How to Build an All-in-One PC

To put together a computer that will function as an all-around pc, you will need several important parts; a motherboard, processor (CPU), hard drive, disc drive, graphic card, power supply, case and operating system (OS). Printers, monitors, keyboards and mice come later. There are thousands of different products from every category listed, so, finding a balanced setup requires some knowledge of the computer world. But don't worry about that, putting together a computer is really easier than you think. Eric Dahl of PC World Magazine explains:

"With PCs you can get what you want at any time by upgrading your current PC or by building one from scratch. A few simple upgrades can make the system you already have more productive and more pleasurable to use. Short on hard-disk space? Add a new drive. Getting creamed in the latest games because they run so slowly? Time for a new graphics board. But maybe you need a whole new system. With just a little more technical know-how than a typical upgrade requires, you can build a PC yourself from hand-picked parts. And you might even save a little money along the way."

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  Things You'll Need

• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• RAM
• Hard drive
• Disc drive
• Power supply
• Graphic card
• Sound card
• Case (Preferably ATX)
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Speakers (headphones)

Instructions

1. • 1
     Remove all contents from their packages. Put on anti-static bracelet. Pick up the CPU very carefully by the edges (never by the bottom) and pop it into the motherboard's chipset. Take the fan provided with the CPU (make sure you buy the processor with the fan, some do not come with a fan) and pop it into holes around the chipset. Push the RAM cards into their slots.
   • 2
     Fasten the motherboard to the case's wall with the screws provided. Hold the power supply in its place and fasten it to the case with additional screws.
   • 3
     Place the hard drive in the hard drive bay and fasten it to the holes provided. Connect the cables from the hard drive to the motherboard. Place the disc drive into the disc drive bay and fasten it to the holes provided. Connect the cables for the disc drive to the motherboard.
   • 4
     Push the sound card into the PCI Express slot. Push the graphic card into the PCI Express slot. Connect all the cables from the power supply to each component. The PCI Express slots have a slot next to them where you plug in the 3-wire power supply cables.
   • 5
     Connect wires from the on/reset buttons and lights to the motherboard. Double check each part for stability and balance. Close the case. Connect the monitor cable to the graphic card. Connect the keyboard to the USB port. Connect mouse to the USB port. Turn on the computer and put the OS disc into the disc drive.
   • 6
     Follow all instructions (a few OSs, such as Linux or older versions of Windows require professional assistance) given by the computer and install Windows. Once Windows is completely installed, connect other hardware such as printers, network adapters, speakers and gaming hardware, and follow the instructions to install their drivers.

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Tips & Warnings

• If buying the an all-around computer for the lowest price is your primary concern, you can leave out the graphic card and/or sound card and buy a better motherboard with those features built-in. However, most computers nowadays use graphic cards and sound cards, which greatly boost the performance of the computer's processor and graphic and sound quality. Don't worry that you will not know some of the parts. Every part comes with its own set of instructions that explains how and where to put each part. Computer parts are available in every major electronic store, but buying online will save you a considerable amount of money. There are several great websites were you can buy computer parts for cheap; Newegg.com, TigerDirect.com, Ebay.com, and Krex.com. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after you successfully put together your own PC.
• Wearing an anti-static bracelet prevents the static electricity, created by a person rubbing against his clothes or the carpet, from sending currents through the equipment, which can harm very sensitive components such as the processor or hard drive. Picking out the right parts requires a lot more knowledge about computers than it does to assemble them. All the parts have to be compatible; if one important component can't support another, the computer will not function properly or function at all. The most important component is the motherboard. The motherboard determines what kind of parts you can use. Check every part and make sure it is compatible with the motherboard. Once you have done that, you can pick an OS. There are many different kinds of OSs, however, the most popular and widely used are Microsoft Windows. Be sure that your computer can handle a certain OS before buying one (check the system requirements)