11 Things Most Builders Forget - Budget and Safety
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Budgeting
Everyone has a budget. Knowing the absolute limit on spending for the system is smart in several ways: you look for the best deals, you make realistic decisions on which components to buy and use, and knowing how much the custom build will be allows you to see if there’s a pre-built that meets your specifications that would be cheaper (yes, that does happen, occasionally, especially if you are buying software, too).
When establishing the bottom line, make it solid. Don’t budget for $800 and then up it to $850 later. If you can afford $850 then set that as the budget limit, if you can’t, then stick to the $800 budget. Remember, you can always upgrade at a later date.
Keep the receipts
Everyone knows that you always get good parts from the dealer, especially online dealers, right? Hold on to the packaging and especially the receipts until you know all of the components are working properly. Those receipts are also handy when you have to prove to the spouse that you didn’t go over budget.
Safety
How many times have you stood there with a utility knife in hand and told yourself, "I should turn this around so I don't cut myself" then promptly do just that?
Maintain awareness of the hazards involved in the operation you are about to perform and ensure you have the appropriate safeguards in place, whether it be unplugging the computer from source before crawling into it, wearing mechanic’s gloves while working sheet-metal for that mod or backing up critical data before running partitioning software.
Safeguarding the computer
Think about protecting your computer. Do you have an adequate surge protector? Have you considered getting an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)? If your area is prone to brownouts, then a UPS is the way to go. Use a UPS that powers the computer from the batteries all the time and recharges them while power is on. If you do go with a UPS, be sure it isn’t underpowered, providing enough current to save your work and properly shut the computer down.
Have you considered where the computer will sit? Is there any chance of flooding where your computer will be? Is it secure from theft or unauthorized access? Placement may require additional cabling or a stand to put the computer on.
ESD
Be sure to use all reasonable Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions when assembling your system. While today's electronics are better-armed against the ravages of ESD than their earlier counterparts, why take chances? Keep in mind that it is your money going into the system. Do you really want to risk damage and delays (awaiting replacement parts) by not using a cheap wrist strap?
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