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Introduction

Building a computer is actually much easier than most people would first assume. In fact, in most cases (no pun intended), you need very little computer experience to do it yourself. You will, however, need to be somewhat technically inclined as far as using your hands is concerned.

There are the occasions when some freaky things happen, but these are incredibly rare and are almost always caused by hardware failure. Because of this, malfunctioning hardware is the most likely source of problems on your PC constructing journey.

There is one other elusive foe that you may encounter: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). I have my doubts whether this little beastie even exists, but I want to cover it here because it is important to be aware of it in the event that it does exist. Basically, ESD is caused by the release of a build-up of static in our bodies (or in any conductive object for that matter) through an electro-sensitive component (memory module, CPU, motherboard). The damage caused by such a discharge can range from complete failure of the component to only slight damage which may only weaken the component, causing it to fail weeks, months or years later. I have read conflicting reports regarding this issue and its elusive nature makes for a difficult assertion on either side of the camp.

More importantly, I will tell you how to avoid any such problems. There are two routes you can take: the mildly obsessive/compulsive one or the one that requires only a reasonable amount of effort (guess which route I take :] ). To be obsessive about ESD, you should go to Radio Shack and buy an ESD wristband that you attach to the exposed metallic surface of a grounded object nearby. To be obsessive and compulsive, you should also purchase yourself a grounded mat for your computer workstation. Stand on one of these puppies and all your ESD worries will melt away before your eyes. Now if you are lazy and cheap like me, you will just be sure not to wear any loose clothing and the clothing you do wear should be cotton and most certainly not polyester. Also, keep a grounded object nearby (such as a running computer) so you can discharge any static in your body by touching a conductive area on it for a few seconds (preferably not through a painted surface). If possible, work in an area with non-carpeted flooring.

I would like to mention that this is merely a general guide to system building. There are so many different components on the market that the number of possible configurations is immense; accounting for every possible one in a single guide is a task that would require a level of diligence beyond the capabilities of most humans (myself included). I have done my best to rid this guide of errors and weak spots and as such, any potential damage that you may cause to yourself or your computer is not my responsibility.

With that mess out of the way, let’s get right down to the building.

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