Common Terminology

Some terms might be a little barbaric but they are all necessary to avoid buying non compatible hardware as well as be sure to choose the best hardware for your needs. Some definitions are a little short because a longer explanation will be given in the following chapters.

AGP (Advanced Graphic Port): This is in the last generation of graphic ports. This is still in use in some of the lower-end segments. However, for the sake of upgradability, it will not be used in any of the configurations presented in this tutorial.

BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System): This simple system is the first piece of software to run on the computer at boot. It allows you to tweak the hardware, primarily the CPU and memory. It is also where you will determine from which of the boot devices to start the system.

Chipset:  It is responsible for the communication between all of the components.
Note: Choosing the chipset can be tricky because of the number of features integrated in them.

CPU: This is the brain of the computer that is in charge of doing the processing.
Note: Two major brands currently occupy the market: AMD and Intel.  While the choice seems vast, it is much easier to choose a CPU than it appears.

FSB: Front side bus carries information between the CPU and other components in the system.
Note: Because of the current state in technology, it is impossible for the motherboard to communicate at the same speed as the CPU. Current CPU’s run at a maximum of 3-4 Ghz, while the current FSB is 533 Mhz. This information is increasingly relevant as the CPU frequency goes up. At the same CPU speed, the computer with the fastest FSB will have the edge in processing speed.

Hard Drive: This is the main storage medium and is where all of your information will be stored.
Note: Hard drives come in various shapes and sizes: 1 inch; 1.8 inch; 2.5 inch; 3.5 inch.  In building your desktop computer, you will only be interested in the 3.5 inch hard drive and 2.5inch (usually used in laptop computers) for very specific use. 1 inch and 1.8 inch are only used in MP3 players and some very small format laptops.

Heat Sink: It is one of the most important elements in the computer. Current CPU’s run very hot and an efficient cooling system will help your computer be more stable and have a longer life expectancy. It will also allow you to over-clock your computer without risk.

Memory (RAM): The RAM is random access memory. It is the relatively small amount of very fast memory that will store all of the information that the computer uses to run programs.
Note: In designing your computer, there are two types of RAM that you will be able to choose from: the DDR and DDR2. The DDR is only available for older generation CPU’s (socket 939-754) and some low-end 755. This type of memory is currently phasing out and is not recommended for use. The DDR2 is the current mainstream for both AMD and Intel Systems.

Motherboard: It is the main component of the computer.Connecting all of the components to make for a working computer.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):
Hardware can be purchased in two forms:

• Retail: Hardware comes with the box, additional software, etc.
• OEM: The hardware is the same as retail, but comes without a box, additional software, etc. and comes at a lower price than retail hardware.

Software can be purchased in two forms:

• Retail: The software you purchase is tied to you, meaning you can install it on a different computer after un-installing it from the current computer.
• OEM: The software you purchase is tied to the computer on which it is first installed per license agreement and cannot be installed on another computer, even if it is un-installed from the previous one. This software cannot be re-sold without the hardware to which it is tied. OEM software are usually less expensive, sometimes by as much as 50%.

Operating System:  This is a set of computer programs that perform basic tasks, while managing both the hardware and software of the PC.
Note: In this tutorial, we will focus primarily on Microsoft Windows and Linux.

Over-clock: Raising the CPU frequency over the manufacturer specifications.
Note: Once reserved to the tech savvy risk-takers, over-clocking is now very safe and able to be done by the beginner PC builder. This technique can save money at a very low risk.

PC Case: The outer shell of the computer

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): Still the most common way to connect additional peripherals, like the sound card, tv tuner, etc.

PCI-E (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): The next generation connection is primarily used for video cards. However, the number of peripherals available for PCI-E will continue to grow, eventually phasing out PCI connection.
Note: PCI-E comes in several speeds: 1x, 4x, 8x, 16x. 16x is the one that is implemented for the video card.

Power Supply:  The converter transforms 110 volt into 12 volt, 5 volt, and 3 volt for use by the different components of the PC .
Note: As computer power consumption grows, the power supply has become one of the most important components to ensure stability and long-lasting hardware.

Sound Card: Integrated or add on card responsible for converting the digital signal to analog signal to send to your speaker. Integrated sound card will often use the CPU to do the bulk of the conversion while an add on card will often have its own CPU to do the conversion.

Video Card: It is the component that relays the information to be displayed on the screen.
Note: Three manufacturers currently occupy the market. Intel occupies the low-end segment with its integrated solutions. AMD and NVIDIA occupy the low-end to the very high-end segment.