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Questions tagged [computer-building]

For questions regarding the assembly of computers from individual components and problems you might face.

Computer building is the process of assembling particular compatible computer components together to create a working machine known as a computer. It also encapsulates not only the hardware, but the operating system and drivers that need to be used for software to communicate with the hardware.

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How safe is building a computer yourself?

I'm interested in getting a new desktop computer soon, and I'm wondering whether I should build it or buy it. I'm very good with software, but I don't have much experience with hardware (recently, I successfully tore apart my Toshiba laptop to…
Zifre
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How do we assemble a computer properly?

As a follow-up question for advice when buying a computer, I would like to get another thing clear: How do we assemble a computer properly? In what order do I need to put the hardware I bought into my computer? Do I need to watch out for static…
Tamara Wijsman
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Setting up a PC for the Kids

I recently finished building a new PC from scratch; and then I decided to treat myself to a new widescreen monitor. I'm left with a bit of a conundrum with what to do with my old box. I'm considering a few options such as a file server, putting…
Martin Clarke
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What factors should be taken into consideration by someone building a custom PC?

I've been a laptop-only user for almost a decade now, but I'm thinking of building myself a desktop soon so I can have more power. While doing some preliminary research, I came across the old-ish SU question Is it still cheaper to build your own…
Pops
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Building a computer for the first time from scratch - will this really work?

I'm building my own computer, and I just finished picking out all of my parts. Now I just want to be sure it'll all work before I order it. I'm mean specifically if the RAM & Graphic card will fit on the motherboard I chose. These are the…
user31487
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Does it matter where I plug my power buttons and LED's into my motherboard?

I found the System Panel Header, now I just need to plug em' in.
Chase Mästaler
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Is there anything essential to check before powering on a self-built PC for the first time?

I've just put together a computer for the first time. I've found plenty of info online that covered the construction, but now I'm ready - I think - to power it up I'm wondering if there are any checks that I can do to be sure that the machine is…
Nick F
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How do I know which hardware components are compatible when building a computer?

I am trying to setup my own new computer. I haven't done this before and hence needed guidance from all here. I can google out the results for steps to follow for setting up my machine, but I do not understand what components are compatible with…
name_masked
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New computer build won't POST

I'm in the process of building my first PC and I've run into a situation where the computer won't post. I've spent about a week trying to diagnose the failing hardware component and I'm about to throw in the towel. I found many resources online in…
Castrona
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Does the weight of the CPU heat sinks effect the motherboard or cpu in the long run?

I've been following this article (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1498-page1.html). I'm new to most of it. I assume it is not an issue because Scythe Mugen is highly rated...I'm wondering how a heat-sink that weighs 650 grams attached to the…
hba
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What is a good surface material for testbenching a computer?

It appears it will be a while before the case for my new PC will be available, but I will have all the other parts. Therefore, I will likely run it without a case for a while (hopefully not long). But is a wooden table a suitable surface for it (and…
Richard
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Setting up PC for illiterate business person

I have been tasked with constructing a business PC for an individual who is not just computer illiterate, but unable to read and write very well in his native language. What he currently has is a briefcase full of assorted officemax registers…
Peter Turner
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How to remove circular screws for 5” drive bay? Are they rivets?

I have a system I built and I’m trying to remove the 5” drive bay I don’t use so I can install a 360mm radiator. However, the screws are circular… Are these even safe to remove? Are they rivets instead of screws? Can I just take them out with some…
Phoenix
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Getting up to speed on modern PC construction

The last time I built a PC the tricky parts were knowing the difference between ISA, VLB, and PCI cards; juggling IRQs; and getting IDE master/slave right. Now I'm helping my stepson build a gaming PC and I've realised that PC internals have changed…
Avdi
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Finding the model of an old computer i used to own?

This might sounds ridiculous, but I need some help finding the model of an old computer i used to own. I know what the computer looks like. It was made by Packard Bell, but i can't find hardly any information on older packard bell computers anywhere…
mcbeav
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