Book description
With off-the-shelf computer systems to fit any budget or requirement, some people might wonder why you'd want to build your own. They don't understand that for many computer users, a ready-made system is about as satisfying as popping a frozen dinner in the microwave when you'd rather have real food instead. Sure, it works, but it's not exactly what you need or want. There's a lot to be said for a computer that has exactly the quality components you choose, by the manufacturers you choose, rather than the conveniently bundled assortment made for your price point. But perhaps you've stopped short of building your own because you're inexperienced or you're concerned it won't come out right. After all, you want your computer to be perfect. Hesitate no longer: Building the Perfect PC delivers end-to-end instructions (that even inexperienced PC-builders can follow) for creating your ideal machine. Written by hardware experts Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson, this book covers it all, beginning with the various reasons why you'd want to build your own PC, planning and picking out the components, and putting it all together. The book outlines a variety of complete systems and all of their components, including a small form factor PC; a middle-of-the-road "sweet spot" system with top-notch components; and a top-end gaming PC with high-end video, a fast processor, and enough RAM to make your palms sweat just thinking about it. Straightforward language, clear directions, and extensive illustrations make this guide a breeze for computer builders of any level to follow--even those with little or no experience. If you've yearned for a quality machine with high-end components that suit your needs, then Building the Perfect PC will put you where you want to be: in control of your computer system.
Table of contents
-
Building the Perfect PC
- About the Authors
- Foreword
- Preface
- 1. Fundamentals
- 2. Choosing and Buying Components
-
3. Building a Mainstream PC
- Determining Functional Requirements
- Hardware Design Criteria
- Component Considerations
- Building the System
- Final Words
-
4. Building a SOHO Server
- Determining Functional Requirements
- Hardware Design Criteria
- Component Considerations
- Building the System
- Final Words
-
5. Building a Kick-Ass LAN Party PC
- Determining Functional Requirements
- Hardware Design Criteria
- Component Considerations
-
Building the System
- Preparing the case
- Preparing and populating the motherboard
- Preparing the motherboard
- Installing the processor
- Installing the heatsink/fan (HSF)
- Installing the memory
- Installing the motherboard
- Seating and securing the motherboard
- Connecting the front-panel switch and indicator cables
- Connecting the front-panel USB ports
- Connecting the front fan and setting the BIOS configuration jumper
- Installing the hard drive
- Installing the expansion cards
- Installing the rear fan
- Connecting the ATX power connectors
- Installing the optical drive and voltage/fan control panel
- Final assembly steps
- Final Words
-
6. Building a Home Theater PC
- Determining Functional Requirements
- Hardware Design Criteria
- Choosing Software
- Component Considerations
-
Building the System
- Preparing the case
- Populating the motherboard
- Installing the processor
- Installing the heatsink/fan (HSF)
- Installing the memory
- Installing the motherboard
- Seating and securing the motherboard
- Connecting the front-panel cables
- Connecting the internal I/O cables
- Installing cliffhanger connectors
- Installing the drives
- Installing the video adapter
- Connecting the main ATX power connector
- Final Words
- 7. Building a Small Form Factor PC
- Index
- Colophon
Product information
- Title: Building the Perfect PC
- Author(s):
- Release date: August 2004
- Publisher(s): O'Reilly Media, Inc.
- ISBN: 9780596006631
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