How to Build the Ultimate Home Computer
For many, having a computer that can do basic functions, such as surf the Internet or write email, is enough. For those that need more from their machines, the best option is to build your own PC. They cost less than prebuilt computers, and you can have direct control over every piece of hardware you use. Building an ultimate PC for gaming or multimedia is no more difficult than building a regular PC, but the parts you will need are going to be somewhat more specific in functionality.
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Things You'll Need
- Processor and heat sink
- Video card
- Sound card
- RAM
- Motherboard
- Hard drives (2 or more)
- Computer tower
- Windows XP installation disk
Instructions
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Use a processor with both a high clock speed and high memory cache. If you are on a budget, the E8500 from Intel is a good option. It's priced under $200, and unless you intend to have your computer run multiple memory-heavy programs at one time, it is an excellent high-end option for those wanting to build a top-of-the-line gaming or multimedia PC.
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2
Purchase high-end video and audio cards. Most modern video cards are now equipped with the capability to process HD video as well as render graphics for the newest PC titles. Likewise, if you want to have your computer hooked up to a surround sound system, you will want to invest in a high-end 7.1 sound card.
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3
Overload on RAM. Even though most operating systems only recognize between 3GB and 4GB of RAM, you can put much more than that in your computer. Do not be afraid of spending a little extra and putting the maximum amount of RAM supported by your motherboard.
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Use a motherboard that supports lots of RAM (between 16 and 32GB), as well as multiple hard drives. Many enthusiast boards from companies like EVGA and XFX meet both of these requirements and also allow for you to overclock your processor and RAM via their BIOS software. Overclocking allows you to squeeze a little extra power out of your computer components.
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Utilize multiple hard drives. You can save money by purchasing one smaller hard drive (80 to 120GB) to support your operating system while formatting the other, larger hard drives (ideally between 500GB and 2TB) to store your nonessential files, like movies, video games, pictures, music and so forth. Just be sure that both hard drives have the same RPM speeds.
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Use a large tower to house your components. This will increase air flow, which will allow all your components to run at lower temperatures. This will help avoid overheating, which leads to computer crashes.
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7
Avoid using Windows Vista at any cost. If possible, use Windows XP, as this is the operating system that is compatible with the most programs. Windows 7 is excellent for gaming PCs as it allows users to utilize DirectX 11, which is a piece of software that helps your video card render 3D objects.
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Tips & Warnings
Building any kind of high-end PC will cost money. Lots of it, depending on your components.
References
- Photo Credit computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
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Comments
View all 23 Comments-
gotspeed
Apr 07, 2010
ok, first of a few bs points, the 3-4 gigs part. put windows 7 64 bit on any new system and it will use all the ram you toss in to the system. xp is 32 bit, no "hack" out there will allow the operating system to use more then it can access physical addressing space to. multiple hard drives, yea good idea, but speeds don't mater. you want to have your os on the fastest, you wouldn't want to load a os on a 5400 rpm and a storage drive 7200 rpm drive, but best bet for a "ultimate home computer" would be a soild state drive for the os, some where around a 64-128 gb drive. 7.1 audio isn't needed unless your speakers cost more then the average persons house you won't hear a difference. and you completely forgot about a good name brand power supply, every thing in your computer is affected by electricity so cheaping out on a power supply is only asking for problems. -
Mark Magill
Apr 06, 2010
"Avoid Vista at any cost" and install an outdated operating system? True, XP was good. Very good. However, I have been using Microsoft's OS since DOS 1.1 was NEW (early 1980's) and Vista is (in my opinion)the most stable operating system I have seen to date. Aside from that matter-of-opinion anti-Vista statement, your article is very well written and excellent advice to anyone building a power system. Thanks for writing it.
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rindy
Apr 05, 2010
Very good advice.
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fanchon
Apr 05, 2010
Why, "avoid using Windows Vista at any cost"?
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iamjohnnybean
Apr 05, 2010
There are a lot of software "hacks" that you can do to a PC that are not available for mac that will allow your computer to run at maximum speed.
