Now, I know some of you want to cut through all of the red tape and just want a list of components
you can use to get started. If that's the case, take a look at my pages on:
Building a Bargain PC for under $500
Building a Gaming PC for under $1000
If you need information on what components you'll need to build your own PC, you should visit my
PC Components page.
If you already have your computer hardware and need information on assembling your new PC, check out the
PC Assembly page.
For those of you that want a little more info, please read on and feel free to browse through the rest of the site.
One of the first steps in deciding what computer system is right for you is to honestly evaluate your
computer needs. For example, do you need a mega-gaming system with an insanely fast graphics card,
high resolution monitor, tons of memory, and/or a cutting edge, super-fast processor? Are your needs
more modest? Perhaps you just need a PC that's great for checking email, browsing the Internet,
and running office applications? Or, maybe your needs fall somewhere in between? Your decision here
will have a huge impact on the final price of your new PC. Depending on your needs, you could end up
with a system costing just a few hundred dollars to a system costing several thousands of dollars.
Throughout this site, I will help guide you on your path to choosing the right computer. I'll help
you to identify your requirements and enable you to make an informed, sensible decision about your
computer purchase and how to build a computer that suits your needs..
So, let's get started by examining your options. Obviously, you're here because you're considering
building your own computer, but for some of you, this will be either be too time-consuming or difficult
a task. You should seriously consider the advantages/disadvantages of building your own PC vs. buying
a new or used system. When you build your own computer, you get a certain sense of satisfaction and
accomplishment that store-bought systems may fail to deliver. And if you design your home-built system
properly, you will likely end up with a system that is well suited for upgrades in the years to come.
With a name-brand system you'll
most likely have technical support available to you if you run in to any issues.
But brand name computers are often proprietary in nature and therefore not
easliy customized or upgraded. And even if they are, you'll always run the risk
of voiding your warranty if you open the computer case and start swapping out
parts.
If you're new to all of this, I highly recommend you take a look at the Computer Glossary
section of this site. There you'll find useful information on computer architecture and a helpful glossary
of computer terms--essential knowledge if you're putting together your own custom built computer.
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