I have always wanted to build my own PC from scratch, but I have always wondered about different hardware being compatible with each other. How do you know if hardware is compatible with each other and if a computer case can house the hardware correctly?
Thanks
Brad
Hello Brad, and welcome to the Vista Forums!
Well, it is very difficult. Firstly, once you have specced up a PC, always create a new thread in Hardware with EXACTLY which components you have chosen, and someone will check it out for you, and tell you of problematic bits - things which are poor value (certain graphics cards, a £10 upgrade will give you a big boost in performance) - things you are wasting money on - eg a 1.2kW power supply for a media PC
- bad components (like an SSD containing a bad controller, no names mentioned, (*cough* JMicron JMF602 *cough*)) - incompatible components (eg memory) etc. etc. There are people here who really know hardware.
Before you ask, it won't be me! I do not know hardware inside out! But some helpful person will - and btw, I always ask for assistance when I consider something hardwarey, as do a lot of senior members here. You will soon find that there is a very friendly atmosphere here, with a lot of friendly help, and a lot of backstage banter!
Anyway, self help techniques...
In terms of things fitting inside the case, there are two main things to check. Some graphics cards are now double height, and these may not fit into small cases/motherboards. Large CPU coolers are often wider than a small/medium case. Make sure that you check sizes (eg ATX motherboard or mini-ATX motherboard etc. etc.) and make sure that you are using a standard PSU size, etc. etc.
Always check brands and reviews. There are a VAST amount of dodgy brands out there. Don't be fooled by cheap PSUs. They only break, and take the entire computer with it. A good PSU won't die, or if it does, it will just turn off, rather than frying everything. Don't skimp on components. If you buy too cheap a PSU, everything goes wrong.
You honestly don't save much money, and must spend hours and hours diagnosing faulty components, BSoDs, sending things back to the manufacter (RMA) etc. etc. Make sure you are already proficient at debugging BSoDs and faulty hardware. Don't try to save money by self building. But the satisfaction and fun of self building is all there!
You live in the UK?? which means that you should be looking at
scan.co.uk as your mega store for components. They are massive, and perfectly safe. May I suggest ScanSure? It is a cheap insurance from Scan against accidental damage during assembly (should you bend some pins or snap something, they will replace for free within 28 days no questions asked - I always take this option for peace of mind). Also, check out Scan's Today Only offers every day. The value in them is legendary!
In terms of thermal paste, Arctic Silver 5 is the way to go.
In terms of components, many don't work together! In particular, motherboard, CPU and RAM are mostly incompatible, and must be chosen like this: Firstly, choose a CPU manufacturer (Intel/AMD). Then choose a CPU. Find the socket type of that CPU, and find a motherboard with that socket type. Confirm that your chosen CPU features in your motherboard's compatible list. Buy RAM for that motherboard/CPU combo from something like Crucial. If you get this combo wrong, you are badly messed up! Any RAM will NOT do!
Oh, and although you will find that some are sceptical, just spend £5 and buy yourself an anti-static wristband. Just do it.
Always read many reviews of every product you consider. They will tell you that something is or isn't good, and if there is a £10 upgrade worth a lot more. Take time to read. Spend a good couple of days solidly reading reviews.
Now choose all of the rest (eg DVD drives/Blu Ray (Reader? Writer?), memory card reader, graphics card(s), PSU, Operating System etc. etc.
And above all, feel free to ask questions!
Richard
P.S. At first, it will seem impossible. It felt like that to me once. But if you keep reading, and keep persevering, suddenly you will be able to spec up a machine, and you will just know that it will work. But then post it to us, and we will tell you what you (and me when I do it) have missed.
