Q&A for How to Build a Personal Desktop Computer

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How do I select and purchase the case for the motherboard?

Community Answer

Check the motherboard size, whether it is atx, micro atx, or mini atx, and then check whether the case you have chosen supports that size.

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Question

What is thermal paste?

Community Answer

Thermal Paste is a compound used to fill the gaps and creaks between the CPU plate and the motherboard plate.

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What is the maximum amount of RAM I can put into a PC?

Community Answer

It depends on the limits on your motherboard. Motherboards usually specify the maximum amount of RAM they can take.

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Can I install a new graphic card in my old computer?

Community Answer

Yes. Just buy a suitable graphics card and replace your old one with it.

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How do I replace a graphics card in my laptop?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, most laptops have the graphics cards soldered permanently on the motherboard.

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Question

Isn't the OS already installed on a motherboard?

Community Answer

Not always. Sometimes the OS has to be manually installed.

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Question

Should I mount the motherboard in the case first, or should I insert the memory chips first?

Community Answer

You should insert the RAM when the motherboard isn't in the case yet. This will prevent any potential pressure damage.

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Question

Do motherboards have WiFi? Do I need a sound card to get sound?

Community Answer

Most motherboards you purchase will have integrated WiFi and sound, but check details on the board before purchase to be sure. If not, USB WiFi adapters and PCI sound cards are quite inexpensive, easy to install (and upgrade in the future), and often better than the motherboard's built-in models.

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How do I learn about circuit boards?

Community Answer

You can find tons of information about circuit boards using online resources. I would suggest starting with YouTube to find instructional videos on circuit boards.

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Question

How many types of RAM slots should we have?

Community Answer

It depends on the motherboard how many sockets for RAM are made. Generally, computers have two or three sockets for RAM.

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Question

What are the 3 most important things to keep in mind when building a computer?

Community Answer

1) RAM capacity is important. If you want a good computer, anything 64 GB or above is good. 1 TB is for gaming PC desktops. It all depends on what computer you want. 2) Make sure the RAM is placed first, then the actual motherboard. This will prevent pressure damage to the RAM. 3) Get good fan and pay attention to which direction they are facing. Your computer will be useless if it is overheating all the time.

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What is the difference between gaming and surfing in computer parts?

Community Answer

Gaming always needs high specifications, and surfing is all about which functions are provided for the operator.

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Question

How do I choose cooling fans for the computer?

Community Answer

It depends on what processor you have. For example, water cooling can be used for i9/R9/threadripper. 240/360 can be used for R7/i7. 120/140 can be used for R5/i5/i3. The cooling solution that comes with the processor is enough for R3/celeron/pentium/athlon.

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