Originally submitted at O'Reilly
Even if you’re not a total geek, you can build your own PC -- and it’s worth it. You'll discover that the quality is better and the cost is much lower than any comparable off-the-shelf PC you can buy. Written by hardware experts, this book delivers complete instructions for build...
Building a PC yourself has many benefits
Pros: Easy to understand, Accurate, Helpful examples, Thorough, Well-written, Up to date
Cons: Software little coverage
Best Uses: Novice, Intermediate, Expert, Student
Describe Yourself: Developer, Maker, Designer
Authors Robert & Barbara Thompson have again written an amazing guide for anyone with intentions of building their own PC. I am again happy to be a dedicated PC user. Apple users are not able to build their own Mac computers as far as I know.
This book is a great supplement for the usual motherboard User Guide but should not be considered a substitute. There is now a lot new to learn about parts because everything has changed from my previous build in 2005. As the writers say you can't even get any of those parts any more. Now we must learn about Intel Quad core i3, i5 or i7 processors, SATA hard drives, LCD monitors, USB devices, SATA 3.0 ports, and new kinds of memory. Other possible processors and other components also are new.
The most valuable part of the book is help in choosing and buying components, and how to design a perfect PC. There is also a general section re troubleshooting after assembly. Most helpful to me is a final checklist before "the Smoke Test" for each design. Each PC described has such a final check list.
Many color photos and detailed building descriptions for all of the models are very thorough. There is a model for almost everyone. This edition has 6 different PC's for your choice. Included are a Budget PC, Mainstream System, Extreme System, Media Center System, Appliance/Nettop System, and a Home Server
Using the book I am in the process of selecting components for my new Extreme Mainstream System, a combination of two models in the book. I am not into Gaming, Video production or other high end use. So far I have purchased a full tower case, an Asus P7P55D- E Pro motherboard, and an Intel Quad core i7 processor. Next is likely a 2 TB SATA 3.0 Gb/s hard drive. The final acquisition of all components will soon be completed. Then comes the final fun of building the system, guided by the motherboard user guide and this amazing resource book. Slogan on the book cover: "The perfect PC is the one you build yourself."
(legalese)
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