Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
This chapter details the components necessary to assemble your own system, explains the
assembly procedures, and lists some recommendations for components and their sources.
The components used in building a typical PC are as follows:
• Case
• Power supply (often included with the case)
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• CPU fan/heatsink (usually included with the processor)
• Memory (RAM)
• Floppy drive (optional)
• Hard disk/solid-state drive(s)
• Optical drive(s) (CD/DVD/BD)
• Keyboard
• Pointing device (mouse)
• Video card (may be integrated into the motherboard)
• Display (monitor)
• Sound card (usually integrated into the motherboard)
• Speakers
• Network interface card (usually integrated into the motherboard)
• Modem (optional)
• Cables (usually included with the motherboard)
• Hardware (screws and brackets, usually included with the case)
• OS and other software
Some of these components are either optional or don't have to be purchased separately.
For example, few people install floppy drives or modems in new systems, most mother-
boardshaveintegrated soundandnetworkcards,andsomehaveintegrated video.Eachof
these components is discussed in the following sections.
Case and Power Supply
The case and power supply unit (PSU) are often sold as a unit, although many vendors
do sell them separately. The power supplies included with lower-cost cases are often of
lowerqualityorprovideaninadequateamountofpower,soyoumightwanttoreplacethe
