How hard is it to assemble a bare-bones PC kit?
November 20, 2010 6:24 PM Subscribe
How hard is it to assemble a PC from a bare-bones kit?
I'm a programmer with no real hardware experience, beyond installing a new sound card and a second hard drive to my PC at home. How much difficulty will I have assembling a working PC from one of the bare bones kits sold at a place like NewEgg or TigerDirect? Is there any special equipment I'm likely to need? Can you anticipate any answers that I'll need to questions I'm too ignorant to ask?
I'm a programmer with no real hardware experience, beyond installing a new sound card and a second hard drive to my PC at home. How much difficulty will I have assembling a working PC from one of the bare bones kits sold at a place like NewEgg or TigerDirect? Is there any special equipment I'm likely to need? Can you anticipate any answers that I'll need to questions I'm too ignorant to ask?
'Barebones' often means mostly-assembled--there's a good chance that the motherboard and power supply will be mounted in the case, leaving you to just install the RAM, hard drives, maybe video card--easy-peasy.
posted by box at 6:32 PM on November 20, 2010
posted by box at 6:32 PM on November 20, 2010
If you've already spelunked inside your computer without ruining everything and electrocuting yourself, you're in pretty good shape to put one together.
Did you do jigsaw puzzles as a kid? If you were the type to carefully sort and separate out everything and consider the pieces before trying to fit them together, you'll be fine. If you were the type to try to forcefully jam what is clearly a piece of the sky to the left side of the dog's nose, you may encounter problems. There are few PC components that require the use of force to insert them. If you find yourself straining to attach something, you're probably attaching it incorrectly.
Make sure the power supply is the right voltage; I don't know if the kits come with power supplies or not. Make sure you ground yourself while putting it together. You don't need a fancy strap like that one -- hell, I've never even bothered intentionally grounding myself before working on my PC's innards -- but it helps to take one less worry off you if it is your first time putting together a computer. Also, don't power it on until everything is connected and double-checked.
Most of all, have fun! Putting together a new computer should be fun and exciting. If you can, invite some friends over and make an afternoon of it.
posted by griphus at 6:34 PM on November 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
Did you do jigsaw puzzles as a kid? If you were the type to carefully sort and separate out everything and consider the pieces before trying to fit them together, you'll be fine. If you were the type to try to forcefully jam what is clearly a piece of the sky to the left side of the dog's nose, you may encounter problems. There are few PC components that require the use of force to insert them. If you find yourself straining to attach something, you're probably attaching it incorrectly.
Make sure the power supply is the right voltage; I don't know if the kits come with power supplies or not. Make sure you ground yourself while putting it together. You don't need a fancy strap like that one -- hell, I've never even bothered intentionally grounding myself before working on my PC's innards -- but it helps to take one less worry off you if it is your first time putting together a computer. Also, don't power it on until everything is connected and double-checked.
Most of all, have fun! Putting together a new computer should be fun and exciting. If you can, invite some friends over and make an afternoon of it.
posted by griphus at 6:34 PM on November 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
Spend the $3 on the static wrist strap and clip it to the case. After that it's pretty much LEGOs.
posted by rhizome at 6:37 PM on November 20, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by rhizome at 6:37 PM on November 20, 2010 [3 favorites]
How are you with Legos? Component stereo systems? Snaps? Putting together kit computers is fairly simple. Make sure you're grounded. Make sure you have a screwdriver [sometimes the jewelers ones can be good in tight spots but really you shouldn't wind up with tight spot type situations] Do things more or less in order. Enjoy.
posted by jessamyn at 6:38 PM on November 20, 2010
posted by jessamyn at 6:38 PM on November 20, 2010
First, Make sure you refer to the motherboard manual. Second, use an anti-static wrist strap or always stay grounded. Components are very susceptible to ESD. Make sure the correct corner of the processor is aligned with the correct corner of the socket - there will be an indicator. But the biggest tip I can give you is this: don't force anything. If a component won't go, it probably wasn't meant to.
Be patient, take your time, and everything will go fine.
posted by frmrpreztaft at 6:38 PM on November 20, 2010
Be patient, take your time, and everything will go fine.
posted by frmrpreztaft at 6:38 PM on November 20, 2010
Although I generally agree with geoff, you can encounter some difficulties. For example, parts which are dead on arrival (DOA). Or multiple parts which are dead on arrival. That can make the build and deciphering problems a bit tricky.
