How to Build a Computer

Before you ignore this post because you don't think you can, I'm going to tell you that anybody can do it who has the funds and the desire to do so.

Believe it or not, finding the right parts is actually harder than assembling the computer.  Nowadays, it's nearly impossible to put parts in backwards.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.  Let's find out what parts actually go in a computer.

• Motherboard (~$80-$100).  This component basically everything else you have.  Make sure there are enough slots for everything.  Usually, there is sound output and a spot for your Ethernet (Internet connection) cable.  Sometimes you also get on-board integrated video output, but that's not very powerful and probably can't support multiple monitors.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit) (~$200).  The heart of your computer.  This is also called the processor and pretty much does all the calculating and makes your computer run.  How fast your computer is has a lot to do with how fast your CPU is.  Everyone should get a decent CPU because it is important to everyday users and gamers alike.
• RAM (Random Access Memory) (~$75).  This is the temporary storage space for your computer.  Having lots of applications opoen will mean that you'll need a lot of memory to hold them.  Your CPU writes its stuff down on the RAM, so the more RAM you have, the bigger/more applications you can open.
• PSU (Power Supply Unit) (~$75).  This supplies power to your components.  You need to make sure that you have enough power to drive all your compoents, so see this PSU wattage calculator to get a rough estimate.  You'd also want to make sure that there are enough wires coming from your PSU to supply power to everything that needs it.
• Hard drive (~$75).  This stores all your information.  Everything that you save goes on the hard drive.  You'll want to make sure that it's big enough to store everything you want.  Games and movies are especially big and can take up a lot of space.
• Optical/CD/DVD drive (~25).  You'll probably want one of these just so you can read/write CDs and DVDs.  A relatively cheap one is usually fine for most people.  Some like to have 2 for flexibility.
• Video/graphics card (~$200).  I'll probably get attacked for saying this, but a video card is actually optional.  If you're just going to be a light user, integrated graphics on your motherboard might do the trick, or if you don't have that, just getting a really cheap one might be fine.  Gamers, however, will need a graphics card, and probably a powerful one, depending on what kind of games you want to play.
• Sound card.  This is supposed to make the sound quality better or something, but I think onboard sound on the motherboard is perfectly fine.
• Wireless card.  If you're going to be far away from your router (or your neighbor's router -- just kidding), then you'll probably want to go wireless.  Otherwise, wired Internet is fine and in fact better.
• Case (~$40).  Where all your stuff goes.  You probably don't need a bunch of fancy lights and features, so just make sure you have some (~2-3) fans if you're somewhat of a powerful user, but in most cases 1 or even no fans will still work.

You can build a computer ranging from $300 to $3,000.  The "proposed" spending value totals to around $800 for a decent gaming computer.  Then you need to pick a monitor (see LED vs. LCD)  It all depends on what you want to buy and how much you're willing to spend.  I'd say you could get a very good computer for ~$900-$1100.  You would also be saving some money and getting a fun learning experience.  You can choose all your parts that are on sale or have special offers to save extra money, plus you'll know exactly what in your system!

I recommend Newegg first for its wide range of products as well as lots of free shipping and no tax in most states.  TigerDirect also has some pretty good deals.

Putting it together is so easy (not sarcastic, not exaggerated) I'll only give it a paragraph.  Look at the booklet that comes with your motherboard, and every slot should be clearly labeled.  Look at each slot type on your components.  Put each component into the correct slot.  Connect the appropriate power cord to each part.  Wire the power button onto the appropriate part of the motherboard (should be labeled) and the front USB ports of your case (if you have them).  DOUBLE CHECK to make sure it's all OK, then hit the power button!

If you have the money and you're looking for a new computer, and you want to try something new, I suggest that you build your own computer!