Builder wannabe

After owning off-the-shelf computers for almost 15 years, I have finally decided I would like to build my own computer. I am fairly knowledgeable about components and such, but am NOT an expert. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good "how-to" book? I have seen several online, but I wonder which ones are best. I realize that this will be a learning process and I am a VERY patient person.......Recommendations?

 

Well it all depends, you a heavy gamer or just need the computer for basic activities such as email, chat, etc, or are you a combo of both?
BTW, Welcome to MajorGeeks

 

Thanks for getting back to me! I mainly just surf/email and download songs, plus do some accounting. I guess just general activities.....I don't game at all.

 

You could always go with a premade pc by Dell or HP or Compaq(which has the least preinstalled crap). Now it all depends, how much you want to spend?

 

I want to build my own computer because I think it will be interesting and plus it will help me learn a lot more about computers than I already know. I do not want to purchase another pre-made one right now. Money really isn't that much of an issue, but I am going to shop wisely and take it slow. I do not mind paying $$ for a good product.

 

I used this to get me started. Excellent, easy to follow instructions.

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

 

I could help you if you want to build your own pc. I could put together a good pc based on your specifications.

 

Thank you all for your replies. When I start building I'm sure I will run into probs and will post here for help! Thanks!!

 

There's a book that I bought a long time ago called Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller. I know this is a huge book and has a lot of information on the components and all that. I don't think a beginner needs this right away since I know that this is about building on to the computer you already have. This to me is more of a reference book than build your own.

As for books to build your own, I checked Amazon to see what there is out there and I saw one that might be of interest. It's called How to Build Your Own PC: Save a Buck and Learn a Lot by Charlie Palmer.

I know there are others, but this might give you a starting point. Maybe when you get familiar with building PCs you can use Scott Mueller's book a glance.

Good luck and have fun!

 

I used these
part 1
part 2
part 3

 

thanks for the links and suggestions. I did go to Amazon and looked at the different How-To books, plus I have also found a few more websites than the one that greenpeaninja (thank you!) suggested that are dedicated specifically to building. I am excited to get started, but will do thorough research first.

 

Of course you can always post with questions since there will be lots of people giving you advice/help for you in case you get stuck. Building your own computer is a rewarding experience! I've always enjoyed that myself, and I learned from my old manager of my company's department many years ago (back in the 486 days).

Take care!:wave