How to Build a Computer for Graphic Design

Computer-generated graphic design requires a machine capable of handling tremendous amounts of information and large data files, processing complicated instructions very quickly and displaying the result in high resolutions in calibrated color. Putting together the components to accomplish these goals involves more money than the cost of a typical desktop computer and the need to be familiar with different components needed to get the job done quickly and accurately.

Things You'll Need

• Desktop computer frame
• Desktop computer side covers
• Desktop computer logic board
• Desktop computer CPU circuit board
• Desktop computer power supply
• RAM
• Hard disc
• High-end graphics card
• High-resolution monitor
• Professional quality desktop publishing software for page layout (QuarkXpress or InDesign), photo editing (Photoshop), Postscript-based drawing program (Illustrator, Corel Draw) and PDF production and editing (Acrobat, PitStop).

Instructions

Assembling the computer basics

1. Gather a frame, side covers, logic board, CPU board, fans, power supply and power cord for a computer.

2. Assemble the components according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Be sure to always be properly grounded when handling computer components. Grounding straps are available at all electronic hobbyist stores.

3. Locate the hard drive bay or bays. Most computers have two.

4. Insert the hard drive and connect the drive power supply and data cable.

5. Leave the computer assembly open for more components.

Adding RAM to the computer

1. Locate the RAM slots. The RAM chips are wafer-sized components plugged in vertically to the computer circuit board.

2. Install enough RAM chips to equal at least 1 GB of RAM.

3. Install the same size chip in the first slot as in the last slot. Do likewise for the second slot and the second to last slot until all the RAM chip slots are full. Always install RAM in identical pairs.

Installing an upgraded video card

1. Install a PCI graphics card.

2. Insert the card straight into the video card socket and secure the clips holding it in place.

3. Connect all data access cables and power supply cables.

4. Install the compatible PCI graphic card with at least 128 MB of video RAM (vram) in the slot.

Adding a new monitor

1. Install a monitor with at least 16 million colors at a resolution of 32-bit depth.

2. Plug in the new monitor to the video out port on the back of the computer.

3. Install any necessary software drivers and plug-ins to operate the monitor.

Installing high-end graphic software

1. Ensure that your system is powerful enough to run your graphic software.

2. Install all software according the manufacturer's installer instructions.

3. Launch each individual program and test for compatibility with rebuilt system.

References

• Installing your video card
• Installing computer RAM