Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- CD-ROM Drives
- CD-RW Burners
- DVD-ROM Drive
- RAM
- Zip Drives
- Cables
- Computer Cases
- Computer Keyboards
- Computer Mice
- Computer Microphones
- Computer Monitors
- Computer Speakers
- Computer Tool Kits
- Drive Cables
- Floppy Disk Drive
- Hard Disks
- Modems
- Motherboards
- Mouse Pads
- Printer Cables
- Printers
- Sound Cards
- Surge Protectors
- Video Cards
- Processors
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Windows
- Screwdriver Sets
-
Step 1
Determine your computing needs and budget.
-
Step 2
Figure your budget for external components, too: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, surge suppressor, speakers and additional hardware.
-
Step 3
See Related eHows for component buying advice.
-
Step 4
Buy the case and internal components you plan to include: power supply (if not included in the case), motherboard, processor (if not included with the motherboard), RAM, hard drive, floppy drive, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, optional additional drives (such as a CD recorder or Zip drive), modem, sound card, video card, Windows 98 SE or newer operating system, and software.
-
Step 5
Buy cables and screws, if not included with the components.
-
Step 6
See Related eHows for component installation advice.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 When you are selecting major components, such as the CPU or motherboard, it is beneficial to go through a reputable source and read reviews on the board you intend to buy. When you are doing this, it is a good idea to go through several sites and compare what each site says.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Do not go cheap on memory! You don't need an expensive processor, because if you get a 3.8ghz pro. and 256mb, your system will run faster if you get a 2.8ghz pro. and 1gb of memory!
Always go with more memory and faster memory!
400mhz+ and 512mb+ of memory!
Anonymous said
on 12/28/2005 Decide the list of parts that you will want to purchase. Always start with the motherboard first and then build off of that. That way you'll know the limits of what you can get and can't get. IE: You'll know you can't buy a SATA hard drive for a motherboard that only supports IDE.
Search the forums for potential hardware conflicts. As always, Google is an indispensable tool for finding these pages. Gamers should look on the game forums they plan to play. Building a PC will be much less of a hit or miss game with these options.
If it's your first time, it might be a little intimidating to find the parts you want with the features you want. Look around. Find places that tell you about the latest and greatest stuff and gives you enough information for you to make a decision.
Don't go cheap on RAM. Stability is extremely important.
Lastly, use search engines to find the lowest price for an item. Don't forget about local stores they might have rebates or might actually be cheaper since you don't have to pay for shipping. Also beware the differences between OEM/White Box and retail that'll affect the warranty policies.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Rebate deals are good ways to get cheap parts, but check the resellers/manufacturer's reputation first to make sure you will get it. For instance, Soyo is notorious for not issuing rebates, hence "So sorry, we never soyo rebate." www.tigerdirect.com is a good mobo/chip combo rebate place and I pick up 200 GB seagate drives for $50 every now and then on outpost.com Also keep an eye on bensbargains.net for parts.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 The most expensive part of the system are the motherboard and the processor. It's cheaper to buy a motherboard and processor combo. You already know they are compatible. Always check and see who makes the chipset for the motherboard. I would avoid those VIA chipsets which tend to be on the cheaper boards. Don't buy cheap junk! You get what you pay for!