The only even semi-decent computer I currently have to my disposal is a laptop (which isn't very good anyway; it's fine for work, web browsing and so on). There is also a desktop in my house, but that is worse than the laptop and it would not be worth upgrading that anyway: I don't have access to it much of the time.

 

 

 

I was considering making my own computer instead, but I do not really know where to start. I have a list of components that I would need which I found on the Internet, but I do not know if there is any kind of compatibility issues between, for example, certain motherboards and graphics cards (presuming that they are the same thing as video cards). If somebody could explain if there are any compatibility issues between computer components, I'd be extremely grateful.

 

 

 

[hide=List of components I found]* PC Case

 

* Floppy Disk Drive (if you need)

 

* Hard Drive

 

* CD-ROM Drive

 

* Processor

 

* Processor Cooling Fan

 

* Motherboard

 

* RAM

 

* Power Supply

 

* Video Card

 

* Keyboard & Mouse

 

* Sound Card (if not available on your motherboard)

 

* Network card (if not available on your motherboard)[/hide]

 

 

 

I was hoping to use this computer for general non-work use (where portability is not important), so I will probably have it dual-booting between Vista and Ubuntu Hardy (or Intrepid if it comes out before I finish (or even start, heh)), using Vista for Steam games and the like (I always seem to have problems with getting them to work through Wine on Ubuntu) and Ubuntu for pretty much everything else.

 

 

 

I'm sure that I could find a guide that would help me to actually build the computer once I have all of the parts, but if you know of a guide and would be willing to give me the URL... :P

Well, first of all what you need is all in that list except you don't need a floppy drive, sound or network card (as sound and ethernet are onboard capabilities of a motherboard). Also, unless overclocking the stock cooler that comes with a cpu will be fine. Basically, the only compatibility issues you will have is choosing the right motherboard to fit the right cpu. For example, AMD cpus use Socket 939, while Intel uses 775. Just google some pc building guides, or if you're a more visual person youtube them. Most motherboard manuals come with instructions on where to place verything anyway. If you need help on choosing actual parts, could you give your location, and I'll try to find some decent shops.

try this: http://www.google.com.au/search?q=how+t ... n+computer

 

 

 

also im dont know much but i can give you some info i have found over my time.

 

your processor/video (graphics) card/sound card (if appliciable)/ram and any other card you put in have to be compatible with your mother board.

 

 

 

for cards (graphics/sound/any other card) it usually means does your mother board have the correct slot type (eg if the card is a pci-e card, the motherboard needs a pci-e slot)

 

 

 

for ram its what type of ram the motherboard supports (eg DDR / DDR2 / DDR3). for some motherboards you must have 2 or 4 (maybe even 6) sticks of ram in at once, eg if you put one stick in you must put another stick in another slot (hard to explain). 32-bit OS's only support like 3. something gig of ram though, so dont have like 5 gig if you only have a 32 bit OS, waste of money! there is also a maximum amount of ram a motherboard can support to i think, not sure though.

 

 

 

im dont know much about proccessor compatibility, except i think they come in 32 bit or 64 bit types, and you need the right one for your OS (correct me if im wrong)

 

 

 

also dont overlook your PSU (power supply). its technically the most crucial part to keep your computer working lol.

 

 

 

and ill just mention know what your doing before you put anything together. wear anti-static wrist bands and dont touch components if unnecessary.

 

 

 

hope that got you off to a start!

Your list is pretty much correct aside from what BloodfleshX mentioned; unless you are building an ultra high end PC you will not need to buy a separate sound or network card. As for an actual parts list, if you just post your budget and what country you are from (since prices are different depending on country) I or several other people would be happy to put together a parts list for you.

Your list is pretty much correct aside from what BloodfleshX mentioned; unless you are building an ultra high end PC you will not need to buy a separate sound or network card. As for an actual parts list, if you just post your budget and what country you are from (since prices are different depending on country) I or several other people would be happy to put together a parts list for you.

 

 

 

I would have to pretty much +1 everything snipersas mentioned here.

 

 

 

I'd be happy to do a little research into parts for you, as I've been looking to build a new computer myself. We definitely need to know an approximate budget and your country though.

 

 

 

You may want to check out a few of the other builds on this forum too, to get a general idea on parts and price (but don't try to copy builds, because that's just not cool).