Collecting a computer. The right choice of PC components

16.06.2019 In contact with

Are you planning to get a new computer? You have 2 ways - buy ready-made or assemble it yourself. The advantages of the first way are obvious: bring it, plug it in and use it. No extra hassle. Convenient, but ... if you decide to do this, you will most likely overpay. Yes, and inside the sealed system unit may not be what you expected. For example, cheap “noname” hardware sold to you at a High End price, or a slightly tweaked marriage, which, at best, will fail before the warranty period expires. And at worst, right after it ends.

Assembling a computer from individual components is a troublesome, but more reasonable way. Firstly, such a purchase is 10-25% cheaper. Secondly, you will know exactly what your iron "pet" consists of. And thirdly, you can do it yourself, even if you have no idea about the compatibility of parts. Online configuration services will come to your aid, and this article will teach you how to use them.

Before starting assembly, check for yourself:

What tasks will the new PC be used for?
What budget do you have.

The most economical option office class computer. The range of tasks for which it is intended is small. This is work in undemanding applications, the Internet, listening to music, watching videos on YouTube, simple games. Such a machine (turnkey kit) will cost about 15-25 thousand rubles. It usually includes:

Inexpensive motherboard.
An inexpensive processor like the Intel Celeron with integrated graphics so you can save on the graphics card. Or plus a budget graphics card.
Box cooler.
Hard disk drive (HDD).
2-4 GB of RAM.
Housing with built-in power supply, peripherals.

Medium budget option multimedia PC. These are most often bought for the home. Multimedia computers are used for a variety of tasks, excluding heavy games and particularly resource-intensive applications. The cost of assembly is 30-60 thousand rubles. It usually contains:

Motherboard based on a modern chipset with a large set of slots and USB (optimally - with USB 3.1 support).
Modern Intel Core i3-i7 processor or AMD equivalent.
Cooling system (CPU cooler + 1-2 case fans).
Video card of multimedia or game class.
SSD + HDD (the first is for the operating system, the second is for data storage)
8-16 GB of RAM.
Power supply for 500-650 W.
multimedia monitor.
Chassis, peripherals, expansion boards.

Expensive option - gaming pc. The price of a gaming computer starts on average from 60,000 rubles, the upper threshold is not indicated. The build usually includes:

Gaming motherboard.
Modern Intel Core i5-i7 processor or AMD equivalent.
Productive cooling system of air or water type.
1-2 gaming graphics cards.
Discrete sound card (if the built-in audio sounds good, you can not buy it).
SSD+HDD.
From 16 GB of RAM.
Power supply from 550 W and more powerful.
1 or more gaming monitors.
Case, gaming keyboard, mouse and other accessories.

Separately, we single out servers and specialized computers, for example, for video editing, mining, etc. Their price can be any, but it is usually quite high. The composition of the configuration is determined by its purpose.

How to allocate the budget when buying components

Start building the assembly of your future computer with the key and most expensive part. This is usually a processor, and when buying a gaming PC - a bunch of processor + video card. And sometimes a monitor.

Secondly, we select:

Motherboard.
cooler.
Power Supply. The required power is determined after the selection of the remaining components, but we allocate funds in advance, since it is impossible to save on the power supply.

The third line is what you can save on. Of course, savings should in no case be related to the quality of devices. This category includes parts, the purchase of which, in the event of a shortage of money, can be postponed. Or buy in a smaller volume than planned.

RAM. If it is not possible to buy everything at once, for some time you can get by with one module.
HDD.
Expansion boards (sound card, TV tuner, DVD/Blu-ray disc drive, etc., not necessary for PC operation).
Periphery. If there is not enough money for expensive gaming devices, you can use the usual ones for a while. This is better than cutting the budget for a graphics card or power supply.
Frame. The cost of system unit cases does not always reflect their quality. Some manufacturers increase prices only for decor - lighting, unusual shapes, etc. If decorations are not the main thing for you, feel free to buy a case with a regular design. The main thing is that it should be roomy (especially important for long video cards and tall tower coolers), with a convenient layout of the compartments (the power supply is at the bottom, shelves for disks are across, there is a cable compartment), as well as with an ergonomic placement of buttons and connectors on "muzzle".

We assemble a computer using the online DNS store configurator

Let's figure out how to use the online configurator using the DNS computer store service as an example. The choice fell on him, since there is a device compatibility check and everything else is very simple and clear. For example, let's assemble a gaming system unit in the minimum configuration.

Let's start with the choice of processor. To do this, go to the service page and click the "Add" button in the first line.

The left column of the next page contains the characteristics of the CPU, the right column lists the products from the store's assortment. We select an Intel brand processor with a free multiplier (for overclocking). After we marked the parameters of interest, the service automatically found suitable models. Having selected one of them - Intel Core i5-6600K without a cooler, click "Included".

