1 So you're looking to upgrade/build a PC? Sun May 01, 2011 5:21 pm
Rellik 781
Toolkit - The first thing you're going to need a toolkit (Recommended if you are going into the computer related field). I recommend a 21 piece toolkit that has an antistatic wrist strap as show here
Motherboard - Most motherboards come with a network card and sound card built in. I recommend buying an additional sound card if you're looking for better quality/support
Processor + Heat sink + Fan (Thermal Compound too) - This is essential to building a computer. Make sure that when you buy your processor you also purchase a heat sink and fan if it does not come with one. Most processors do come packaged with a heat sink and fan so this shouldn't be a problem
(Something else to consider: When choosing a processor, don't just look on its clock speed. Differences in architecture make some CPUs much more efficient than others clock per clock. For example, an Athlon64 4000+, running at 2.4GHz will give performance almost twice as fast as a Pentium4 running at 2.4GHz.
Naming can be confusing too. Don't think that an AthlonXP 3200+ will run as fast as an Athlon64 3200+. I guess the only real way to know is to read review and compare benchmarks.
Don't forget that both Intel and AMD have budget processors. Intel has the Celeron line, AMD has the Sempron line. When you take a Pentium4 and a Celeron at the same clock speed, the Pentium4 will be considerably faster (and more expensive too). Same with the Athlons and Semprons, most of the time.)
(Something else to consider: Right now there are two major standards of RAM on the market - DDR and DDR2. Newer chipsets and motherboards for Intel's CPUs use DDR2. Older Intel solutions and all AMD boards so far use DDR. It's important to select the right type, because they are not compatible.)
(Something else to consider: Nowadays I'd recommend everyone that buys a new PC to get a Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk. While performance increase over ordinary IDE is marginal, if at all noticeable, it does serve good purpose, by leaving your IDE slots free for CD/DVD drives and reducing some cable clutter, due to the thinner SATA cables.)
Many types of video cards are available in both PCI-E and AGP versions, while some of the newer ones are only PCI-E. The older series (nVidia 5XXX, 4XXX, ATi 9XXX, 8XXX) are all in AGP only.)
Network Card - As stated above, most motherboards now-a-days have network cards already on them. Only purchase one if your motherboard doesn't come with it or if you are looking for wireless solutions
Keyboard - Here there are infinitely many options, starting from the most basic keyboards, all the way to the fancy Bluetooth/wireless/illuminated/etc types. Basically, the choice depends on personal preference and the budget you are willing to put into it. It's always better to get a look and feel of the keyboard before buying. Also, there are USB and PS/2 versions. As a primary keyboard, PS/2 is probably better, because it will be supported natively by any computer and operating system, unlike USB which requires drivers and doesn't work in DOS mode
(Something else to consider: Basically you have a choice of other the standard CRT or the new slim LCD (TFT) monitors. The LCD is great for saving space and also looks more elegant, but it's more expensive and have some issues that are not present with CRTs - slow response time causing image blur during fast motion, color distortions and loss of contrast at wide view angles (not present on the more expensive models), fixed resolutions that may cause blurry images when you try to lower the resolution, etc. Don't get me wrong - LCDs are getting better and many people say that they are already good enough for all, but the most demanding folks. But it's always better to be able to take a look and judge for yourself.)