When buying components, what do I get??

[ch76utb]

Hi, can anyone explain the mysteries of purchasing components for a new build?

In particular I would like to know what is included with the components and what I need to purchase separately. (ie cables, connectors etc)

For example, having read the Corsair guide to building a PC they talk about the case having it's own connectors for the front panel. The mobo also has loads of cables, I/O shield etc.

Do all components have the relevent extras or do I have to purchase things like cables separately?
Also, if a component is classed as OEM, does this mean I get no additional items like cables?
Thanks in anticipation
CH76UTB

 

[Borden]

The motherboard comes with SATA cables and IDE cables usually. Some manufacturers also provide misc cables like molex power splitters or SATA power splitters. If it's an SLi board then it will come with the SLi bridge for the two cards. As you said, the I/O bracket will be included and possibly mounting screws will be supplied.

The graphics card comes with a power adapter (if it's a powerful card and needs power from the psu) and that's it as nothing more is needed for it.

OEM products don't come in retail boxes and don't normally include accessories such as cables. All my hard drives and cd drives are oem and they only came in a bare box with nothing more. However, my OEM Audigy 4 soundcard came with the driver cd. OEM CPU's don't come with a heatsink (in the case of AMD, i don't know about intel) and have a shorter warranty of one year instead of four.

Memory doesn't come with anything as it doesn't need anything extra

The case comes with all the screws for fitting the components and will have all the cables for the front panel connectors.

It was a bit rushed as i have to go out for a bit, hope it helps

 

[Street]

In particular I would like to know what is included with the components and what I need to purchase separately. (ie cables, connectors etc)

I don't think I've ever had to buy anything seperately with the exception of a couple SATA cables because I use 4 hard drives. All the other cables, screws, connectors etc have come with with other components.

 

[Dureth]

Normally you wont need to buy any extra cables. If you give us a budget on the forum we can spec up a PC that will work together component wise and be good value for money.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

The only "extra" things I've ever needed were fans. Most cases come with a fan or two but have capacity for more.