The first question you should ask yourself is why build your own computer. You must have a good reason for taking on this task.

Here are some suggested reasons:

• It is a fun and/or challenging project
  
  
• You get what you want and not what a salesman wants to sell i.e. choosing your own specifications
  
  
• No proprietary parts which can lock you into expensive repairs, maintenance and upgrades
  
  
• The sense of achievement
  
  
• Saving money (this option is fast fading as vendors offer ever lower prices for completely built up systems which sell in large volumes)

The prerequisites in order of importance are as follows:

• A keen and eager attitude
  
  
• Basic knowledge of computers or at least the major components like monitor, keyboard, mouse, CD-ROM drive, graphics adapter, sound card etc.
  
  
• Antistatic wrist strap preferably with an antistatic mat
  
  
• Basic tools (screwdrivers both flat and cross, long nosed pliers, torchlight)
  
  
• Cable ties and clippers

Great, now we need to get all the parts that will make up our computer. These are:

The motherboard is a circuit that integrates all aspects of the computer from inputs on the keyboard or mouse, display on the screen, printing, running computer programs etc. The processor which is also known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU ),is an electronic chip that is the heart of any computer akin to your heart which continuously works to support all bodily functions. From the moment the computer is switched on, the CPU starts working and controls everything that the computer is required to do. The processor usually will come with its own fan and heatsink for cooling. If you are purchasing the heatsink and fan separately, ensure that you adhere to the proper specifications recommended by the manufacturer. A CPU can be very easily damaged by overheating caused by inadequate cooling from the fan and heatsink.

The motherboard has come a long way in the last 5 years integrating more functionality that used to be external or add-on. It is not uncommon for today’s motherboards to integrate sound, display graphics, network connectivity, and IEEE 1394 or Firewire ports. In the case of integrated Firewire functionality on the motherboard, only the connectors will appear on the back-plane of the motherboard. Some even include a built-in modem.

The motherboard is by far the most complex piece of componentry in a computer bar the processor of course. Creating your own computer starts with picking the right motherboard and processor for the job. This choice will determine the options available for all other components.

Let’s start with the CPU. What are the options? There are at least 6 companies that produce CPUs. However, for building your own desktop, the practical choices are limited to two – Intel or AMD (Advanced Micro Devices). Intel is the larger of the two by size, revenue and market share. This is due to the fact that Intel teamed up with IBM to produce the world’s first computer therefore they have been in from day 1. AMD entered the CPU business when Intel licensed its patent in an effort to keep up with the demand for CPU chips worldwide. AMD soon started its own R & D activities and started creating their own Intel compatible CPUs. Since then, it has been a fierce competition between the two companies with Intel winning in the marketing arena and AMD winning on the performance and cost front.

Which one to choose? I have been a loyal AMD supporter since the day I first built my own computer back in 1994. The choice really comes down to cost – AMD is cheaper and more value for money, whereas Intel is better known, has more market share and therefore commands a price premium.

The choices for CPUs today are:

• Intel Celeron – the entry level for home computers. Will handle all basic computer tasks such as e-mail, internet browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, databases etc.
  
  
• Intel Pentium III – almost obsolete, but a solid performer in the business desktop and server market
  
  
• Intel Pentium 4 – the latest and most powerful able to handle all basic tasks and also more complex ones like video editing, 3D graphics and games
  
  
• AMD Duron – the entry level similar to the Intel Celeron
  
  
• AMD Athlon XP – the direct competitor to the Pentium 4

In order to select the CPU, the following considerations are pertinent:

• Will the desktop be used mainly for email, web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, personal financial applications etc?
  
  
• Will the desktop be used for graphic design, 3D modeling and/or CAD (Computer Aided Design), playing games with 3D graphics?
  
  
• Will the desktop be used for number crunching, video and audio editing etc?

Although there are thousands of uses for a computer, for the average home user it basically comes down to two requirements, low or medium performance or high performance. For low or medium performance, select the AMD Duron or Intel Celeron. At the time of this writing the Duron processor has a maximum speed rating of 1.3 GHz (gigahertz) or 1,300 million cycles per second.

The processor cycle is its heartbeat just like the average person’s heartbeat is 72 beats per minute which could be stated as 4,320 (72 * 60) cycles per second. The faster the cycle rate, the more the processor can do in a given amount of time. This translates to fast response times for the computer user. The Celeron processor comes with a maximum speed rating of 2.8 GHz. This speed will yield more of a medium performance system. The 1.3 GHz Duron will yield a low performance system which is still more than what is required for the basic home user.

Once a CPU has been chosen, the second crucial decision needs to be taken and that is which motherboard. This decision is not that complicated as most motherboards today come with more features than the average home user will ever need.