When is it a computer?

[Female]

My sixteen year old son has started to build a computer. Started with a case that includes a power source and fans. Next he bought an A drive, and motherboard and a CD drive. Now he needs a cpu and hard drive.

My question: Beyond that, what will be the minimum he has to install in it just to get it powered up and alive? We are curious to know if it would work without ram, graphic card, video card, or other stuff. (Assume a monitor, keyboard and mouse.)

Thanks.

[Bovon]

Here is the bare minumum to get a computer setup. (No software installed)

1) A case with power supply.
2) A hard drive.
3) A video card.
4) Ram (a must) to work with the motherboard
5) A motherboard.
6) A processor (cpu) to match the motherboard.
7) A good heatsink and fan assy for the cpu...it will self destruct in about 10 seconds without one.
After this, a CD Rom drive will be needed to install applications. A floppy drive is still usefull, but not absolutely necessary. And of course a monitor, mouse and keyboard.

I forgot, add the monitor as #8 because he must be able to see what he is doing when he gets it ready to bootup the first time.



[This message has been edited by Bovon (edited 08-02-2001).]

[GroundZero3]

its a computer when you finishing loading up all the drivers and the os you want on it and start doing things that you want to do with it upon building it.


you need, hard drive, cpu, ram, video power (duh!), cd rom

JaYsin

[This message has been edited by GroundZero3 (edited 08-02-2001).]

[Ed_S]

Well, ram IS a must, but the rest would depend on the particular motherboard purchased. Many have features built in, although (oddly enough) the one's generally considered best do NOT.
If it does NOT have onboard video, then a video card is the only other major component you're lacking. (BTW, graphic card = video card http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif)
Most notable minor item would be the CPU fan. Many smaller parts like cables & hardware often come with the item they attach, and won't need to be purchased separetely.
You'll also need a sound card if not already on the MB, but it'll run w/o it, and they're cheap anyway.

[Female]

Thank you Bovon and Ed_S. This is the only way we are going to learn....one step at a time. I appreciate your patience.

GroundZero3...guess you edited your post so you could be nice and sarcastic?

[rlpos]

Cheap starter systemjust add hard disk and memory

http://www.softwareandstuff.com/h_dsk_acervm65.html

[Female]

Thanks rlpos
However, he spend $200 on a case and then had a bit left over in his bank account, just enough for something small, so bought the a drive. This week he bought the motherboard and cd drive. He fits purchases within his budget, of course. He just started his first job.

I didn't know about the heat sink. Didn't know if a graphics card was necessary or if it just enhanced. Ram is cheap so we would have gone for that anyway. And I had mentioned monitor/keyboard/mouse as being expected.

Well, now we know more about this project and appreciate all help. It is interesting to see how little there really is inside a computer. Maybe eventually he'll want to have a cooler and overclock!

[Roy]

Overclocking doesn't require a "cooler", just a decent HS/fan - something better than the CPU manufacturer would provide. If the CPU didn't come with one, just look for something a step above the cheapest.

[vintron]

i have had my decent share of practical and theoritical computer experince.

A computer is a working system (without giving boot error) when it has the following:

A Power supply (case is NOT necessary)
A motherboard
A processor
A Floppy drive (to load any OS)
A Video card or onboard video
A Keyboard
Minimum amount of RAM needed for the motherboard.

and finally All of the above connected properly to the correct points.

That MAKES a WORKING computer and it will power up WITHOUT errors

[Female]

This is a very interesting concept! So, in theory, one could have all of this laying on a table connected properly without a case, and have it working. I have learned that protection of parts and dust barrier and radiation control are some reasons for a case. But this is clever. I enjoy figuring out the mechanics or logistics of things.

We just wanted to know how long he has to wait before his first boot up. He is very excited about it. Thanks.

[RamonGTP]

Ok, the absoulate must in my opinion....

Floppy drive
Case w/power supply
CD-Rom
Processor
Motherboard
Memory
Hard Drive
Keyboard
Mouse
Monitor
video card
SOFTWARE!!!

Thats all you NEED to get a co mputer up and runnning, in addition an internet connection would be HIGHLY recomended becuase it is very likely that you will need to download updated drivers for some components. In which case you will also need to add a Modem or network to that list for internet access. and if you want sound... Add a soundcard to the list as well.

-Ramon

[bdunn]

Another reason to put a case on your PC is for RF shielding. I generally don't recommend integrated motherboards though I use one (M571) myself.

However am doing a low budget upgrade for someone so I ordered an 812LMR which was the only socket A, AT form factor, board I could find.

If I like it I might put one in my own PC.

[GroundZero3]

GroundZero3...guess you edited your post so you could be nice and sarcastic?


um excuse me my post was not intended be sarcastic. what i edited into my post was the line:

you need, hard drive, cpu, ram, video power (duh!), cd rom

JaYsin

[Bovon]

Female, yes a computer can be built out in the open, without a case. I have put together several computers with the mainboard out on a good soft surface inorder to check and install cards ect easily. I just have the extra drives and psu (power supply) laying nearby and connected. I have loaded all of the software and had the computer basically built outside of a case, then when I am satisfied that everything works properly, I then install the "works" in a case...nearly finished except for any additional software I will load to the hard drive.

I doubt there is any one single term that will discribe 'when is a computer, a computer'. In my mind it comes when all of the necessary parts are assembled together, and at least an operating system (Windows) is loaded to the hard drive, and it works...then, you have a computer.

[benchristian]

if you build a computer without a case you MUST get a power button...right??

[Fingers]

Yes, either a "normally open" momentary pushbutton switch connected to the mobo's PWR SWITCH leads.... or a screwdriver heh http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Bovon]

Jeeeze, guys...thats getting pretty close to nit-picking...heh heh...of course you must have a button or 'screwdriver, knife blade, an extra two pin scoket with the wires open to short together when needed, or (like I have) a momentary button connected to a two wire socket to simulate the case button', ect ect... http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[Rhino302]

What kind of case did he get for $200? Are you sure he just got the case? He must have got something besides the case for that amoutn. I've never heard of one that expensive, except maybe an aluminum server case. Curious, what kind of motherboard did he get? AMD or Intel? Good luck putting it together.

[card_magic]

I guess things are different now. I started building my first computer when I was 13. All I had was a case and a keyboard. I had it all set up on a computer desk and everything. I used to turn it on and off just to make sure it was still working. You can't even do that anymore, with the ATXs. I can't think of anything he needs that hasn't already been mentioned, other than patience. I've rushed through things in the building process of my computers, and its always come back to kick me in the ****.

-Jim