Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
drives,youmightneedtopurchaseextras.Chassisnormallyincludecablesforfrontpanel
connections,andpowercablesarenormallyincludedwithorarepartofthepowersupply.
Hardware
Youmight needscrews, standoffs,mounting brackets orrails (ifyourcase requires them),
andother miscellaneous hardware toassemble yoursystem. Anassortment ofhardware is
normally included with the chassis, but in some cases it helps to have extras on hand.
Hardware and Software Resources
When you are planning to build a system, it is important to consider how all your selected
components will work together and how the software you run must support them. It is not
enough to be sure that you have sufficient slots on the motherboard for all your expan-
sion cards and enough bays in the case for all your drives. You must also consider the re-
sources required for all the components. For example, if the chassis you have selected has
front panel I/O ports, are there available connections for all of them on the motherboard?
Essentially, you should completely configure the system before you begin ordering parts.
Planningasystemtothislevelofdetailcanbealotofwork,whichisonereason—besides
cost—that the majority of PCs are prebuilt.
Tip
In most cases, you can download or view online the manuals for the motherboard, processor,
andothermajorcomponentsbeforeyoupurchasethem.Checkthecomponentvendors'web-
sites for these manuals and technical notes and read them carefully.
Another consideration is the OS and other software you need. Prebuilt systems nearly al-
ways arrive with the OS installed, but when you build your own, you must be prepared
with a copy of your selected OS.
TheOSyouselect foryournewcomputer isanother important decision. Youmust becer-
tain that the OS supports all the hardware you've selected, which can occasionally be a
difficult task. Today the main choices are Windows or one of the Linux variants. This is
one area where building your own has real advantages; OEM systems often have limited
choices when it comes to the OS, but when you build your own system, the choice of OS
is entirely up to you.
Drivers for the desired OS and specific hardware components might also be a problem. It
is a good idea to gather all the latest driver revisions for your hardware and intended OS,
aswellasBIOSflashes,firmwareupdates,andothersoftwarecomponents,andhavethem
