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Where can I get price comparisons for computer parts?

Community Answer

Use a website called PCpartpicker.com It will help you choose compatible parts and also determine the cheapest website to buy from.

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Question

How do I install an OS?

Community Answer

Because most OSs nowadays are booted from USBs, you will need to change the start-up order (in BIOS) to start from the USB. There will usually be on-screen instructions aiding you with installing your OS.

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Question

Is it possible to get Windows without having to insert a disc into your optical drive? If yes, how?

Community Answer

Windows 10 purchased from a store or online comes on flash drive now, all you have to do is plug in the flash drive and boot from that. You can also download the ISO and, using Microsoft USB Download Tool software, create your own bootable installation flash drive if you have a spare.

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Question

After building my PC with all new parts, I plugged it in but only got power for a second then nothing, what went wrong?

Community Answer

It's possible that there is a grounding issue with the motherboard. If the motherboard is contacting the case, it creates a path to ground, which kills the electric charge in the circuits. Check to make sure there are spacers separating the motherboard from the metal of the case.

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Question

What is thermal paste for?

Community Answer

Thermal paste is a very good conductor so it transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink more effectively than without it. Even though metal is a good conductor, there can be imperfections on the metal which will reduce conductivity leading to heat being built up in the CPU.

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Question

Can I put two separate CPUs in a motherboard non-dual/quad core or is there not enough space?

Community Answer

It is impossible for you to do that unless your motherboard already accepts two CPUs.

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Question

What if the CPU doesn't go in?

Community Answer

Check the arrow on the bottom left part of your CPU, and line it up to the little arrow on your motherboard. It should just drop in. If not, you might have bought the wrong motherboard for your CPU.

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Question

Do I need a heat sink too?

Community Answer

Yes. You need a heat sink to prevent the computer from overheating and shutting down automatically.

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Question

Is a heat sink the same as a CPU cooling fan, or does it come with it, or do I need to purchase it separately?

Community Answer

Most of the time, a CPU comes with a heatsink, but if it is Intel and has a K on it (ex. Core i7 6700k, Core i5 6600k), you will most likely need to buy a separate fan.

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Question

Can I install a hard drive that already has an OS on it?

Community Answer

Yes, when you want to run that OS you will have to go into the BIOS or boot option menu to tell the computer to boot from a specific hard drive. If you are keeping a hard drive from an old computer, make sure it is compatible with the new parts and try to do a fresh install of the OS to wipe out any bloatware.

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Question

I've built the computer and everything seems to be correct, but the computer doesn't do anything when I plug it in. What should I do?

Community Answer

Here are some things I would recommend checking: first, make sure the computer is plugged in properly and the power source is turned on. Then, make sure all of the cables you need (motherboard, CPU, etc.) are connected properly from the power supply to the motherboard. Finally, check that the motherboard BIOS is up to date.

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Question

What does a hard drive do?

Community Answer

The hard drive is where all the data for the computer is stored. It is also where the operating system is run from.

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Question

Can I use gloves instead of anti-static wristbands?

Community Answer

Only if they are anti-static also. The goal is to minimize the passage of electricity.

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Question

Is Bluetooth compatibility built in to motherboards or does it require a special chipset/addon?

Community Answer

It is built in to some motherboards but not all, you can always use a USB Bluetooth.

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Question

What's a good website to search for compatible parts?

Community Answer

Newegg.com. Or find a good community forum. Also, there are many tech teaching channels on YouTube (LinusTechTips, TechSource, etc.).

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Question

Can I add two sticks of RAM now, and two more later on?

Community Answer

You can add RAM at any time as long as you have room for them and they are compatible with the motherboard.

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Question

Do I need a motherboard?

Water Phoenix!

Community Answer

Yes, a motherboard is vital. In a computer, the motherboard is where you slot in all the other parts that make the system work. Without one, you have nowhere to put your other parts and no way for them to interact with one another.

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Question

Should I watch a tutorial for my specific case?

Community Answer

It depends. Really, for any computer, as long as you get the basic idea, you shouldn't have to use a tutorial.

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Question

What does the power supply do?

Community Answer

The power supply (as stated in the name), supplies power to the computer. Think of it as the transfer of energy from your outlet to the computer.

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Question

Does an SSD hard disc need to be formatted before having an OS installed on it?

Community Answer

If it is brand new, you normally would not need to, the installation program for the OS should do it automatically. If there is data on the drive, you may have to format it, this can be done in the setup wizard for the OS you're installing.

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Question

If I use an old hard disk will I still have to download Windows 10 again?

ThatsNiceGuy - Technology and More

Community Answer

You only have to install it from a USB stick or from a DVD. You can buy genuine Windows 10 online. If you don't have enough money, you could use a cracked version, but I do not recommend that.

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Question

Is it easy to build a PC for the first time, and what kinds of things can go wrong?

Community Answer

If you've studied the process beforehand and are familiar with the components, it should be a fairly simple process for you. The most common issues are static (be sure that you and your work area are grounded, and wear an anti-static wrist strap) and misconnecting cables. Be careful with all parts, as they are delicate.

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Question

How much a high-end graphic card costs?

Community Answer

That depends on how "high-end" you intend to go. Many are priced in the $800 range, but some more powerful cards can be over $1200.

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Question

Which operating system is best for an Intel core?

ThatsNiceGuy - Technology and More

Community Answer

On an intel core M, Windows XP would be good. On an intel core i7, Windows 10 is good.

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Question

How much does it cost?

Zuubytron

Community Answer

It depends on what computer you are trying to build.

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Question

Do you need a thermal compound?

Awesomegamerscientist

Community Answer

Yes, thermal paste is used to keep air out and dissipate the heat between the heat sink and the CPU.

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Question

Where do I get the plug to put in the power supply?

Community Answer

You should find it in the same box as your power supply. It would either be in some sort of bag, or where the wires for connecting the wires to the power supply are.

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Question

Can I put an SSD in instead of a hard drive?

Community Answer

Yes, of course you can.

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Question

Just to clarify, are cases truly necessary?

Community Answer

No, but it is a good idea. You could also use a cardboard box.

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Question

I have a couple of old PCs which I no longer use. Can any part of the old PCs be used to build the new one? I am hoping that I can use the cases at the least.

Community Answer

More likely than not, your cases should be reusable, however, depending on how non-standard it is, it may not fit all your components. As well as that, the holes already drilled in the case may not match up to your motherboard size. Due to PCI-E backwards and forwards compatibility, you should be able to install your old dedicated graphics card into your new system. However, be aware that your old card may not be high performance enough for your new system. Your CPU from the old system likely will have an outdated socket design that won't fit your new motherboard.

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