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Guide to Finding & buying cheap computer partsBuying computer components is easy but finding good quality parts for cheap can sometimes be a hassle. At first glance the number of components needed may look a little intimidating but you will soon notice it is not. We will not only explain each component but give you our most recommended Every computer will require the following components: Click here for a printable component checklist.
Other recommended components: |
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Cases – When purchasing a case there are a few things to look for. Make sure it’s compatible with your motherboard (ATX is the most common type used). This is where you must determine what components you are going to include and allow yourself room for additional equipment later. (i.e. 2nd hard drive or CD-ROM). |
Power Supplies – Most cases include a power supply. Please verify the case you are purchasing includes one. We suggest a minimum of 300 watts however you may want to consider 350 – 400 or more watts depending on the amount of equipment you are including or adding in the future. |
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Case Fans – Cooling is essential. The more ventilation your computer has, the better and longer it will run. You do not want any components overheating. Some cases include fans, some do not. We highly recommend that your case have at lease one case fan installed. When purchasing a case fan, measure to ensure you get the right size fan. Note: these are not the fans for the processor. |
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Processors – Before you purchase a motherboard, you must decide what type of processor you want. The two most common brands are AMD and Intel. If you are unsure about choosing the right processor for the right motherboard, consider purchasing a bundled package which includes a motherboard and compatible processor.
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Heat Sinks – Also known as CPU Fans. One of the most important components of a pc system. MOST processors come with these but always double check. The heat sink maintains the processor at the appropriate operating temperature. If not used or the incorrect heat sink is installed, your processor will become damaged. These should always come with a fan attached.
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Motherboards –You must consider several factors when choosing a motherboard. How many expansion slots does it have (PCI slots for sound cards, network cards, modems etc. and PCI-E slots for graphics cards) and how much RAM Memory will it support? Also consider the number of extra slots for future expansion. Your particular motherboard will determine which type of RAM and Hard Drive that must be used. Again, if you are unsure about choosing the right motherboard and processor, consider purchasing a bundled package which includes a motherboard and compatible processor.
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RAM – The motherboard you purchase will determine what type of RAM will be used. You must purchase this type of RAM or it may not fit. We suggest a minimum of 1GB of RAM. |
Floppy Disk Drives – 3 ½” floppy disk drive. These are basically all the same just make sure you get one that is 3.5 inch and is internal. |
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Hard Drives – This is your memory and where everything is stored (database information, games, pictures, videos etc.) If you play a lot of games, download large quantities of videos and/or music, we suggest at least 120GB or larger hard drive. When purchasing a hard drive, ensure it’s internal and either IDE or SATA compatible (depending on what your motherboard supports). |
CD-ROM Drives –Here is where you get to choose what you want to do with your media. You have several options to choose from. If you just want to read CDs then we suggest a 48x speed or faster CD-ROM drive. If you intend to write media to CDs (back up information or create music/video CDs and/or DVDs) then you may consider a DVD±R Burner. We recommend a DVD±R Burner with a write speed of 18x and reading speed of 16x DVD-ROM/48x CD-ROM |
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Video Cards –Your motherboard may already include a built in video card which is great for your basic needs. However, if you are an avid gamer, we recommend purchasing a PCI-Express video card with at least 256mb of memory. |
Sound Card – Your motherboard may already include a built in sound card. However, if you wish to have surround sound or advanced speaker system utilizing EAX or A3D we recommend purchasing a separate sound card. Note: when purchasing, ensure it’s PCI (internal) compatible. You will need to purchase compatible speakers to receive the full effect of the sound card. |
Network Cards (Ethernet, LAN, NIC) – Only necessary if you wish to link two or more computers for file sharing or if you intend to use a cable or DSL internet connection. Some motherboards may include a built in network card. Note: when purchasing, ensure it’s PCI (internal) compatible. |
Modems – If you don't have access to a DSL or Cable modem, then go with a 56k modem. A lot of dial-up services are cheap these days but DSL and Cable modems can be 20 times faster than 56k dial-up. |
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Monitors –A few years ago, LCD monitors were very expensive and CRT monitors were the only way to go. But times have changed, prices have come down and LCDs are now the standard. We recommend at least a 17" LCD monitor. These are fairly cheap now and you can probably get a nice 19" LCD Widescreen monitor for about the same price as a 17" LCD monitor! |
Speakers – Speakers are essential if you want sound. If you want surround sound you must purchase speakers compatible with your sound card. |
Keyboard & Mouse – Most come with PS/2 and USB compatible connectors. Nearly all motherboards are available with both types of connectors. |
Antistatic Wrist Straps – Not completely necessary but recommended. When installing hardware or working on the inside of a computer, its best to protect yourself from static. Even the most minor static can damage or even ruin a piece of hardware. |
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Operating Systems – Every computer needs an operating system. Windows Vista is currently the most recent OS from Microsoft but we don't recommend it. The main reason, since Vista is new, not every piece of hardware is compatible with it. A lot of people upgraded their computer just for Vista only to find out some of their hardware is NOT compatible or Vista just wouldn't boot up at all. This has caused a lot of people to go back to Windows XP, even with a brand new computer Vista may not work properly. That's not always the case though, some people have little to no issues with Vista and eventually we will need to upgrade to it. |
Surge Protectors – These are essential. Hey, you can't plug everything into the wall outlet so plug everything into a surge protector and let it protect your computer. |
Other recommended components Digital Cameras – Digital Cameras used to be expensive but now are becoming very cheap. If you are going to use one for fun a 2 or 3 megapixel will do fine. |
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Zip Drives – Still used to back up information but are not as commonly used as CD-RW drives. |
More than likely you just finished reading our page and do not have your components yet. If you are serious about building a computer, our component checklist may help you when you decide to purchase components. If you have already purchased your components and are ready to install them, then lets get started. |
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