Building a computer is fun, affordable, and empowering. It's fun being able to choose all of the parts that will go into your machine, it's cheaper than buying a PC from a manufacturer like Dell or HP, and it's just so darn cool to DIY.
Building a computer is fun, affordable, and empowering. It's fun being able to choose all of the parts that will go into your machine, it's cheaper than buying a PC from a manufacturer like Dell or HP, and it's just so darn cool to DIY.
This course is for anyone that has ever wanted to build their own computer.
For this course, I purchased all the parts I needed for a new computer. I show you each part, tell you about the features I thought were important, describe other features you may want to look for, demonstrate how to build the entire computer, and then install the necessary operating system and software.
You will go from having no idea what's inside a computer to having a full working computer after this course.
What operating system do you demonstrate how to install? Windows 7. I am adding a video on how to install Windows 8 and Linux as well.
How much do the parts cost? It depends on what you want to do with your new PC. You can spend anywhere from $300 to $3000 on your build. The first thing to do is to identify the purpose of your computer. Are you going to use it for gaming or video editing, or just basic website browsing and media playback? The more performance your machine is, the more it will cost. We've listed out the following sample configurations in the course:
How long will I have access to the videos? Forever :) Your access won't expire</strong>
Do you offer a money-back guarantee? Yes, we have a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're unhappy for any reason we'll refund 100% of your investment. Of course, if there is anything we can do to help you, we'd love the opportunity to do so first.</strong>
Can I install Mac OS on a computer I build? Yes, the method of actually putting together the computer hardware is independent of which operating system you're installing. However, Mac OS will only work with a very limited set of hardware, so building a "Hackintosh" is outside the scope of this course.
Here is an overview of the parts you'll need to buy to build a complete computer. I briefly explain a little about each of the parts I've purchased for my new computer build and why.
Even though technology rapidly advances, the main components and how you put them together hasn't really changed all that much. The process of building a PC is hardly different than it was 10 years ago, and most likely 5-10 years from today.
For instance, modern hard drives have SATA connections. Years ago they had IDE connections. Even though the modern SATA connector looks different and operates at a higher speed, the hard drive still needs to plug into the motherboard via power and data cables.
You can be confident that what you learn here today will remain very relevant in the near future.
A computer case houses all of the computer's parts. Its quality and features have a direct impact on the longevity and convenience of the PC.
A case with a good number of fans (or places to put fans) and cable management features will aid airflow and allow you to properly cool the inside of the case and its components.
Convenience features like front-panel USB or headphone ports, or a tray to set your iPod/smartphone on top of the case, make using your computer a more enjoyable experience.
Things to consider when buying a computer case:
Like the name suggests, a power supply plugs into your home's outlet and supplies the power to your motherboard, CPU, and other components.
Things to consider when buying a power supply:
Top Rated Power Supplies on Amazon.com: View Top 100
Top Rated Motherboards on Amazon.com: View Top 100
Best Selling Motherboards on Amazon.com: View Best Sellers
Newly Released Motherboards on Amazon.com: View New Releases
Top Rated CPU's on Amazon: View Top 100
Newly Released CPU's on Amazon: View New Releases
Top Rated Memory on Amazon.com: View Top 100
2012 Hard Drive Performance Chart: View Chart
Popular Solid State Hard Drive Manufacturers:
2012 Solid State Drive Performance Chart: View Chart
Top Rated Mechanical Hard Drives on Amazon.com: View Top 100 Hard Drives
Top Rated Solid State Drives on Amazon.com: View Top 100 SSDs
Test your knowledge of computer components and their features in this short quiz. While it is optional, these questions touch on important items you should know when finding and comparing parts for your new computer. These questions are based on the videos and written lectures in the Choosing Parts section.
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