Build a PC that will outperform any brand-name box on the market Yes, even if you’re not a total geek you can build your own PC -- and we guarantee it’s worth the effort. You’ll discover that the quality is better and the cost is much lower than any comparable off-the-shelf PC you can buy. Design the custom computer you want, and have fun doing it. Get high-quality PC hardware from local stores and online vendors Plan your computer project with a complete checklist Create the ideal PC that will run Windows 7 or Linux Take advantage of the latest multi-core CPUs Assemble, test, and configure your PC with ease Build a PC that meets your needs and fits your budget Written by hardware experts, this book delivers complete instructions for building your own dream machine with high-quality components, whether it’s a PC for general use, extreme gaming, a media center, or home server. Straightforward language, clear directions, and easy-to-follow illustrations make this guide a breeze for computer builders of any skill level, even those with no experience. Building the Perfect PC presents six in-depth custom PC projects: Mainstream PC -- Fast, flexible, quiet, and reliable at a reasonable price Extreme System -- A wicked fast PC for video editing, gaming, and more Media Center -- One PC to replace your TiVo, game console, DVD, and CD player Home Server -- Ideal home network hub to store, share, and secure data Appliance PC -- A tiny, quiet, inexpensive PC you can put anywhere Budget System -- Reliable and highly functional at a low, low price

This guide is a shopping companion for people who wish to build their own desktop computer. It helps you choose which parts are best for you by ensuring compatibility and performance. Features a component overview, valuable rules of thumb, and a quick-lookup reference chart with recommended brands and models

This popular Build-It-Yourself (BIY) PC book covers every step in building one's own system: planning and picking out the right components, step-by-step assembly instructions, and an insightful discussion of why someone would want to do it in the first place.

Provides instructions on building, customizing, and modifying a PC, with information on components and how to build and test a system, along with a collection of customized PCs.

Presents step-by-step instructions for building a PC along with buying advice for videocards, soundcards, speakers, DVD drives, and other components.

Shows tech hobbyists how to build the perfect PC, whether they want to create the ultimate gaming machine or combine new and recycled parts to construct an inexpensive computer for a child The do-it-yourself craze is sweeping through the tech community, and this guide is now significantly revised and updated to cover the wide array of new hardware and accessories available Step-by-step instructions and dozens of photos walk first-time computer builders through the entire process, from building the foundation, and adding a processor and RAM, to installing a video card, configuring a hard drive, hooking up CD and DVD drives, adding a modem, and troubleshooting problems