You'll definitely save money and you'll appreciate your computer more. I took the plunge a few years ago and was very satisfied with what I was able to put together for the money.
I followed this site to a T http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/
I'd suggest signing up and reading some threads within their "Build Your Own PC" forum as well. They'll be able to provide you with some great hardware suggestions as well as information if you do encounter issues during your build.
posted by cad at 6:39 PM on November 20, 2010
You'll definitely save money and you'll appreciate your computer more. I took the plunge a few years ago and was very satisfied with what I was able to put together for the money.
I followed this site to a T http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/
I'd suggest signing up and reading some threads within their "Build Your Own PC" forum as well. They'll be able to provide you with some great hardware suggestions as well as information if you do encounter issues during your build.
posted by cad at 6:39 PM on November 20, 2010
Frankly it's pretty easy, I've done both "barebones" kits and entirely from scratch and as long as you're careful for the processor/fan and the case space isn't tiny (last one I did was in a small case which was a minor pita, otherwise meh, even the RAM is easy nowadays (man that use to be terrible). The last time I looked though it didn't save too much $, but it is fun to put it together. If the MB is mounted already ignore this, if not make sure you use the spacers (they don't always mention that important thing to newbies).
Take your time, don't accumulate any static while doing it and bob's your uncle.
posted by edgeways at 6:40 PM on November 20, 2010
Take your time, don't accumulate any static while doing it and bob's your uncle.
posted by edgeways at 6:40 PM on November 20, 2010
Yeah, I'll echo geoff. The hardest thing about building your own PC are those damnable tiny plugs for the leds and the power switch. If you're over 40, you'll probably need a magnifying glass.
posted by crunchland at 6:42 PM on November 20, 2010
posted by crunchland at 6:42 PM on November 20, 2010
Oh, and if there's going to be more than one hard drive in there, make sure you move the jumper over something that can catch the little fucker when you inevitably drop it.
posted by griphus at 6:45 PM on November 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by griphus at 6:45 PM on November 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
Two things:
posted by brownpau at 6:56 PM on November 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
- The processor has its own 4-pin power connector. Don't forget that.
- I learned this the hard way: keep a close eye on the power supply output and the power requirements of the components you install. I hooked up an nVidia GTS 250 (needing at least 550W) to my motherboard without knowing my barebones kit had only come with a 400W PSU. Bzzzt.
posted by brownpau at 6:56 PM on November 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
Pretty much the only thing that's ever hard is putting the heatsink on the CPU. If the barebones kit has already done that, then, yeah, having put in a sound card and a hard drive leaves you well prepared.
posted by Zed at 7:05 PM on November 20, 2010
posted by Zed at 7:05 PM on November 20, 2010
Yeah, mind the static, don't force anything too hard, and you're unlikely to have it go quoggenzocker on you.
posted by scruss at 7:29 PM on November 20, 2010
posted by scruss at 7:29 PM on November 20, 2010
As others say, the physical plugging of things is easy. The hard part is solving those little problems that come along. Have another PC around to surf the internet for answers. You will be your own tech support with a home built computer.
LEDs have polarity, if the lights don't work and you are pretty sure you plugged them into the right place, switch them around.
If you get the static strap thing, make sure it has a resistor in it so you don't electrocute yourself. Without one, the strap acts as an excellent ground and any hot you might touch will zap you good. My experience is that only amateurs use them.
posted by gjc at 7:51 PM on November 20, 2010
LEDs have polarity, if the lights don't work and you are pretty sure you plugged them into the right place, switch them around.
If you get the static strap thing, make sure it has a resistor in it so you don't electrocute yourself. Without one, the strap acts as an excellent ground and any hot you might touch will zap you good. My experience is that only amateurs use them.
posted by gjc at 7:51 PM on November 20, 2010
I'm planning to do this very thing myself using the advice from hardware-revolution.com as soon as he posts his new gaming builds. So glad you asked this question, the answers are very reassuring!
posted by platinum at 8:17 PM on November 20, 2010
posted by platinum at 8:17 PM on November 20, 2010
Make sure the spacers between the motherboard and the case are secured (though this is probably done with a better system by now) and don't be cheap on the power supply.
