COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

TO BUILD A COMPUTERS

Calimbo, Alyssa Rae

Fabre, Imee Diana
Manalo, Micheala Amor
Sobradil, Aliyah Margaret
GeeksforGeeks. (2023a). Random access Memory RAM and read only memory
ROM. GeeksforGeeks. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/random-access-
memory-ram-and-read-only-memory-rom/

GeeksforGeeks. (2023b). Functions of operating system. GeeksforGeeks.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/functions-of-operating-system/

Godwin. (2023). Everything you need to know about automobile cooling fan.
Student Lesson. https://studentlesson.com/cooling-fan-definition-functions-
components-working/

Hanna, K. T. (2023). mouse.

WhatIs.com. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/mouse

How to connect a monitor to a computer. (2023, March 5).

Retrieved September 26, 2023, from
https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001896.htm

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Contributor, T. (2019). processor (CPU).
WhatIs.com.https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/processor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Enos, B. (2022a, November 10). What Are The Most Important Factors To
Consider When Buying A PC? - EnosTech.com. Enos Tech. Retrieved
September 26, 2023, from https://www.enostech.com/what-are-the-most- Page
important-factors-to-consider-when-buying-a-pc/
Components of a computer......................1-15
Enos, B. (2022b, November 10). What Are The Most Important Factors To
Consider When Buying A PC? - EnosTech.com. Enos Tech. Retrieved Buying a computer system.......................16-18
September 26, 2023, from https://www.enostech.com/what-are-the-most-
important-factors-to-consider-when-buying-a-pc/ Buying computer peripherals.................19-20

Everything You Want to Know About Hard Drives. References...............................................21-23

Understanding hard drive basics will help you make better storage decisions.

| Seagate UK. (n.d.). Seagate.com. Retrieved September 26, 2023, from

https://www.seagate.com/as/en/blog/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-
hard-drives-master-dm/

Fisher, T. (2023). What is a computer case? Lifewire.

https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-computer-case-2618149

GeeksforGeeks. (2023a). Random access Memory RAM and read only memory
ROM. GeeksforGeeks. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/random-accessmemory-
ram-and-read-only-memory-rom/

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 References
11 Basic Components of Computer Hardware: Tips for Technicians. (2023,
August 1). Indeed. Retrieved September 26, 2023, from
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-are-basic-
components-of-computer-hardware

Admin. (2023). Functions of Operating System | GATE Notes. BYJUS.

https://byjus.com/gate/functions-of-operating-system-notes/

Arm Ltd. (n.d.). What is a Central Processing Unit? – Arm®. Arm | the
Architecture for the Digital World. Retrieved September 26, 2023, from
https://www.arm.com/glossary/cpu

Bhardwaj, R. (2022, September 22). What is Operating System (OS) and Its
Functions? - IP With Ease. IP With Ease. Retrieved September 26, 2023, from
https://ipwithease.com/what-is-operating-system-and-its-functions/

Computer - components. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2023, from

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nts.htm

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https://www.connection.com/category/system-cases/100090

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Brand Reputation
Read feedback from clients and research some online reputation
research on the company that makes the product. Good businesses
are more likely to offer dependable goods and customer service.
Price
Create a budget for spending based on your needs and available
funds. Create a balance that meets your needs while being aware of
the conflict between budget and quality.
Energy Efficiency
Some peripherals, such as monitors and printers, can consume quite a COMPONENTS OF A
bit of power. To lower long-term operational expenses and
environmental impact, evaluate their energy efficiency.
Aesthetics
COMPUTER
Although not the main factor, a peripheral's aesthetic appeal might
be important, especially if you care about how your computer setup
looks in general.
Reviews and Recommendations
Take some time reading reviews and asking friends or online forums
for referrals. Real-world experiences can give important insights into
the performance and dependability of a product.
You may choose peripherals that improve your computing
experience, provide good value for your investment, and easily fit
into your computer setup by taking the time to assess your needs
and explore your possibilities.
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 Buying Computer Peripherals
When buying computer peripherals, there are some factors to consider
to make sure to purchase the right component that you need. Here are
some important things to keep in mind.

