Yohan Yon English 1005 Professor Noonan 8, August 2011
Table of Contents Create a budget Features Compatibility Precautions Required Components
Budget Overspending Compare parts, prices Advantages No proprietary parts Unique Disadvantages Multiple warranties Different vendors
Features Performance Motherboard Processor Memory Multimedia Graphics Expansion card Regular Use Balance
Compatibility Form Factors ATX Motherboard, power supply, PC case More popular BTX Successor to ATX Risks Purchasing wrong components Damage CPU and socket on motherboard don’t match
Precautions Static Discharge Degrade or cause permanent damage Prevention Ground yourself Wear anti-static wristbands Touch anything metallic No magnetic tools
Components Motherboard Heart of the PC Specifications Socket Type Chipset Form factor Memory Expansion
Components Cpu Brains of the PC Processes data Main Vendors AMD Phenom series Intel iSeries
Components Types of PC cases Towers Mid-Size Versatility, expansion Full-Size Servers, multiple hard drives Slimline compact., low end user
Components Cooling Prevents overheating, and damage Fans Case Cpu Heatsinks, thermal paste Expansion slots
Components GPU(graphical processing unit) Second or third most expensive component Vendors Nvidia ATI Installed on expansion slots AGP PCI PCI express
Components Memory Temporary storage Up to 16 Gigabyte Types of Double Data Rate DDR DDR2 DDR3(most recent) Installed near the CPU
Components Media Drives Blu-Ray DVD CD Hard drives Magnetic Solid state
Components Power Supply Unit Supplies electricity to all components All adapters on PSU Count wattages of all components Add 30% for future/external upgrades Form factor
Components Input Devices Mouse Keyboard Microphone Output Devices Monitor Speakers
Conclusion Creative, challenging, learning experience Key to success Planning Blueprint Hazards Specifications