The dumbest thing I ever did was with a power supply. Due to luggage space concerns, I brought a computer from Canada to HK in pieces sans case and bought a new case there. I hooked everything up like I did a million times before, plugged it in, and then...
BOOM! SMOKE EVERYWHERE! It was kinda cool, actually! The reason? The voltage was set for a North American 120V and HK is 210V.
So ya, power supply is where you'll cause the most damage.
posted by sleslie at 10:27 PM on November 20, 2010
The dumbest thing I ever did was with a power supply. Due to luggage space concerns, I brought a computer from Canada to HK in pieces sans case and bought a new case there. I hooked everything up like I did a million times before, plugged it in, and then...
BOOM! SMOKE EVERYWHERE! It was kinda cool, actually! The reason? The voltage was set for a North American 120V and HK is 210V.
So ya, power supply is where you'll cause the most damage.
posted by sleslie at 10:27 PM on November 20, 2010
MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE.
(i.e. be careful and you'll be fine)
posted by Sebmojo at 1:44 AM on November 21, 2010
(i.e. be careful and you'll be fine)
posted by Sebmojo at 1:44 AM on November 21, 2010
Some general tips which I don't think have been covered yet:
posted by robertc at 3:20 AM on November 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
- A lot of people go on about anti-static wrist straps - I've never used one and haven't had any problems, but be a bit careful about picking things up by their conductive parts
- I find it a lot easier to mount the CPU/Heatsink/Fan and memory before mounting the motherboard in the case. This means you can also put it on a table and press down firmly without flexing the motherboard, there's usually a sheet of foam in the box the motherboard came in you can rest it on while doing this
- If the case won't let you install the CD/DVD drive from the front then you probably want to mount that first, both the power supply and the motherboard can get in the way otherwise.
- I recently discovered it is possible to plug the motherboard power supply in backwards, but it didn't cause any long term damage - it just wouldn't turn on. There's usually an LED on the motherboard which lights up once you've got power.
posted by robertc at 3:20 AM on November 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
I've done this... five times in the last ten years? Six? It's getting fuzzy.
The one thing I absolutely must recommend is being able to get online during this process. Motherboard manuals vary widely in quality and completeness, especially if you're buying a discount brand as is possible in the TigerDirect barebones kits. Asus and MSI tend to have decent documentation, but other manufacturers can be a real crap shoot. You won't know what's going to be your issue until you're halfway through building the thing, so the ability to get online is essential for avoiding chicken-egg problems like "I need to update my network drivers to get online."
But in terms of getting the best hardware for your money, DIY is absolutely the way to go. Not only do you get exactly the components you want, but you'll know exactly what is/goes where, so when something eventually does break--ideally years from now--you'll have been in there before. A lot of what you pay for with OEM stuff is labor and questionable "support." DIY basically means you're doing both for yourself.
posted by valkyryn at 6:00 AM on November 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
The one thing I absolutely must recommend is being able to get online during this process. Motherboard manuals vary widely in quality and completeness, especially if you're buying a discount brand as is possible in the TigerDirect barebones kits. Asus and MSI tend to have decent documentation, but other manufacturers can be a real crap shoot. You won't know what's going to be your issue until you're halfway through building the thing, so the ability to get online is essential for avoiding chicken-egg problems like "I need to update my network drivers to get online."
But in terms of getting the best hardware for your money, DIY is absolutely the way to go. Not only do you get exactly the components you want, but you'll know exactly what is/goes where, so when something eventually does break--ideally years from now--you'll have been in there before. A lot of what you pay for with OEM stuff is labor and questionable "support." DIY basically means you're doing both for yourself.
posted by valkyryn at 6:00 AM on November 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, don't skimp on your case. Aesthetics aside, a lot of the OEM cases I've dealt with are totally frustrating in terms of their accessibility and flexibility. I dropped a little extra on one of these, and it was a real pleasure to work with.
posted by valkyryn at 6:02 AM on November 21, 2010
posted by valkyryn at 6:02 AM on November 21, 2010
Gonna give you the opposite answer: building your own PC is a pain in the ass and fraught with mistakes. It generally costs $100 extra to have a mail-order shop build a machine for you out of parts you select, instead of shipping you the parts to assemble. (I like AVADirect). Spend the $100. Some gotchas if you build your own:
Incompatibilities are a real problem. You've got to get the right RAM speed for the CPU, the right motherboard chipset, a power supply big enough and with the right connectors for everything to work together. It's not particularly difficult, but it takes time and is frustrating as hell if you get it wrong.
