Definition: building a PC

Over the years, thousands of people have built their own DOS and Windows PCs because the parts are all standard. After purchasing the case, power supply, motherboard, CPU, graphics card, storage and optical drives, assembly is straightforward if the builder is somewhat mechanically inclined.

The first step is attaching the power supply, drives and motherboard to the case, although sometimes the case comes with a power supply already installed. The CPU chip is inserted into the socket on the motherboard. If a stand-alone graphics card is used, it is plugged into the PCI Express bus on the motherboard, and the PC case is ready to go. Gamers do a lot of PC building, and because they always want faster and more realistic screen rendering, they often opt for a stand-alone graphics card and disable the built-in graphics on the motherboard.

After the case is completed, the keyboard, mouse and monitor are plugged in, and the PC is ready to install the operating system. See stand-alone graphics and motherboard.

Is There Life Elsewhere?

Totally engrossed in building his third PC, Alex is the grandson of the author of this encyclopedia and a chip off the old block. Occasionally, he got up from the floor to eat. See video game.

The Finished Product

An enthusiastic gamer, Alex's new PC is loaded with RGB lights, which can display a variety of effects. See RGB lighting.