<p>I think you’ve a fundamental misunderstanding of the field. Hardware engineers must have an innate comprehension of computer science as well as a background in electrical engineering. This is called computer systems engineering.</p>
<p>Constructing a computer as a consumer is relatively simple. I’ve done it and found that it’s little to brag about. As has been mentioned, personal computers are modular and easily “built”. Computer components like those in PCs, Playstation, Xbox, and Gamecube, are far, far, FAR more difficult to piece together. Knowing how to plug eight boxes into each other the only way they fit and burn a metal string onto a green stick won’t help you break into the industry. I’m sorry.</p>
<p>Not to dismiss your dream, but I would recommend that you read up on the topic before you commit yourself to a major.</p>
<p>Look here for more information (highly technical and not for the feint of heart):
<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_engineering[/url]”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_engineering</a> [your future here?]
<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_engineering[/url]”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_engineering</a> [a fundamental component of CE]
<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science[/url]”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science</a> [the other half of CE]
<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPU_design[/url]”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPU_design</a> [scan the text to see if the jargon interests you]
<a href=“http://slashdot.org%5B/url%5D”>http://slashdot.org</a> [the people you’ll be stuck with as a computer engineer; learn to lov’em]</p>