Physically assembling a PC can be surprisingly difficult. Routing cables, working in tight awkward corners, etc, I've literally broken a sweat installing a hard drive. The solution for this is having a comfortable workbench and buying a case that's good enough that it's easy to work with. And being meticulous, tying cables down well, not skipping any screws, etc.
There's fit and finish work an expert shop can do better than you. For instance I'm fanatical about having a quiet PC: good fans, foam damping in the case, etc. I could learn how to do it all myself, but why bother when a professional will do it for me?
You can totally build your own PC. You can bake your own bread, too, but if you've got a good bakery nearby and want something they already make, why bother?
posted by Nelson at 8:22 AM on November 21, 2010
Incompatibilities are a real problem. You've got to get the right RAM speed for the CPU, the right motherboard chipset, a power supply big enough and with the right connectors for everything to work together. It's not particularly difficult, but it takes time and is frustrating as hell if you get it wrong.
Physically assembling a PC can be surprisingly difficult. Routing cables, working in tight awkward corners, etc, I've literally broken a sweat installing a hard drive. The solution for this is having a comfortable workbench and buying a case that's good enough that it's easy to work with. And being meticulous, tying cables down well, not skipping any screws, etc.
There's fit and finish work an expert shop can do better than you. For instance I'm fanatical about having a quiet PC: good fans, foam damping in the case, etc. I could learn how to do it all myself, but why bother when a professional will do it for me?
You can totally build your own PC. You can bake your own bread, too, but if you've got a good bakery nearby and want something they already make, why bother?
posted by Nelson at 8:22 AM on November 21, 2010
Get to know where the sharp metal edges are in your case before you start putting stuff in or digging around.
Keep a tray/ dish for small parts/screws
Use an extension cord and work on a table so you don't have to crawl around when you're done.
Use a space where you can leave stuff out overnight if you don't get it done in the day.
Start on a Friday night or early Saturday morning so that if you notice missing/defective parts you can go to the store and not make this a week long project.
Take pictures and brag about it.
Give your computer a name (my last one was toaster)
posted by furtive at 9:39 AM on November 21, 2010
Keep a tray/ dish for small parts/screws
Use an extension cord and work on a table so you don't have to crawl around when you're done.
Use a space where you can leave stuff out overnight if you don't get it done in the day.
Start on a Friday night or early Saturday morning so that if you notice missing/defective parts you can go to the store and not make this a week long project.
Take pictures and brag about it.
Give your computer a name (my last one was toaster)
posted by furtive at 9:39 AM on November 21, 2010
I'm fanatical about having a quiet PC
With SSDs and highly efficient CPUs and chipsets, building a quiet or even silent PC isn't even interesting anymore (unless you want it to also be a game machine.)
posted by Zed at 12:25 PM on November 21, 2010
With SSDs and highly efficient CPUs and chipsets, building a quiet or even silent PC isn't even interesting anymore (unless you want it to also be a game machine.)
posted by Zed at 12:25 PM on November 21, 2010
Once you've unplugged it from the power (by removing the power cable from the back of the computer), hold down the power button for a second or two. It'll release the electricity stored in the power supply and reduce your risk of shock/frying something. You'll know it's done when the fans stop spinning- takes less than a second.
The anti-static wristband need depends a lot on what your climate is like. If you live in a dry area, get one. If you've never been shocked by a door handle in your neighborhood then you're probably fine without.
posted by Four Flavors at 4:10 PM on November 22, 2010
The anti-static wristband need depends a lot on what your climate is like. If you live in a dry area, get one. If you've never been shocked by a door handle in your neighborhood then you're probably fine without.
posted by Four Flavors at 4:10 PM on November 22, 2010
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posted by geoff. at 6:28 PM on November 20, 2010 [1 favorite]