Building the Perfect PC

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