For The Technologically Impaired,
A normal person's resource to the geeky world of computers.
A normal person's resource to the geeky world of computers.
I made this specifically because people always have questions about parts and things when it comes to computers. Granted I’m not the best informed on the subject here, but I’m sure Deathawk and Dumbducky will post something in here to contribute and ill be a grateful little SENner.
Some terms of the trade:
Before we get started its important you understand some terms about computers and their parts, specifically some terms attached to things you might be buying.
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means the item usually comes in bubble wrap with no extra parts/manuals/screws wires. This makes the item cheaper for you to buy.
Open Box - Open Box is similar to OEM in the way that the item probably only comes with the item itself, however sometimes you might get a couple of wires or screws. This also brings the price of the item down. This is useful if you're replacing a motherboard or GFX card and do not need any extra driver disks/wires. Be careful though, make sure if you're buying OB/OEM you have everything you need.
Retail - This means the item comes in the same box with the same extras as if you had bought it at a store. Usually higher priced than OB/OEM.
Re certified (Newegg) - From what I understand, this means an item was deactivated due to problems, usually associated with its rating dropping too low for newegg standards, and then the company has supposedly fixed the problem. Beware of re certified items and buy at your own risk.
PSU - Power Supply Unit. What powers the computer.
GFX - Graphics or graphics card. Usually ATI or Nvidia. (This guide supports only Nvidia/Intel builds. Sorry.)
Mobo - Shortened slang for Motherboard.
RAM - Random Access Memory. All computers use some sort of RAM.
DDR/DDR2/DDR3 etc. - No this is not Dance Dance Revolution. Here's a word from Wikipedia on DDRSDRAM:
Quote from Wikipedia
DDR SDRAM (double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory) is a class of memory integrated circuit used in computers. It achieves nearly twice the bandwidth of the preceding [single data rate] SDRAM by double pumping (transferring data on the rising and falling edges of the clock signal) without increasing the clock frequency.
Parts parts parts!
The most important thing that dictates your computers performance is the hardware it is made up of. A computer must consists of:
Parts
Notes
--What does each part do and how does it affect my computer?
Good question. A lot of people look solely at RAM, Processor, and Video card because those are very performance focused parts, but we're going to start with the basis of the entire machine:
The Motherboard:
Motherboards (Also known as a main board, baseboard, or system board) are the base of your entire system, and if your motherboard sucks, chances are no matter what you throw on it, you’re going to have problems. Here is a diagram of how a modern motherboard works:
(Thanks Wikipedia.)Now, here are some things to think about when choosing a motherboard:
Does the CPU socket on the board match my processor?
An LGA775 motherboard isn't going to help you if your processor doesn't use that socket.
What is my motherboards form factor and what does it mean?
A form factor has to do with the size of your motherboard. MicroATX motherboards are for small, non-overclocked machines. Most medium/full cases only support ATX or extended size motherboards, so make sure whatever case you choose, your motherboard can be put into it.
Do I want on-board video/sound or do I want to get a video card/sound card?
Depending on what you're doing with a computer, you may want to go with the cheaper method of getting on-board video and sound. Or, if you need high performance in areas like video-games or playback, maybe on-board sound and video just isn't for you. Don't pay for what you don't need. (Note: Most current motherboards come with on-board sound anyway.)
Does this motherboard have a high enough FSB (Front Side Bus) and RAM standard for my needs?
The front side bus is just as important as the CPU frequency in most cases, because they are directly related. Over clocking your FSB will increase your processor's frequency, and I don't recommend over clocking unless you REALLY know what you're doing. (AKA you don't need to be reading this tutorial.
) Make sure that the memory standard on the motherboard matches the RAM you are going to buy and that the mobo and processor both support the same FSB.How much does a motherboard typically cost?
Typically, a motherboard will run you anywhere from 50-350$. Id say on a budget gaming build (which is what this tutorial has in mind), go with one that is 60-90$.
Recommended Motherboards*:
Needs to be redone.
*Note, these are motherboards that from their specifications and price appear to me to be pretty good. I make no promise as to the quality of these products nor can you complain to me or would it be my fault if they didn't work how you intended, or if you made it blow into a million pieces. Kthnx.
Now that that's over with, lets move on to the Processor.