Compatibility
First things first is to ensure that the peripheral is compatible with
your computer's operating system and hardware. Check for specific
compatibility requirements, such as drivers or software, to avoid any
issues.
Performance
Review the peripheral's performance requirements in terms of
performance. For example, take note of factors like DPI for the
Motherboard mouse, resolution, and refresh rate for monitors, printing speed for
It contains all the components of a computer. It typically is the largest printers, and sound quality for headphones and speakers.
printed circuit board, and it is the backbone that ties the computer’s Connectivity
components together at one spot and allows for communication Examine the many possibilities for connectivity. USB, Bluetooth, Wi-
between each component. It distributes and facilitates communication Fi, and other common connection options are also available. Make
between and to the central processing unit (CPU), random access sure the peripheral can easily and without any compatibility issues
memory (RAM), and the other components of the computer’s hardware. connect to your computer.
The motherboard is an important component of a computer, without it, Build Quality
none of the computer pieces will be able to communicate. In short, the Take into consideration the peripheral's durability and build quality.
motherboard’s function is to make sure the computer runs well. To ensure durability, look for gadgets built with high-quality materials
and strong structures.
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Hard-Drive Speed
A faster speed means the faster the computer will be to process and
record data, which can improve performance significantly. For
laptops, SSDs are the best option. If it’s possible, a hard drive with a
7200 RPM spin speed or higher, the better the performance will be.
Graphics Card
Ensure that the graphics cards are both compatible and also use the
same driver version to not cause problems later as compatibility
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
issues often arise between drivers for different graphics cards.
The primary component of a computer is the computer’s “brain” as it
Power Supply Unit
has a direct plug connecting to the motherboard and communication
Buying a computer requires knowing if all components work together
with all of the computer’s other components. It is also referred to as the
without issues and that there aren’t missing parts.
“central” or “main” process. It’s a complex set of electronic circuitry that
responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer.
The CPU interprets, processes, and executes instructions, most often
from the hardware and software programs running on the device. The
CPU performs arithmetic, logic, and other operations to transform data
input into more usable information output.

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 Processor
This is an important factor when choosing a computer, as it is the
engine of your computer and sets the performance expectations.
When installing a CPU, it is important to pay attention to the
gigahertz (GHz); the higher the GHz, the faster the processor.
However, more GHz means more energy consumption on the CPU.
This can lead to higher system temperatures that will require better
airflow or heat dissipation.

RAM (Memory)
It is vital to know that the more RAM you have, the more and faster
Random Access Memory (RAM) browsers and applications will open. The more files and programs you
It is the main memory in a computer. A hardware that keeps the have on your computer can negatively impact the performance if you
operating system (OS), application programs, and data so that they can have less memory. Firstly, it is important to identify the kind of
quickly reach the device’s processor. It is a volatile memory type as it module your system uses by the form factor, then figure out the
keeps the temporary storage in your computer that gives applications a memory technology your system supports. Secondly, the system can
place to store and access data on a short-term basis. This enables the handle only so many GBs (gigabytes) of memory. Although you can
computer to run applications and open files. When you run an app, the opt for 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or more, if you buy 64GB of RAM and your
computer loads the data that the CPU needs for those applications into computer can only handle 16GB, 48GB is wasted. Not everyone
the RAM. The CPU then uses the data from that app to perform tasks needs the same amount of RAM.
needed for the application.

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 Buying a Computer System
When you are buying electronic components, there are important factors
to consider:

Budget
We want the best, but there are constraints to obtaining it. Setting a
budget sets the ground for what we can afford and it is important to
stick to the budget to ensure we won't get overwhelmed or lost.
Laptop or computer?
It is important to determine which system to use and it is mainly up to
the user of which machine they want. This is where you will question
which suits best for you. Does it fit for your project? What is the
machine are you gonna use? Which is more comfortable for you? Read-Only Memory
Once you’re done, look at the budget and see if it fits and if there are A non-volatile memory type that receives data and permanently writes
things that are compatible with you and the projects you wish to work it on a chip and lasts even after you turn off your computer. It differs
on. You either need to adjust your budget or adjust your goals to from RAM, where it keeps memory temporarily, whereas ROM keeps
make them more compatible with each other. data permanently. It also does not need to modify the data. ROM is
Motherboard typically used to store the computer’s BIOS (basic input/output system),
This is the first component one needs to choose. It determines what which includes the instructions for booting the computer, as well as
other pieces of hardware are compatible with it, as not all firmware for other hardware devices.
components are compatible with all motherboards.

