With off-the-shelf computer systems to fit any budget or requirement, some people might wonder why you'd want to build your own. They don't understand that for many computer users, a ready-made system is about as satisfying as popping a frozen dinner in the microwave when you'd rather have real food instead. Sure, it works, but it's not exactly what you need or want. There's a lot to be said for a computer that has exactly the quality components you choose, by the manufacturers you choose, rather than the conveniently bundled assortment made for your price point. But perhaps you've stopped short of building your own because you're inexperienced or you're concerned it won't come out right. After all, you want your computer to be perfect. Hesitate no longer: Building the Perfect PC delivers end-to-end instructions (that even inexperienced PC-builders can follow) for creating your ideal machine. Written by hardware experts Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson, this book covers it all, beginning with the various reasons why you'd want to build your own PC, planning and picking out the components, and putting it all together. The book outlines a variety of complete systems and all of their components, including a small form factor PC; a middle-of-the-road "sweet spot" system with top-notch components; and a top-end gaming PC with high-end video, a fast processor, and enough RAM to make your palms sweat just thinking about it. Straightforward language, clear directions, and extensive illustrations make this guide a breeze for computer builders of any level to follow--even those with little or no experience. If you've yearned for a quality machine with high-end components that suit your needs, then Building the Perfect PC will put you where you want to be: in control of your computer system.

Careful 2005-10-16 13:15:28  Anonymous Reader [Reply | View]
The hardware went together well, you had problems installing software, and you blame the book? That seems harsh.

Careful   Rating:
2005-04-13 11:30:32  Scott [Reply | View]
Be careful if you are a novice. I followed the instructions for a mainstream PC. The hardware went together well. I got in over my head and needed to send the machine out for professional help when trying to load games on XP.

Very Thorough but a Little Biased 2005-03-15 16:03:50  Anonymous Reader [Reply | View]
Just to set the record straight:

1. We don't work for Antec.

2. We do not benefit financially, directly or indirectly, in any way from any of the companies whose products we have recommended (nor indeed from any other companies).

3. We do not own stock in any technology company.

4. Other than evaluation samples, we receive nothing from any of these companies other than a coffee cup or mouse pad once in a while.

5. Evaluation samples are either returned to the vendor, discarded, or donated to a non-profit agency when we are finished using them. We have never resold or otherwise profited from any products supplied by any of the companies we recommend.

6. We recommend many Antec products because (a) they are generally (a) excellent in quality, (b) quite reasonably priced relative to competing products of similar quality, and (c) widely available from numerous sources, both local and on-line.

As to the Aria power supply, we just checked and found new replacement unit available for as little as $48. Try pricing out a replacement power supply or motherboard for your Shuttle systems.

Very Thorough but a Little Biased   Rating:
2005-02-02 22:12:14  rhumbliner [Reply | View]
I've built several PC's including a couple of Shuttle boxes so I was intrigued to learn about the new microATX form factor.

The book is very thorough going thru even the mundane details that tend to trip me up when I forget to tend to those minor details.

The authors are obviously biased towards Antec and against Shuttle, however. They fault Shuttle for it's propietary mainboard and power supply. A valid complaint. However, Antec's microATX box also sports a propietary power supply but the authors excuse this by stating "... we expect Antec to provide replacement units at reasonable prices". Indeed.

I recommend you read this book if you have any interest in building your own system because of the wealth of useful information it provides. However, treat the specific recommendations of the authors as if they work for Antec.

It Works, I'm A Novice   Rating:
2005-01-31 15:18:44  Anonymous Reader [Reply | View]
This was a very good book. I've never built a PC before until I bought this book. I replaced memory, but never built a PC from the ground up.

The book's recommendations are high quality and can be trusted. I built a home PC and it works great. I have had no problems with it.

One warning! This book leaves out a few things you may need to know. When I was building the PC, I got frustrated at points where information or gotchas were left out. This may have been because I did not build a PC exactly as they described. I think if you build and use exactly what is in the book you should have no problems.

If you're a novice and want to build a PC similar to but not exactly what the books offers, I recommend finding someone with experience to help you over the rough spots.

Overall, the book is very helpful and thorough. The pictures are great.

It does rock...   Rating:
2004-12-01 15:45:47  mindmerge [Reply | View]
As others have mentioned this book 'does' rock.

At first I was skeptical (because we all know everything) however when I started to thumb through the book and saw all of the crisp full color pictures I was intrigued.

This book will not put systems builders out of business, though with the information in the book it could! Realistically this book is for the enthusiast that already knows how to put a computer together hardware and all.

What this book offers for those of us who have built countless machines is to back-up (in print) what we already regard as true. For the more experienced systems builder the individual projects are fantastic.

I have my eyes on the Antec Aria case, I can see so many uses for it. I currently have 3 Antec cases and know first hand the quality of these cases/power supplies.

This 'is' a good book. I'll probably give a couple for Christmas this year... not mine (my precious) I may need to thum through it once I have my Aria.

If you buy it, you will build it   Rating:
2004-10-14 12:19:36  Larry [Reply | View]
I've been fiddling with the innards of PCs for about 10 years, but have never built one from the ground up. That's about to change, thanks to this MARVELOUS book. The first 80 pages or so of the book are devoted to justifying why you OUGHT to build your own PC, how to design the PC and how to choose the various components. I've never seen this approach before and it is extremely well done. Don't skip over these pages! Then the authors go into the details of building a "mainstream" PC, a server, a "LAN Party" PC, a home theater PC, and finally, a small form factor PC. There is something here for everbody. Everything about this book is a pleasure to behold, from the color photographs, the clear and lucid prose, and the layout and typography. This book has given me the confidence that I can, indeed, build my own PC, and I am going to do exactly that. You should, too.

Building a Perfect PC   Rating:
2004-10-14 06:12:08  Jeff [Reply | View]
This is a terrific book, 5 stars plus, all instructions are in language that people can understand. The advise on purchasing computer parts is first rate.
The books purpose is to enable a first time computer builder confidence in purchasing and assembling a high quality computer. Its the best "how to" available.

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