For gaming computer.
The GPU manufacturer is NVIDIA.
GPU model - GeForce GTX 1080.
The amount of memory is 8 GB.

Yours may be different. In general, when choosing components for a gaming PC, be guided by the system requirements of the most resource-intensive game that you are going to play on it. Then make no mistake.

Our choice fell on the GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1080 WINDFORCE OC. We add it to the kit and proceed to the selection of the motherboard.

In order for the service to display only those motherboards that are suitable for the selected processor, we put the "Compatible" label in the upper part of the filter table (characteristics).

From the rest we noted:

For gaming computer.
Form factor - ATX (full-size).
Based on the Intel Z270 chipset.
With USB 3.1 type A and C ports.

Next to the name of each product there is a short list of its characteristics. To open a full description, just click on the catalog line.

The Gigabyte GA-Z270-Gaming K3 board was sent to the kit.

We noted:

Tower type.
Copper base.
4-pin connector.

The choice fell on DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX 200T.

The next components are RAM and an SSD drive. Take 2 Kingston HyperX FURY Red 16 GB sticks and a Plextor M8SeY 512 GB solid state drive.

Finally, select the power supply. The total power consumption of our assembly is 352 W (to find out, click on the button shown in the screenshot at the top of the page).

It is desirable that the rated power of the power supply exceed this value by at least 25-30%. We got almost 2 times more, and it's not bad.

There are no compatibility issues in our assembly. When they are, the first button on the panel (with puzzles) turns red. Iron is optimally selected, only the case of the system unit is missing. But we will buy it sometime later, since the price of all this stuff was as much as 124,993 rubles.

You can save your build in your account on the DNS website (registration required) and make a purchase there if you want. But we do not advise you to do this right away, since there are similar configurator services in other stores, where prices can be lower, the assortment is richer, and delivery times are shorter. Let's get to know them.

Regard store configurator

The key unit of system performance. The choice of model determines the speed of calculations, performance, choice of tasks, and more. At your choice, both low-cost productive 2-4 core solutions for the home, and the most powerful 6-12 core processors for rendering and simulation

The motherboard is the base of any computer and the basis for the rest of the components. That is what the system is based on. A multi-layer PCB with an abundance of connectors and expansion slots integrates components such as a processor, video card, RAM and disks.

An inexpensive, but very important element of the PC, on which the stability of the processor, which is prone to overheating under heavy loads, depends. Regular cooling of the CPU will save you from artifacts and computer breakdowns. Key cooler characteristics - noise level, rotation speed and bearing type

The graphics core is a key node for processing data related to the rendering of 3D objects. It is an indispensable component of any gaming computer or graphics station. Powerful video cards are demanding on the quality of the power supply, as they can consume up to 300W of energy.

A mechanical drive that is a permanent storage of all information on a computer. Its characteristics are determined by the spindle speed (5400/7200rpm) and capacity. The latter figure can range from 500 GB to 10 TB. You determine for yourself the tasks assigned to the HDD.

SSD

Solid state drives (Solid State Disk) are data storage devices with exorbitant read and write speeds that are significantly faster than a conventional HDD. They are also distinguished by their quietness and the absence of mechanical components that can fail.

A metal case in which all the elements of the system unit are assembled. The choice of model will depend on the compactness of the PC, the quality of cooling, the amount of space for installing components and free space for further upgrades. Some cases come with pre-installed power supplies.

The most important element of the computer, powering all the key components of the computer (processor, video card, disks, cooling systems). High-quality power supplies additionally protect the PC from short circuits, power surges and static.

The software and the operating system are the key components of the system, linking together all the components of a PC, making them work correctly. Install only licensed software to protect yourself in the future, receiving official support from the manufacturer.

MODDING

Additional options

PCI/PCI-E controllers LPT, COM, 1394 FireWire, SATA, USB 3.0. Devices for connecting any memory cards. bluetooth adapters. Fan speed controllers, classic and touch-controlled. Additional USB controllers on the front panel 3.5”; 5.25"

A sound card is a great alternative to the analogs built into the motherboard. A discrete board will fully unlock the potential of speakers, add modern speaker connection interfaces and allow you to get the effect of complete immersion in a movie or game.

Periphery equipment

The monitor is your window to the world of information. TN, PLS, IPS-matrices with LED backlighting, a delay of 1 ms and the ability to display an image on a screen with a diagonal of 22, 24, 27, 30 and more inches. Do you want to get more sensations from your favorite game? Take a closer look at gaming models with a refresh rate of 120, 144 and even 240 Hz.

An input device and a faithful companion in most modern games. We have office models with minimal functionality, multimedia models with additional keys and gaming options. Mechanical or membrane switches, illuminated and non-illuminated. Find an option to your liking.

