Posts Tagged ‘Power Supply’

The 7 Steps to Take Before Buying Computer Hardware When Building a PC

Using these 7 steps before buying your computer hardware can save you time, money and make your computer assembly go as smooth as possible.

1. Deciding what you need versus what you want -

When building a new computer, figure out what you need a computer for, and build for that reason. Over-kill can be a big waste of money. Don’t put a $300.00 video card in a system if you are only going to be using it to surf the web or run office programs.

2. Decide on the platform to build on -

The 2 main computer platforms are AMD or Intel. Choosing a platform to build on is a matter of personal opinion. Choose whichever you like as they both have their share of good and bad points.

3. Research the motherboards of your chosen platform -

After choosing a platform to build on, you will want to research motherboards of that particular platform (AMD or Intel based), making sure the motherboard you choose will have all the options that you will need (DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 dimm slots, PCIe 2.0 slots, number of Sata connections,etc.)

4. Research the processors of your chosen platform -

Again, Over-kill can be a big waste of money, decide on a processor that fits your needs ( if you never multi-task, a single core processor may be the way to go ).

5. Research other devices needed – memory, video card, hard drive, monitor, dvd/cd, floppy, case and power supply, keyboard and mouse -

After deciding on your platform, motherboard and processor, you will want to research and decide on the other components needed, making sure everything is compatible with your motherboard and that your chosen power supply is adequate.

6. Double check and verify compatibility of all parts with motherboard specifications -

It is always a good idea to double check your motherboard specifications with each individual component to verify compatibility (ATX motherboards must mount in a case that supports ATX form factors, etc.)

7. Make a list of all parts and perform price comparisons -

After choosing the parts you are going to use to build your new computer and verifying everything is compatible, you will want to make a list of each part and start price comparing as there could be a big difference in the price of each part depending on where you shop.

These steps can seem like a lot to do, but they can save you a lot of money and headache when it comes to finding the best brand PC hardware, while at the same time you will also be learning about how to assemble a computer.

Click here for free information on how to assemble a computer.

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Author: Mike Hutcheson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Diagnosing Computer Hardware Faults

When your PC goes wrong and you have lost all hope the normal final stage is to reformat your computer and start afresh. This will most likely resolve any software issues, remove viruses or any other nasties and give you a clean start. But what happens if you have already reformatted and the problem still exists?

This means, most likely, you have a hardware fault. This is where problems can start.

Diagnosing a computer hardware fault can be a right pain as any of the computer components could the cause. Unless you are intending to replace the entire machine you need to carefully diagnose with what components the fault lies with.

I would advise you look at the computer into these main areas to analyse.

Memory / RAM

Power Supply

Hard Disk

Motherboard

This isn’t a complete definitive list, obviously depending on your issue ie if your issue is that you don’t get sound then it could be a sound card issue, similarly if you don’t get a display then graphics could be the culprit. If it is a random fault then either of the above could be the cause.

Memory – this is fortunately quite easy to diagnose. Search the Internet for a memory tester. Generally these can be put onto a CD (or Floppy if you are stuck in the past!!), boot up from the CD which then enters the memory test. This will constantly cycle through, testing the memory for errors. It is wise to leave this on for several hours or even better over night. It will advise you if the memory fails.

Power Supply – this can be a strange one. People generally assume that if the power supply does fail then you would get no life from you computer at all. This sometimes is not true. I have had computers that turn off at random times, computers that have the power light on, but do not start up etc and it has turned out to be the supply – I would advise this should be one of the first things to test as can be a problematic area. Testing it can be difficult without the right equipment. Really the only way is to get a volt tester and check the voltage and current coming out.

Hard Disk – this can be one of the worst problems to have as if your hard disk does fail, unless you have been sensible and done regular backups of your most valuable data, you stand to lose it all. Hard disks can go at any time and usually you will hear a harsh sounding clicking noise that is coming from your computer. If this is the case you need to probably replace the hard disk. Get someone who then knows what they are doing here to try and recover your old data for you.

If none of the above solves your problem then you could possibly be looking at the fault being with the motherboard or any other plug in cards or devices you have. Remove everything to leave only the very basics. Take out all sound cards etc and any other PCI devices that are not essential. If you have more than one stick of ram then leave in only one and see if the problem resolves.

Really, solving hardware issues comes down to a case of trial and error here so take the time to test everything out. Bear in mind that even if your keyboard or mouse is faulty, very strange things can happen to a computer, so if you can, try to remove and test every single item.

JBO Solutions supplies the UK with Server Backup drives, Computer Components and accessories such as TFT Monitors.

Author: Olly Fallon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Basics of Computer Hardware

If you know computers then it’s easier to buy hardware components. Choosing what your computer needs can be overwhelming. You may not know or care much about computers, but some basic homework will help you learn what you need to know. Many people enjoy learning about IT and computers on their own.

The internet is one of the best ways to educate yourself on computer parts. The Internet contains numerous web sites that provide a plethora of knowledge about this product. First of all the best thing to do is to note down that you need and what you wish to know about computer hardware. When you do this you are educating yourself on the things that you don’t need.

Magazines are another good way to find out about the latest in computer hardware. You will find that these are great resources to educate yourself with. Why, due to the fact that, if there are untrue features on their pages, as opposed to online where you can’t really identity who wrote a certain article, it would be possible for you to find the writer or editor of the magazine. You can also ask first hand information from a friend who is an IT specialist, a computer engineer or somebody who is knowledgeable on computer.

The most crucial aspect of computer hardware is knowing its parts. Parts such as the computer monitor, motherboard, CPU, RAM Memory, expansion card, power supply, CD-ROM Drive, hard disk, keyboard, and mouse are included. You must know about each component, its function and what type or kind is necessary.

It’s imperative that when purchasing computer hardware parts that you keep your needs in mind, and not just focus on the brand. When you are buying a computer you don’t always need to buy the most expensive brand.

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Author: Ian E. Wright
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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