecting the computer parts to make assembly quicker, easier, and safer:

• Give yourself plenty of elbow room and adequate lighting.

• Ground yourself on a metal surface before handling any components.

• Don’t start without all the parts and components. If you don’t have everything that you need to finish one whole step of the PC-building process, stopping halfway through makes it easy to miss a step or forget something.

• Treat your components carefully. Don’t drop a part on the floor or toss it to a friend. Never bend a circuit board or an adapter card. If something doesn’t seem to fit, take out the component, check the instructions again, and try it a different way.

• Read all documentation that comes with each device.

• Keep the manuals for all your parts together for easy reference.

• Save your boxes and receipts. You might find yourself stuck with a new defective item, and you’ll need the original packaging to return it.

• Use bowls to hold small parts. Or, if you’re a true techno-nerd, get thee to a hardware store and buy one of those wall racks with all the little compartments.

• Keep a magnetic screwdriver handy to pick up wayward screws.

• Check all connections after you install a part.

• Leave the computer cover off while you test your new device first. As long as you don’t touch any circuit boards inside the case, you’ll be fine.