The processor is what makes the computer tick. Its what does all the real work when it comes to just about anything, and as such, a very very important piece of your build. Choosing a processor is a careful process because you want something that does the job for the right price. Keep these things in mind when choosing a processor:
Do I need multiple cores?
In today's world, processors have anywhere from 1-4 cores. (That number may grow soon.) Depending on how much multi-tasking you do, and if you're using newer applications that take advantage of multiple cores, you may want to go with a dual or quad core processor.
Is the processor fast enough for my needs?
Obviously, there's a big difference between playing SC and playing WoW, and from WoW to Crysis. If you're not going to be doing any high-end gaming, you may want to stick with a low end Allendale or Conroe core processor. However if Crysis is your goal, you may want to go with a high end Conroe, or perhaps a Kentsfield or Yorkfield core. Cores vary not only in speed but in FSB and cache size which is important for very high end gaming.
Recommended Processors*:
Needs to be redone.
*Note, these are CPUs that from their specifications and price appear to me to be pretty good. I make no promise as to the quality of these products nor can you complain to me or would it be my fault if they didn't work how you intended, or if you made it blow into a million pieces. Kthnx.
We have our processor and we have our motherboard. Lets move on to our PSU, or power supply unit.
The PSU is what the computers power cord plugs into and in turn plugs into everything else to make it run with delicious electricity. (I'm speaking from the hardware's point of view. I do not encourage the consumption of electricity nor am I responsible for what happens if you do.)
A word from Wikipedia on PSUs:
Quote from Wikipedia
A power supply unit (PSU) is the component that supplies power to a computer. More specifically, a power supply is typically designed to convert 100-120 V (North America and Japan) or 220-240 V (Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia) AC power from the mains to usable low-voltage DC power for the internal components of the computer. Some power supplies have a switch to change between 230 V and 115 V. Other models have automatic sensors that switch input voltage automatically, or are able to accept any voltage between those limits.
The most common computer power supplies are built to conform with the ATX form factor. The most recent specification of the ATX standard PSU as of mid-2008 is version 2.31. This enables different power supplies to be interchangeable with different components inside the computer. ATX power supplies also are designed to turn on and off using a signal from the motherboard (PS-ON wire, which can be shorted to ground to turn on the PSU outside the computer), and provide support for modern functions such as the standby mode available in many computers.
The most common computer power supplies are built to conform with the ATX form factor. The most recent specification of the ATX standard PSU as of mid-2008 is version 2.31. This enables different power supplies to be interchangeable with different components inside the computer. ATX power supplies also are designed to turn on and off using a signal from the motherboard (PS-ON wire, which can be shorted to ground to turn on the PSU outside the computer), and provide support for modern functions such as the standby mode available in many computers.
Lets see what we should consider when choosing our PSU:
How much power do I need?
First of all, you are not a bad ass because you spent a chunk of change on a 1kw PSU for your P4 and 6600GT. In fact, your going to be paying a lot of money on your electrical bill that is simply because you went overboard. If you have multiple cores in your processor, or if your processor is 65nm as apposed to 45nm, and if you are overclocking, you will need some headroom with your PSU's max output rating. If you are using ATI's Crossfire or Nvidia's SLI, you will also need quite a bit of power. For most PCs, 300w-500w is a good range, and for SLI/CF or over clocked setups, 500w-900w should be effective. Very few systems ever need 1kw. Seriously.
Is the PSU modular?
Modular power supplies allow the removal of cables you are not using. If your case has a window and you plan on showing the inside off, this is a good thing. Removal of extra cables also leads to less of a chance of getting wires caught in fans. However, this feature usually makes the PSU more expensive, so if you are on a budget, it isn't necessary.
What brand is this PSU?
Like most computer components, this is a factor. Some companies manufacture completely shitty PSUs and this can short out your entire system costing you a lot of money. SeaSonic, Corsair, and Antec are some good brands to consider. If the name seems generic and silly like SuperMan Power Supplies, its probably a cheaply made piece of crap.
Recommended PSUs:
Needs to be redone.
STILL WORKING KTHNX
Post has been edited 18 time(s), last time on Feb 1 2009, 7:33 pm by Excalibur.
SEN Global Moderator and Resident Zealot
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