Built to Spec: What to Consider When Building Your Computer

            If you are currently in the planning stages of your computer building project, then you’ve got plenty of work on your hands. Luckily, the planning stage is the best time to make all of your necessary customizations and modifications, as nothing is set in stone. Charting out the course of your build is the best way to optimize your system for your individually specific demands. If you’re not sure what to look for in terms of computer hardware, but have an idea of what your system will be used for, then I hope to help you get a better idea of the components you’ll be looking at. Check out a guide below for three general classes of potential computer builds: business, casual, and performance.

The Business Type Builds

If you’re looking at setting up your home office or business with a desktop, you’ll be looking at something which is affordable yet capable of handling a variety of business applications. The great thing about business applications like emailing, word processing, data sorting etc. is that most of these are not particularly intensive nor demanding of the system. Thus, a machine intended for these uses can be built with a relatively minimal configuration. You’ll be looking at a small form machine for space and power saving utility, so start with a small form factor motherboard. Look for interface options including VGA/DVI, Audio, USB, and Ethernet. You’ll be able to scoot by with a single, low capacity hard drive (80-100gb). Onboard graphics is a must. Dual core processors work just fine. Two to six gigabytes of RAM is sufficient.

The Casual Type Builds

If you’re not looking for a business build, but instead want something which is optimized for a variety of uses including entertainment, then a casual build will do you well. Casual builds are a bit more powerful than business builds, as they are expected to cope with a larger degree of multitasking and more intensive applications. Look for a standard ATX motherboard which allows for Ethernet, VGA (HDMI is a big plus, especially if you ever like streaming from your PC to your TV!), plenty of USB inputs, and a CD/DVD/BlueRay optical drive. Dual core processors are acceptable. BlueRay is, of course, optional! Onboard graphics are acceptable, though you might find it advantageous to opt for an extended video card. Memory should fall in the four to eight gigabyte range.

The Performance Type Builds

You’re not messing around, huh? Whether you’re looking for the best performance in gaming or processor intensive work applications, a performance machine can handle rendering, multitasking, etc. like a champ. Look for a motherboard with no onboard graphics but plenty of expansion slots. A quad, hex, or even octacore processor is always advantageous. Look for plenty of memory, in the eight to sixteen gigabyte range. High speed drives like SSD are the best bet. Consider these three build types and see which you fit into best. Start with your motherboard as the foundation and build from there; for my business computer I started with a refurbished 41Y4255 system board and built around it. Best of luck to you!