An optical or laser mouse is an indispensable component of a PC with which you will open folders, move documents, surf the Internet, interact with programs and games. Wired or wireless models. Strict office, or gaming with additional keys. Choose a model for your palm.

The speaker system is an audio signal output device and an excellent companion when viewing multimedia content, as well as playing your favorite 3D games. Organize a home theater by connecting a speaker system to a sound card and enjoy movies and music. Gain an edge in games by hearing enemy footsteps from afar.

A handy tool for communicating on the Internet and silently listening to music. An indispensable attribute for video calls, conferences, group voice chats. Headphones allow you to watch movies or enjoy your favorite artists in crowded places, without distracting others from everyday activities.

Power protection is extremely important in places with regular power outages. An uninterruptible power supply will allow the PC to work stably without unexpected emergency shutdowns. A characteristic sound signal will make it clear that it is time to end the session and save changes to the documentation so that the work is not in vain.

For those who decide to assemble a computer in the ZHELEZA.NET online store, there is a permanent offer - assembling a computer, checking, diagnosing, configuring and stress testing components for free!

The client receives a system unit fully prepared for further work, assembled from the components that you previously selected in our online PC configurator. If you additionally ordered a software package or an operating system, they will also be installed and debugged. Each offered computer is carefully tested for performance under maximum load. At the request of the customer, we update the BIOS, change the standard thermal interface to a better one, check the stability under overclocking, and not only.

Assemble the optimal PC build using the online configurator

The undeniable advantage of our PC configurator is the ability to select not only the main hardware components, but also peripheral devices. The ZHELEZA.NET online store presents both new and current models of monitors, acoustic systems, keyboards and mice. Connect your imagination by purchasing elements of the future computer in the same style. Our team of specialists will not let you get confused in the variety of products. Assembling a computer with a compatibility check will not be particularly difficult for the company's specialists.

Choose accessories? What could be easier

The range of components offered on the market is growing and expanding every month. On the one hand, it becomes problematic to decide on the choice of iron. On the other hand, you have a great opportunity to find exactly the component that best suits the tasks assigned to the future system. Assembling a computer using the online PC configurator is the easiest and most affordable way to generate an individual model that fully meets your specific requirements. Our service will allow you to find the best hardware without overpaying for unnecessary functionality and unclaimed options. In parallel, he will tell you how to avoid unnecessary expenses when choosing a motherboard or video card for a specific processor. If you want to purchase a gaming computer in a top-end configuration without overpayments, try replacing some components (GPU model, cooling system, case, drives) in order to avoid cheating for the brand. To date, there are no bad manufacturers, but underestimated - over the edge.

Discover the makings of a system administrator

Self-assembly of a PC will teach you to understand the components and their characteristics, which will greatly facilitate the task in subsequent upgrades. You will be able to filter out components that do not match your socket and chipset, find current product models and build a springboard for further PC upgrades. Our PC configurator with compatibility check will take care of unsuitable parts if you want to build a PC from scratch, but do not have enough experience for this purpose. Remember that each system requires a special approach: Home (multimedia) - a good video card, a large amount of memory, a high-quality acoustic component; Office - a fast processor for online data processing, a capacious HDD; Gaming - a powerful graphics subsystem, an overclockable CPU (and a corresponding motherboard for it), a large amount of RAM, a fast SSD. A workstation for graphics processing - everything is identical to a gaming PC, but with even more RAM and an impressive data storage (raid array of several HDDs).

Advantages of the online configurator of the ZHELEZA.NET online store

Using the configurator on our website, you will assemble a PC for any need. The cost of the system unit is displayed automatically, and therefore you can always choose a cheaper or more expensive alternative, depending on your budget. It is not necessary to add all the items presented in the categories to the shopping cart. You may already have an HDD, motherboard, or GPU. It remains only to choose the missing parts, focusing on the existing ones, assembling the system that is optimal in all respects. Do you want to save the configuration? There is nothing easier. Come back to it as soon as you have time to finish or rework the assembly.

Expert help at the click of a finger

Having difficulties at the stage of virtual assembly, or do not know which processor is suitable for your tasks? Contact the team of specialists of the ZHELEZA.NET online store in any convenient way: mail, phone, instant messengers, social networks. Ask a question of interest and get an exhaustive answer to it. When assembling a system using the PC configurator, you do not overpay for assembling, diagnosing, configuring and testing a computer - we provide all these services for free. You always know what you spent money on. Make an order now and become the owner of a brand new system unit, or maybe a completely finished computer assembly. We will always be happy to help.

