Parts List - Components List

Note: This page starts my updated step-by-step assembly instructions. My finished step-by-step assembly instructions are available here. The update starting on this page is quite far along, getting as far as completing the Windows XP, Windows Vista install. If you want a printed copy then this update is available as a full-color hard-copy for $59.95 from Lulu, My Super PC - How to Build Your Own Computer. The web-pages are, of course, free!

This page begins my very own How To Assemble A Computer instructions. In great detail with tons of pictures, beginning with the parts list of components you'll need. Everything down to the bolts and cables, including where I got it (or where you should get it). All shipping was done using the cheapest shipping option available from the reseller. Nearly everything arrived in four work days or less. Everything arrived in perfect condition and was exactly what I ordered.

Regardless of the hardware you choose, you will find these assembly instructions quite helpful for any Athlon/Pentium configuration, including the configuration of My Super PC today.

Technology changes quickly, so you should look over my current recommendations on my home page. I also provide direct links to component recommendations next to some components in the parts list with a What I Suggest Today link.

Parts List

Item: Bought From	Comments
Computer case: Amazon Antec Sonata II with 450-Watt power supply	The computer case comes with a generous supply of mounting posts and screws used to mount the motherboard inside the case, mounting screws for hard drives, and extra bracket screws for securing add-on cards to the case. Not all computer cases come with power supplies, but some do. If it does, make sure it meets or exceeds the recommended wattage of the video card. Many cases include one or more case fans. What I Suggest Today
Motherboard: Newegg ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition	The ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition includes the SATA cable and IDE ribbon cable needed for the hard drive and optical drive, respectively. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Motherboard Page
Processor: Newegg AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ AM2 with Fan	Retail version. The retail box version, unlike the OEM box version, includes a CPU Cooler. But I prefer a quieter, more effective, third-party CPU cooler. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Processor Page
CPU Cooler: Newegg Zalman CNPS9500 AM2	The thermal compound that comes with the CPU cooler will do, but if you want to increase the cooling capability of the CPU cooler a little like I did then a better thermal compound needs to be purchased separately. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Cooling Page
Thermal compound: Amazon Arctic Silver 5	You don't need this if you go with the thermal compound that comes with the CPU cooler, which is perfectly acceptable.
RAM: Crucial Memory Crucial Ballistix 1024MB PC2-8500 DDR2	I purchased four modules for a total of 4096MB.
Video card: Amazon eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB DDR3	This video card is great for computers that need to handle demanding, graphic intensive applications, like top-tier games. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Video Card Page
Sound card: Amazon Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer	The Creative Sound Blaster cards are outstanding. An add-on sound card is optional if the motherboard has good quality built-in sound like the one I'm using, but the sound is better with an add-on card and the on-board sound built into the motherboard can cost a few percentage points in overall system performance in some situations. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Sound Card Page
Speakers: Hifi.com Creative Cambridge SoundWorks PCWorks	A sub-woofer with two satellite speakers. Fantastic!
Hard drive: Newegg Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB 7200rpm SATA 300 MB/s	This is the OEM version. The mounting screws come with the Antec Sonata 2 computer case. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Hard Drive Page
DVD RW: Amazon Sony Dual Format	I prefer a dual format drive, meaning one that supports both the plus (+) and dash (-) formats, for maximum compatibility. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC DVD RW Drive Page
Modem: Amazon Zoom V.92 PCI Faxmodem	Nowadays you should get a modem that supports the V.92 and V.44 standards, as this one does. You may not want a modem if you'll be using a high-speed connection. Chances are your cablemodem or DSL provider will provide the hardware and installation for their service, which is best since if it's not working then it's their problem.
Keyboard/Mouse: Amazon Logitech Cordless MX3000 Laser	Cordless is great! The mouse comes with a "wheel" control built-in between the buttons, which is really handy. Batteries included. What I Suggest Today
Monitor: Amazon DELL Ultrasharp 2001FP 20.1-inch Flat Panel LCD Monitor	Flat panel monitors are the rule, rather than the exception.
Operating System: Amazon: Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade with Service Pack 2 Amazon: Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1	Both Windows XP and Windows Vista are popular choices of Microsoft's operating system. Windows XP is considered better for performance, more stable, and has fewer compatibility issues. Windows Vista is the official, flagship version and has more features. The version of Windows XP I'm using requires you already have a copy of Windows 98 or better. The version of Windows Vista I'm using requires that an upgrade compatible version of a Microsoft operating system, such as Windows XP, already be installed. Both can be used to do a clean install.
Antistatic wrist strap: Amazon	Possibly you have one of these already. You really, really need it.

Common Assembly Problems

The most common problem with assembling a computer successfully is caused by not using quality components. All of the components I recommend have quality you can count on and without spending too much. It's a terrible mistake to purchase components that will be problematical, but it's also a waste of money to buy the ultimate quality component. The components I recommend hit the "sweet spot".

The most common and worst mistake that's made in terms of component selection is to choose generic RAM. While generic aspirin may arguably be just as good as brand name aspirin, the same cannot at all be said for RAM. Pay a few bucks more for Crucial memory now and save yourself crashes and lock-ups later.

Next: Computer Assembly - Tools

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How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.

	Parts List
	Tools
	Computer Case and Power Supply
	Motherboard
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound
	RAM - System Memory
	Video Card
	Monitor
	Keyboard and Mouse
	Hard Drive
	DVD RW
	Sound Card and Speakers
	Modem
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard
	Install the CPU Cooler
	Install the RAM - System Memory
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case
	Install the Video Card
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard
	Connect the System Panel Cables
	Ready the Monitor
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse
	First Boot
	First Boot Common Problems
	Install the DVD RW Drive
	Install the SATA Hard Drive
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound)
	Second Boot
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings
	Test The Hard Drive
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP
	Install the Operating System - Windows Vista
	Driver Installation

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