This chapter is all about hardware. What are the pros and cons of buying new or used PC, and how is online purchase compared to buying from an actual computer store? Also, terminologies like CPU, CPU heatsink, motherboard, RAM, hard drive, video card, display, case, DVD, keyboard and mouse, power supply, sound card and TV card will be defined.

In This Chapter:

Buying Choices

This section is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of buying new or used parts; and purchasing online versus buying in an actual computer store.

CPU

This section will help you make the choice between a Intel and an AMD CPU line. What is the edge of one over the other? Which brand will be better for a particular type of application?

CPU Heatsink

Learn how a CPU heatsink cools down your computer system, and how much you need to spend for a CPU heatsink, depending on the unit - whether it will be used as an office computer, gaming computer or media center.

Motherboard

This part of the tutorial provides the basic information about motherboard brands and chipsets. You will also learn how to choose the number of memory slots and USB ports Other features that you will learn about include integrated video card, firewire, sound, PCI slots and e-slots, PATA connector, floppy connector and LAN, SLI/Crossfire.

RAM

Learn about the ins and outs of choosing the memory for your customized PC, which all depends on what you will use the system for.

Hard Drive

Determine how you can choose a stable hard drive. Just like when choosing other parts of the hardware, your choice should mostly depend on whether the system will be used for gaming purposes, for family or office use, or whether it will be mainly utilized as a media center.

Video Card

A comparison of the performance of the video card under a particular price range.

Display

Since CRT displays are a thing of the past, this chapter will introduce you to the factors that you need to look for when choosing an LCD for your custom-built PC.

Case

With a myriad of cases to choose from, you will learn how to pick out the best case that will best suit your needs: from the number of hard drive spaces, cooling options, connectivity and type of PC casing.

DVD

In this section, you will learn how much a good, inexpensive DVD burner will cost you - and you will know what to look for in a DVD burner.

Keyboard and Mouse

Know how to purchase your PC peripherals like the keyboard and mouse, and you are strongly advised to try them out on a computer store before purchasing.

Power Supply

The importance of power consistency is discussed in this section.

Sound Card

Whether you will be using your system for gaming or media center purposes, having a good sound system on your computer is essential - and you will only have this by choosing a good sound card.

TV Card

Turn your PC into a one-stop media shop by selecting a good, high definition (HD) TV tuner.