How to Build a Computer Part 1: Pricing and Purchasing

This post will be a two parter. Expect the second part, dealing with actually assembling the computer, in the coming weeks.  There are a few important parts of the computer and they are all pretty standardized now, so finding the correct parts that will work together is actually pretty painless. To build a computer from scratch, you need:

Computer Case

Power Supply (PSU)

Motherboard Processor (CPU)

Memory (RAM)

Optical Disc Drive Hard Drive

Graphics Card (GPU)
A great resource for purchasing parts is the computer build lists at The Tech Report. Here is a link to their just updated guide for Fall '10. They have the builds laid out by component in Processor, Motherboard, Memory, Graphics, Storage, Audio, Enclosure and Power supply with links to Newegg (a computer supplier).  If you look at their "cheapest" system, you can see it is usually a lot cheaper to build your own system than to buy one already built.  Their system at $539.88 has a quad-core AMD processor, two gigabytes of RAM, a one terabyte (1024 gigabyte) hard drive and decent graphics card.  This would be a very capable work or gaming machine.  Another benefit of building your own system is that you can easily upgrade it as you go.  Adding more RAM or swapping the CPU for a faster one in a year or so is very easy and cost effective way to get more out of an aging system.

If you want to build your own system without the help of TechReport, I would suggest going to Newegg and looking at each individual component from their menu under Computer Hardware.  A couple of things to note; when you pick out a case make sure to get one that is large enough to fit everything that you want to put into the system, especially the motherboard.  Go to the details tab and check Motherboard Compatibility, to make sure that it matches up with the motherboard you choose.  ATX is the standard size.  Also, some cases come with power supplies included.  Make sure it will supply enough wattage for your system.  Antec (a manufacturer of high quality cases and power supplies) has a calculator, however if you only have one hard drive, optical drive and graphics card you should be fine with a PSU in the 300-400W range.  You want to have some excess capability because most power supplies don't work as efficiently when they are at the top of their output.  Lastly, for motherboards and processors, make sure to get a processor that fits the same socket as your motherboard.  Current AMD sockets are all the AM3 socket and Intel processors are either LGA 775 or LGA1156 (also with the high performance LGA1366).  When you select a processor and motherboard, it should be displayed prominently which you are looking at.  Also, if you have any questions feel free to ask someone knowledgeable about your build before you purchase.  The Tech Report forums are a great resource, for instance.