Illustrated step-by-step instructions for building your own high-quality cheap computer.

Build Your Own Cheap Computer Hardware
Parts List

   If you have decided to build your own computer, then a simple parts list will be needed to make sure you get everything you need to get started. Nothing is worse than getting your entire computer at home and getting all the parts out and together, and OOPs. Forgot the memory. Nothing will work. This parts list will help you from forgetting to buy some key parts to make your computer operate the first time you turn it on.

1. Computer Case
    Most cases today ship with a power supply. Make sure the    power supply is at least 300watt to allow for future expansion. Also make sure you have expansion bays open so that you can install the latest thing to come about. Their are many online stores offering great deals and affordable prices on computer cases today. Check out the cheap computer case page on this site. Try this Clearance Center . It often has great closeout deals on computer cases.

2. Motherboard with CPU
   Many vendors offer bundles of a motherboard and compatible CPUs and cooling accessories. I recommend getting your motherboard and CPU in a bundle because you get components that are tested to work together. Plus, it is often cheaper. Make sure you get the correct cooling fans, etc. Today's CPUs get so hot they can literally burn up in seconds. Motherboards have a variety of slot configurations.

3. Memory
   You need memory and usually a lot of it to run today's games and software with speed and security. Memory prices have been reduced lately and you can find good memory prices on the Web. Memory errors can cause all sorts of weird Windows errors and problems. So getting enough stable memory is important. There are a lot of great memory providers today. Visit the memory page for more information and Computer Memory at very affordable prices.

4. CD - CD-WR
   Almost all programs today are stored and ship on CD. Having a CD player is a must. But do you need a CD-R or CD-RW? It depends on what you plan on doing and storing. This site has a web page devoted to the CD-R vs. CD-RW dilemma. It really isn't too tough a choice if you have a good idea what you want to do. Visit the page on this site to learn more. Here are some super prices on Multimedia Drives .

5. Floppy Drive
   These devices seem to be rapidly going out of style but they still do have their usefulness in certain situations. Today you can get a floppy drive at a great price at many places on the World Wide Web. Visit the Floppy Drive page to learn more and find where you can pick up one these little storage drives.

6. Hard Drive
   The hard drive is an important part of your system. It not only stores all of your data you use on a daily basis, it also is the main boot device for the operating system. There are a lot of good drives out there for affordable prices. Visit the Hard Drive page for more detailed information on choosing the right hard drive. Or, find great prices on Hard Drives from this respected online retailer..

Visit the Hard Drive Guide for more information on selecting a high-quality hard drive for building a new computer or upgrading a current system.

7. Video/Graphics Cards
   Video cards have come a long way in the past few years. Performance is key today. If you plan on running high-end games that are really graphic intensive, then you need a more expensive card. If you are going to be surfing the net and using word processing and spreadsheets, then a card with 32-64Mb of memory will be fully adequate and cheap. Check out the video page on this site for more detailed information. Or, check out this for great prices on cheap Video Cards.

8. Sound Cards and Speakers
    These are not really a necessity but are almost a given with todays new systems. Sound is good for more than just games and playing music on your computer. Sound can alert to computer problems, email deliveries, and other useful things. Sound Cards are cheap today (click here for cheap prices) and getting a set of speakers to go along are not much more. Check out the page on Sound and Speakers for more detailed information.

9. Monitor
   Monitors are very important to your system because that is what you view and your window to what is going on. Monitor prices have come down and you can now get a good 17" monitor at an affordable price. There are specifications to consider when buying a monitor and you can learn how to make an informed decision by viewing the Monitor page on this site.  You find some incredible deals on closeout monitors at this well-established retailer's  Clearance Center .

10. Printers
   Printers aren't necessary for your computer to operate and surf the net. But, they are indispensable if you want to a printed record of anything you do. Go here to find out about the current printer technologies and how to choose the right printer for your needs.