Advanced online service "Computer Configurator"

The Arsenal+ company has been working in the field of production and sale of IT solutions for 25 years. Computers and PC components have always been a priority for the company, and that is why we have created and implemented one of the best services of its kind - "Computer Configurator". This service is a constructor for selecting and further assembling a system unit from components to create a computer according to individual parameters.

Using the configurator, you can order a PC with assembly service, parts or PC peripherals separately, as well as create and save a bill of materials for future ordering. This specification can be printed or sent by email, from which, with a single click, it is convenient to buy a ready-to-build PC.

Service description

The convenience of services is usually a subjective matter, but we believe that the "Computer Configurator" is primarily convenient because all groups of components, as well as computer peripherals and software are in one place. Thus, for the purchase it is not necessary to search and select each product in the catalog separately - everything you need is in one window. For maximum convenience and comfort of our customers, the service has automatic check of components for compatibility - if any component is not compatible with another, the configurator will definitely notify you about it. In addition, the configurator contains tips and recommendations with detailed articles, which say what you need to pay attention to when choosing a particular component.

Also, the service is equipped with a unique additional functionality - "Specification Management", with which you can create new specifications, view already created ones, rename them, move them to the "Archive" and load specifications into the configurator for further modification. The additional service "Specification Management" is convenient and useful when creating a variety of computer specifications for various needs. This functionality will be convenient primarily for corporate clients, in particular, system administrators who daily have to select components and computer equipment to successfully solve their business problems.

Computer assembly technology

Over the years of work, the Arsenal + company has gained extensive experience in assembling computers, servers, laptops and monoblocks. The primary task of the production of the above computer equipment is the quality of the goods produced for our customers, therefore, for the assembly of PCs, monoblocks and laptops, only components from reliable manufacturers are selected. Before starting the assembly, the components are checked for their full compatibility for subsequent launch into production. Currently, computers, monoblocks and laptops of the Arsenal+ company are produced under the brand name "SKAT" which are certified according to the standard TR TS(Certificate of the Customs Union) and have GOST R ISO 9001-2011.

It is impossible to change the configuration in computers of serial assembly (ready-made solutions) "SKAT"!

But in the case when the SKAT computers do not suit the user in terms of technical parameters, you can use the online configurator, which will help you create the necessary configuration according to individual parameters. After selecting components and peripherals in the configurator and placing an order, the engineers of the assembly department will immediately start assembling the computer. At this stage, compatibility is checked and components are tested, as well as the preparation of the necessary software, system disks, firmware and drivers for their further installation on a computer.

Computer testing

During the assembly of a computer, assembly production engineers check all components for operability, after which devices are tested, and in particular, all components. Testing is carried out with a completely closed case i.e. in conditions as close to reality as possible.

First of all, an update to the latest version and a basic BIOS setup are performed. If you choose Computer Build Service, the update to the latest BIOS version is FREE and you do not need to select the BIOS update service!

Next, drivers are installed for all components, and it is checked whether they are installed correctly. The computer's video card is tested in a graphics benchmark at least three times in a row to identify "artifacts". If "artifacts" are not revealed, then the RAM is tested several times in the "MemTest +" program. After that, the discrete video adapter is tested on the computer for the second time in the graphics benchmark, only for a longer period.

In the case when a discrete video card for a computer is not in the assembly, then the graphics adapter built into the processor is tested in the OpenSourceMark program. Also, the operating system is being deployed in “Windows Deployment Services”. This, in turn, is a simultaneous check of the central processor, motherboard, hard drive and RAM. At the end, additional devices are checked and tested if they were selected in the configurator: CD / DVD / BD drive, reading and writing the corresponding disk, FDD drive, reading the corresponding floppy disk, external USB panels, by connecting I / O devices, as well as TV tuner by connecting an antenna and tuning channels. In addition, during testing, the software you selected when configuring your computer is installed - the operating system Microsoft Windows, antivirus software and/or office suite Microsoft office.

If a defect is found during testing, assembly production engineers replace the component with the same one. On average, computer testing is carried out during the day - it all depends on the selected components, and the total time for assembling and testing a PC is at least two days.

Completing the computer build phase

After assembling and testing the computer, the components are sealed. Seals are glued taking into account "vibrations" with a small margin on the bend, i.e. when the computer is running, the seals will not peel off or break. The computer case is not sealed, so in the future, if desired, you can equip the system with an additional video card, RAM, hard drive or SSD drive, if there is a place for them in the motherboard and case you have chosen. The warranty for the assembled computer is 3 years, and it does not matter what kind of warranty the manufacturer has set for this or that component - we provide a general warranty for the computer, including all components, if the PC was assembled by Arsenal + assembly engineers. Well, in the end, the computer, as well as all the peripherals selected in the configurator, are packed and transferred to the delivery service, which delivers devices completely ready for use to the user.