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