Building a computer vs buying an already made computer has its many benefits for computer users. Not only can it be a great way to gain valuable experience when learning to build computers but it can also provide you with a way to build a computer that can handle all your individual operating needs. The problem is however, when building your very first computer, there’s a few hidden traps that need to be taken into consideration to ensure your computer building endeavor is a complete success. So what are these hidden traps you ask? This expert guide will give you a run down on what to watch out for when building your first computer configuration. Let’s get started.
What To Look Out For When Building A Computer
The Wrong Power Supply
People tend to think that when building a computer, you can get any power supply you want. While this is essentially true in some regards, you still need to consider the capabilities you’ll be running on the computer, the other components you’ll be placing in the computer and how much running power you’ll need. You want to make sure it has the capacity to handle the amount of components you’ll be running and what operating demands you’ll be placing on it. While in search for a power supply also keep in mind to buy a reputable brand name. Brand name batteries, while more expensive, tend to offer better features and life expectancy than no-name brands that are cheap.
Not Providing The Right Connection Of Components
When building your computer, it’s important to check every connection point to one; make sure it’s connected properly, and two; to make sure it’s connected to the right components. Many first time computer builders tend to build a computer fast, not taking notice whether specific components actually connect together properly. Computers have a multitude of different sockets and ports which can be confusing for first time builders. There’s nothing worse than getting to the end and switching your computer on to find nothing happens. Don’t forget to check the CPU power plug connection. You’d be surprised at how many people forget to setup and plug the main power into the device.
Going Overboard On Specifications
Another hidden trap that many people tend to fall into is going overboard on the specifications you place into the device. When adding the specifics to the device it’s important to build a computer based upon your individual needs. If you’re only going to be using it for sending emails and searching the internet, then you don’t need an abundance of RAM for example. If you’re building a gaming computer on the other hand, you need to incorporate things that would best suit the gaming life such as graphic cards, RAM and powerful fans for cooling the computer down. Don’t add things in if you’re not going to need them, this will only slow your computer down or make it work harder than it has to.
Forgetting The I/O Panel
The I/O panel is what helps to keep the back of the PC protected from dust and other debris. It also helps to shield you from EMI and helps to secure the motherboard in place. While it won’t cause direct impact to the building stage of your computer, it should be something that’s added in to help prevent excessive dust build up and EMI.
Motherboard and CPU/Processor Compatibility
When choosing your motherboard, CPUs and processors it’s important that they’re all compatible with one another to make the setup an easy one. To make sure their compatible, check to see whether there’s appropriate sockets, power capacities and more that match one another. If the motherboard and processor aren’t compatible, then your whole system won’t work out the way you want it to. This is one of the most common mistakes that first timers make.
Conclusion
Building a computer is a big challenge for a first timer but can be rewarding as well. While building your computer it’s always good to make sure you don’t make these common mistakes that many people make on their first try. So are you building a computer?