FAQ: How to Build Your Own Computer

This is the second of three posts written specially for people who are considering building their first PC or who are ready to, but have a few questions that they need answers to.

1. Friday, Jan. 8th: 10 Quick Tips for 1st Time PC Builders
2. Saturday, Jan. 9th: FAQ: How to BuildYour own Computer
   
3. Sunday, Jan 10th: Help me: Why won’t my newly assembled PC start?

FAQ: How to Build Your Own Computer

Summary:

Click on a question to jump to it

1. What if I have never built a PC before?
2. Why should I build a PC instead of buying one in a store?
3. Which type of PC do I need?
4. What if I’m outdated on what are the current best parts or simply don’t know which parts to pick?
5. Who are you to tell me which parts to choose and why should I go with Hardware Revolution’s Builds?
6. What if I don’t agree with your choices?
7. Can you suggest me a step to step guide to build a computer?
8. Do you have tips for someone building a PC for the first time?
9. What if I get stuck or need help?
10. What if I want more performance than a build has to offer?

What if I have never built a PC before?

Now is the time to start. Make the jump, do not be afraid. Building a computer has never been more simple. While the whole process may look overwhelming, if you look at it one part at a time, you’ll realize how simple it really is.

At Hardware Revolution, we do our best to assist you through the whole process, starting with figuring out your needs, then finding which parts to choose to match your needs, giving you guides on how to actually build it and finally, assisting you if you need help in the process.

Why should I build my own PC instead of buying one in a store?

There are many reasons, here are a few:

• You get more performance for the same price or you pay less for the same performance.
• You choose every part of your computer.
• You get longer warranties or at least equivalent warranties on every part.
• Once you’re done, you get the satisfaction of a job well done.
• You know that it’s your custom PC, not the same Dell/HP/etc. that everyone else has.

Which type of PC do I need?

Ask yourself what do you intend to use the computer for? Video games? Watching movies and TV in your living room? Work? Or simply to browse the Web? We have custom Computer Builds designs to match your needs.

What if I’m outdated on what are the current best parts or simply don’t know which parts to pick?

If you don’t have the knowledge or time to choose your parts, simply stick to my recommendations in my articles. You can tell them apart because they are in Bold. I always make sure that they are all compatible and ready to work together. Stick to my recommendations and you’ll be more than happy. That’s my promise.

Who are you to tell me which parts to choose and why should I go with Hardware Revolution’s Builds?

My name is Mathieu Bourgie and I’m a computer enthusiast with 10 years of experience in building, fixing and modifying computers.

I share my knowledge by blogging on Hardware Revolution, where I offer various custom computer builds designs, along with useful articles such as Warning: 6 Surefire Ways of Blowing Up Your Computer Due to an Inadequate Power Supply, to help you figure out what are the best parts for a computer at a given price.

Why should I go with Hardware Revolution’s Builds?

As Blain, one of our readers, puts it:
““Pre-configured” computer systems makes building your own computer a reality (or as close as it gets). With the market flooded with computer parts even the tech savvy individual is lost until they come here.” More Testimonials

If you have the time, reading detailed computer parts reviews and specifications are a lot of fun. However, most of us don’t have the time to do the research and just want the answers. In other words, what you want to know is what are the best parts for a computer within your budget.

This is what I offer here on Hardware Revolution. My various Custom Computer Builds, that are updated on a regular basis, will guide you through the countless parts that exist and tell exactly which parts will offer you the best performance possible for a given price. That is my promise.

I also offer my Best Of guides, which will help you find the best various parts, if for example, you are planning an upgrade or simply want to know what is The Best Video Card For Your Money.

If you would like more information on Hardware Revolution or Mathieu Bourgie, read our About page.

What if I don’t agree with your choices?

This is the great part of building your own computer(s), you can customize it to your taste, instead of getting what the manufacturer wants you to get with a pre-built computer. If you have the knowledge and/or the time to learn, you’re free to use my recommendations as a base and then to customize any build just how you want it.

Can you suggest me a step to step guide to build a computer?

Of course. Here are a few that I recommend:

1. From ArsTechnica – Part 1: Hardware
2. From ArsTechnica – Part 2: Software

• From DriverHeaven.net
• From Maximumpc.com
• From PC Perspective (Video)

If you take your time, are careful and follow guides/videos:

You’ll end up with a fully functional computer, at a lower cost than a comparable Dell PC, with the best parts that your money can buy, instead of “ok” parts chosen by Dell. The best part? You’ll be proud of a job well done

Do you have tips for someone building a PC for the first time?

Sure thing. Read 10 Quick Tips for 1st Time PC Builders.

What if I get stuck or need help?

Simply drop a comment at the end of the build post and either a helpful member of this community or myself will answer you. You can also Contact me directly for some assistance. While I’m pretty busy, I’ll try my best to answer you quickly.

What if I want more performance than a build has to offer?

No problem. In every of our Computer Builds, you’ll find included the best possible upgrades in Italic. They are still priced reasonably in regard to the budget and are all compatible with the rest of the system. Yes, every upgrade is compatible with each other, so you can pick one or three upgrade and everything will still be compatible. (You’ll also find the price difference over my recommendation in parentheses).

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are other upgrades, but I focused on telling you which ones offered the most value for your money

In simple terms, if you want a more powerful CPU or video card, simply pick it from the list of recommended upgrades that are in Italic.

If upgrades just don’t cut it, visit the Computer Builds page, where you’ll find descriptions and links to other computer custom build designs.

Conclusion:

I hope that this FAQ on How to Build Your Own Computer has been useful to you. If you have any additional questions or comments, drop a comment below.

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