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Operating System (OS)
A software for the computer that manages files, memory, processes,
input and output, and controls peripheral devices like disk drives, printers,
etc. It acts as a communication bridge (interface) between the user and Case
computer hardware. The operating system provides the user with a A desktop computer case helps protect the components from
platform to execute programs conveniently and efficiently. The electrical interference, physical damage, and intrusive foreign objects. It
coordination of the hardware must be appropriate to ensure the correct serves as a way to physically mount and contain all the computer
working of the computer system and to prevent user programs from components inside. Computer cases can be customizable to the user’s
interfering with the proper working of the system. personal preferences, such as size, color, etc.

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 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
An interface between the computer and a monitor. It is responsible for
Mouse calculating images in a computer, which can then be displayed on a
A small device that controls the cursor and gives input to the system. monitor. The GPU is responsible for interpreting the instructions on a
A cursor is a visible and moving pointer that the user controls using a computer monitor. Performing graphical instructions and data, using its
mouse, touchpad, or any similar input device. The mouse is important for memory to store information and settings such as color, resolution, and
users to interact with applications, files, etc. in a computer system. refresh rate. The GPU connects to the motherboard and the monitor,
which enables the card to accept information from the CPU and send an
output to the monitor. Without a graphics card, the monitor wouldn’t be
able to display anything to the user.

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Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
A non-volatile memory hardware component that stores digital
Keyboard
content, including documents, pictures, music, video, programs,
An input device that is used to enter characters functions into the
applications preferences, and operating systems. It also stores long-term
computer system by pressing buttons or keys. It is the primary device
data. The space of a hard drive is important, and it is measured in
used to enter text from the user to the computer. The keyboard contains
megabytes, gigabytes, or terabytes. The data is stored on the stack of
keys for alphabets, numerals, and symbols, alongside special keys for
the disk that is mounted on a solid encasement. The spinning time of the
specific purposes and commands. Most keyboards have between 80 to
disk is faster ranging from 5400 or 7200 RPM, this enables the user to
110 keys, and it either be wireless or not.
access data at a fast rate. The data is stored magnetically and stays on
the drive even after the power is off.

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 Solid State Drive (SSD)
Monitor A new generation of storage devices used in computers. It has similar
It displays images, text, video, and graphics information generated by functions as hard disk drives, but it differs in performance and price. It
the computer via a computer's video card. It is the screen where a user stores data using flash-based memory, which is much faster than the
can view different programs and operating systems. The resolution and hard disk drives. It is a common feature in many laptops and other
pixel density of a monitor determines its sharpness and quality. The portable devices. Compared to a hard disk drive, the SSD does not spin
performance of a monitor is usually a top priority for all computer and to read or write. They can also hold more data than the HDD. Although
laptop users. It emits artificial light, also known as blue light, and it can be SSD are better compared to a HDD, SSD’s are particularly more pricey
detrimental to your eyes if it has long exposure and without any breaks. than a HDD.

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Power Supply
It provides electricity that activates the entire computer system. A
power cord is present at the back of the CPU or the PC, it goes directly
into the electricity socket. Power supplies are sometimes regarded as Cooling Fan
electric power converters. It is a standalone component and separated A cooling fan, also known as a radiator fan, sucks the cold air at the
from equipment to be external power supplies and others inside the bottom vent so that hot air releases from the top vent. When a computer
device to be internal power supplies. The source of a power supply could system or laptop uses electricity, it produces heat. The fan circulates air in
be a power grid, which generally provides AC, like an electrical outlet and the internal system and prevents overheating. It is typically positioned
energy storage device. This differs from DC, like solar-powered devices, between the radiator and engine as it draws heat to the atmosphere. This
batteries, generators, or other power supplies. One purpose of a power is often needed in gaming computers or computers for professional
supply is to convert AC to DC so that the computer has proper power to purposes.
run its components.

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