If you’re going to build a computer from scratch for a specific purpose, you’ll
want to keep that purpose in mind when choosing your components; don’t just
go to the store or an online shop and start buying. Consider what you want to
use the computer for, you may be able to save money by specifying expensive,
premium parts only where needed.
Any reasonably configured computer built from current components will
offer adequate Internet browsing and word-processing capabilities. For an office
computer, this is often all that is needed. As long as you provide enough RAM
for your chosen operating system (256 MB to 1 GB for XP or Linux, 2 GB for
Vista) any processor you can buy new will provide acceptable performance. If
the computer is for gaming, a fast processor, the addition of a high-end graphics
accelerator card (or two) and extra RAM will provide a more satisfactory gaming
experience. Besides gaming, computers intended for video editing, serious audio
work, CAD/CAM, or animation will benefit from beefier components.
Here are some general system categories. Your own needs will probably not
fit neatly into one of these, but they are a good way to start thinking about
what you are going to use your computer for. With each weve indicated the
components you should emphasize when building the system.