Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

How to build an 'All-in-One' PC

1 of 12 NEXT PREV
  • Introduction

    Introduction

    Why waste valuable desk space on an old-school PC tower when you can combine the PC with the display in a single all-in-one system? While PC OEMs offer countless all-in-one you can choose from, if you are after something special or custom, then building your own is the way to go.

    But what do you need to build your own all-in-one PC? Here's a tour of what you need.

    Image source: Intel.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Chassis

    Chassis

    When building a desktop PC, I usually don't list a case because they are very personal to the user. However, when it comes to all-in-one systems, the chassis is all important because this is both the display and the home for all your components.

    For this build I've chosen the Loop L5 LP-2150 chassis, which is based around a 21.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. It supports thin mini-ITX motherboards and LGA1155 processors up to 65W TDP. It features two USB 2.0 ports, and has integrated speakers, a microphone, and a front-facing camera.

    There are many others you can choose from, and if you are interested in shopping around, I suggest you take a look at Intel's Design Component Catalog for inspiration.

    Price: $265.

    Image source: Loop.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Processor

    Processor

    There are countless processors that you can choose for for this build. I'm going for something that's middle of the road" the Intel Core i5-3570S.

    This is a quad-core processor which runs at 3.1GHz, and can be turbo boosted to 3.8GHz. It has 6MB or L3 cache and a maximum TDP of 65W, making it ideal for use in the all-in-one PC.

    Price: $205.

    Image source: Intel.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Motherboard

    Motherboard

    There are lots of motherboards to choose from that fit the bill, but I've gone for the Intel DH61AG. This board supports LGA1155 Core i3, i5, and i7 processors up to 65W TDP, two RAM slots supporting 16GB of RAM, gigabit LAN support, ten USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0, and a pair of SATA ports.

    Everything a good all-in-one PC needs.

    Price: $120

    Image source: Intel.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Cooler

    Cooler

    The processor needs a cooler, and since this is not your standard desktop PC, we're going to need a part specific for all-in-one PCs. The Intel HTS1155LP will do the job. This is quite a silent cooler, so you're not going to need ear defenders when using your all-in-one PC.

    Price: $25.

    Image source: Intel.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Power Supply Unit

    Power Supply Unit

    Again, regular power supply units won't do the job. We need something far more compact.

    I've chosen the FSP 150-ABAN1, a 150W Energy Star rated unit that will power everything inside out all-in-one system.

    Price: $55.

    Image source: FSP Group USA.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Storage

    Storage

    Time to add storage.

    We need a 2.5-inch solid state drive for this build, and I've chosen an old favorite: the 256GB Crucial M4. Solid reliability combined with superb performance.

    Price: $215.

    Image source: Crucial.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Networking

    Networking

    This motherboard needs a separate Wi-Fi module. The Intel 62230AN.HMWG will do the job just fine.

    Price: $25.

    Image source: Intel.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Memory

    Memory

    Nothing special here, just remember that the board takes notebook SO-DIMM modules, not the DIMM modules that desktop systems take. I've gone for two sticks of 4GB Corsair 204-pin DDR3 1333 memory.

    Price: $42.

    Image source: Corsair.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Optical drive

    Optical drive

    Final piece of hardware to throw in is an optical drive. The chassis needs a notebook optical drive, and I've gone for the LG GT60N which is only 12.7mm high.

    Price: $30.

    Image source: LG.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Operating system

    Operating system

    Since the motherboard I have chosen supports Windows 8, might as well choose this operating system for the system. If you'd rather Windows 7 or Windows Vista, then feel free to install this instead.

    Price: $99.

    Image source: Microsoft.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • 0011.jpg

    Total cost of build: $1,081.

    Intel has put together a handy video showing how to put an all-in-one PC together which you might be interested in taking a look at.

    Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

1 of 12 NEXT PREV
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST) | Topic: Hardware

  • Introduction
  • Chassis
  • Processor
  • Motherboard
  • Cooler
  • Power Supply Unit
  • Storage
  • Networking
  • Memory
  • Optical drive
  • Operating system
  • 0011.jpg

Why waste valuable desk space on an old-school PC tower when you can combine the PC with the display in a single all-in-one system.

Read More Read Less

Introduction

Why waste valuable desk space on an old-school PC tower when you can combine the PC with the display in a single all-in-one system? While PC OEMs offer countless all-in-one you can choose from, if you are after something special or custom, then building your own is the way to go.

But what do you need to build your own all-in-one PC? Here's a tour of what you need.

Image source: Intel.

Published: January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST)

Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

1 of 12 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Hardware Intel PCs Servers Storage Networking
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | January 28, 2013 -- 19:14 GMT (11:14 PST) | Topic: Hardware

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • TestM iPhone testing app

    The TestM diagnostic mode offers 26 tests, which range from testing the cameras, touchscreen, microphone, and even the haptic engine, to a comprehensive stress test that pushes ...

  • Anker PowerLine III Flow USB-to-Lightning cables

    Manufactured from silica gel with a graphene lining, the cable feels soft to the touch, and actually sort of flows through the hand. This isn't just about aesthetics, but it allows ...

  • Netgear LM1200 4G LTE modem

    The Netgear LM1200 4G LTE modem offers a reliable LKTE alternative for fixed-line internet.

  • Netgear AXE11000 Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E router

    The Netgear AXE11000 offers combined speeds up to 10.8Gbps, is built around a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor, and can deliver fast and reliable connections for up to 60 devices ...

  • OWC USB-C Travel Dock E

    A single mini dock that allows you to connect, charge, display, network, and import on-the-go, all through a single cable and a single USB-C port.

  • OWC Thunderbolt Dock

    Turn a single Thunderbolt port into four Thunderbolt ports, four USB ports, as well as a port for your SD Card, Gigabit Ethernet, and a combo audio in/out. ...

  • Has your iPhone or iPad stopped charging? Check this first!

    Has your iPhone or iPad suddenly and unexpectedly stopped charging? Or has charging become slow, or is charging intermittent even though the cable is plugged in and the charger is ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums