How to Build Your Own Computer - Mobile Version
This site is dedicated to the many people who decide to build their own personal computers each year -- very often, on their kitchen tables. It's an illustrated, step-by-step guide to building a computer from scratch, to help make your do-it-yourself computer-building project enjoyable, educational, and rewarding.
This mobile version doesn't contain all of the content or features that are on the main site. It's streamlined to make it work better and load faster on mobile devices. So visit our full site when you're at a computer.
Why should I build my own personal computer?
It's a lot easier to buy a computer from a computer store than it is to build one yourself. But most of us computer geeks and geeklings build our own computers because we enjoy it. We think it's fun. But there are other advantages to building your own computer. For example:
- You can build your computer exactly how you want it, as best fits your computing needs. When you build your own computer, it truly is a "personal" computer.
- Building a PC is an educational experience that can enrich a person's knowledge of applied math, electronics, and physics.
- Sometimes a homebuilt computer can be less expensive than a store-bought computer, especially if you start with a barebones computer kit.
- Building computers is an enjoyable hobby that can lead to a career. In fact, many IT professionals got their start by building their own computers.
What do I need?
Computer building requires certain skills, tools, and resources. For example:
- You must be able to read and write.
- You have to know how to do some basic math.
- You need some basic hand tools.
- You have to have a clean place to work with a suitable table or workbench.
- You need to be able to follow instructions and observe safety and anti-static precautions.
- If you're a kid, you may need a parent, teacher, or other adult to help you.
- You need someplace to obtain computer parts.
- Books, videos, and other references may be helpful, too.
Think you can handle it? Good! Lets get started.
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