Intel's Build Your Own PC Seminar presented by Dick Maybach

Article by Dick Maybach



You may not realize it, but virtually all desktop PCs are kits. Manufacturers, such as Dell, Gateway, vendors at computer shows, and local dealers, buy collections of standard parts and assemble them with a few simple tools to produce finished products. Most use the same basic components; they differ mainly in the labels on the case. Only minimal skills are needed, comparable to those employed to assemble knocked-down furniture. The major hurdle is that you may not be familiar with some of the parts. “Familiarity breeds contempt;” has a corollary, Unfamiliarity breeds fear.” This talk will move you away from fear toward contempt about the hardware on your desk.

Dick will discuss PC components and how to assemble them into a complete unit. The presentation will be helpful, not only to those who plan to build a PC, but also to those repairing or upgrading their computers. He will show how to open the case, mount a CPU, its heat sink, and RAM on a motherboard, how to install and connect a motherboard in a case, and how to install hard disk, DVD, CD-ROM, and diskette drives. Much of the material is from Intel, who supplies the great majority of CPUs and motherboards to the PC industry, which means that the information is accurate.

If two or more people are interested in building a PC, we will obtain kits, either through Intel or from a local shop, and hold an assembly clinic in the Hardware SIG. Here, you will have an experienced building looking over your shoulder. The last time we did this, we successfully assembled and tested three low-cost PCs (around $200). This time our goal is to build higher quality units. Their cost and performance will be determined by those participating. If you are interested, please contact Dick at n2nd@att.net.