Component List

[Acriku]

Could somebody accurately give me a list of what I need to make my own computer? Not specific products, but their category; i.e. video card, sound card, motherboard, etc. I just want to systematically do this, so I can go at it with what I need in mind. Thanks :)

[Nyarlathotep]

Check out this thread. It should help you quite a bit I think, if not then let me know :)

[Acriku]

Alright, here's my list from your thread:

Case

Motherboard

Processor

Video Card

Sound Card

DIMMs

CD-RW/DVD-RW

Floppy

Speakers

Ethernet Card (for my cable modem)

Harddrive

Keyboard

Mouse

Surge Protector

I have a question about DIMMs. Is that just another name for RAM? I was going to get 512 DDR33 RAM, what would that be in DIMM?

Also, is there any part I am missing?

Thanks :)

[Timenn]

I guess that that DIMM must be the memory.

Because else the memory is missing, and DIMM wasn't really needed.

Maybe you want to include the disk drive to your list. It isn't expensive, and it can be life saving if you have problems (boot problems)

And I don't think you mean that. But an operating system would be nice to have too :)

But for the rest the list is complete I think.

Note: The power supply is often included with the case.

[number6]

You still need :

• 
  [+] Monitor (unless you plan to use the old one)
  [+] 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive
  [+] Surge Protector
  

Also make sure you get a decent case with a 400W power supply so you will have enough power for all the components you get.

[DukeLeto]

I don't have a floppy drive, and I can't say as it's ever been a areal problem. :-

[Nyarlathotep]

Check if your motherboard doesn't have a ethernet connection. Otherwise it might be a waste of money to buy a additional ethernet card.

[Acriku]

Ah yes, forgot the ol' floppy.

The surge protector is sold separately? I just thought it came with the power supply.

And I'm waiting for the monitor, so I can get a good one, until then I'll be using the one I'm using now.

Thanks for the help!

Edit: Does the case have to have 400 watt power supply? Not a lot of them have 400w, so what's the difference between 300 and 400 watt?

[number6]

You can usually upgrade the case to have a 400W power supply for a price ;) . You might have no problems with a 300W power supply, but I think this is one area that you should not skimp on. All kinds of weird stuff can happen on your system if you are short on power when it is needed. If you plan to add a lot of components and extra fans you will most definitely need 400W.

[number6]

I don't have a floppy drive, and I can't say as it's ever been a areal problem. :-

My windows 98 install CDROM insists on booting from a floppy drive when you want to fdisk/format the disk so I have needed it on occasion. It may not be necessary nowadays, but they only cost $15 usually and you never know when one may come in handy. I guess you could reuse your old floppy drive when upgrading.

[Nyarlathotep]

Here's a way how to make your bootable floppies into bootable cdroms (yes, for this to work you'll need a floppy, after that not anymore though):

First Of All You Need A Cd-Burner, Nero Burning Rom v5.5 (or later)

A Floppie Drive, A Blank CDR Disk

When You Have Everything:

Load Up Nero With Your Floppy In The Drive And Blank Cd In The Cd-Recorder

Close The Wizard

Hold Ctrl + N

Until A Box Appears

Scroll Down The List Until You Reach CDROM (Boot)

Click It

Bootable Logical Drive Must Be A:

Click The Burn TAB

Click New

Click File

Then Write Cd

Then Write

Done

In this example I used Nero, but I'm certain that it works with other applications as well.