Can’t afford that shiny new Dell or Toshiba at the Best Buy? It has features and gadgets that you don’t even need with card readers galore, bloat hardware and software. Let’s face it the price, it’s just too much. What if there was a cheaper way to get a PC? This handy how-to guide will take you to that happy place with a new computer in your home and a sense of accomplishment because you built it with your own hands.
STEP: 1 The Planning
In building anything, a good solid plan must be in place before you start. A barebones PC can be built for just a few hundred dollars. The parts you will purchase will be dependant on your budget and your needs. The balance of performance and price will narrow your field, but will give you enough options to keep you in control of your build. Those of you looking to build a budget gaming pc should visit www.build-gaming-computers.com for a well balanced and regularly updated starting point.
Make your shopping list: Tower case, motherboard, hard drive, video card, RAM, optical drive, power supply, accessories such as fans, mouse, keyboard, and monitor. But don’t forget your OEM copy of Windows 7. Windows 8 is not recommended, but that’s for another article.
STEP: 2 The Purchasing
While most would recommend getting all their parts online from various websites such as www.newegg.com and www.tigerdirect.com, Burbank’s Fry’s Electronics offers a quick and simple one stop shop for some of the best PC parts in the area. Not to mention that they will match and beat any internet price, and its much easier to return if the part is defective. The employees are very helpful, but don’t let them pressure you into buying parts other than the ones on your list, or ones comparable.
STEP: 3 The Build
Try and stay organized. The case will have a manual that comes with it. Computers nowadays are giant electronic Lego parts. Follow the directions and everything will be fine. Stay static free before touching any of the parts with your bare hands, do this by touching a piece of metal and grounding yourself. A good solid phillips screwdriver, preferably with a rubber grip and long neck will usually be the only tool required. Remember to create positive airflow with your fans and make sure the air is going in on the bottom and out on the top. For a comprehensive guide to the full build visit http://lifehacker.com/5151369/the-first+timers-guide-to-building-a-compu...
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