Build Your Own Cheap Computer
Using Cheap Computer Parts

Should you Build Your Own Cheap Computer?

If you have the desire to learn, you can! Buying a computer system is not as much fun as building your own.

If you decide that to build a computer is not for you, you can look at Cheap Computer Systems here.

Although your computer components may differ from the ones shown, the basic assembly is the same.

Tools that you should have before you begin to Build Your Cheap Computer

• Anti-static wrist strap - It is highly recommended and extremely important that before you begin to build your computer, you should prevent static electricity from damaging your computer components. Click here for a Computer anti-static wrist strap.
  
  
• Computer Tools - You will need computer tools to prevent damage to your computer while building. Click here to view my Computer Tools Guide.

You should also get the following:

• Plastic tie wraps to tie cables together.
• Some cardboard sheets to use as a working surface to prevent static electricity damage while you are building the computer.

Here are some tips and safety precautions before starting to build your cheap computer:

• Read my Best Computer Guide to get information on getting the best computer that suits your requirements. Click here.
• Do not purchase your computer parts until you have listed all the parts that will meet your requirements.
• Get as large a hard drive as you can possibly afford so as to allow for future expansion.
• Ensure that the parts that you are purchasing are compatible with the system that you are planning to build.
• Never take your computer parts out of their anti-static bags until you are ready to fit them into place. Keeping them in the bags will reduce static electricity damage to them.
• Never force computer parts into place - If you have to force a part into place, it is possible that you are inserting the wrong component or installing it improperly. STOP and check to see what you are doing wrong before you continue to build your cheap computer.
• Never open the power supply - The power supply has extremely high voltage inside which can be extremely dangerous so never open it.
• Never work on your computer with the power on - Doing so can cause electrical surges that can damage your cheap computer parts.

Let's Get Started...Please click on each of the steps below to be taken to the appropriate page for details:

1. Acquire Cheap Computer Part

2. Prepare the Cheap Computer Case

3. Examine Computer Motherboard

4. Install Computer Processor (CPU) and Heat Sink/Fan

5. Install Cheap Computer Memory

6. Install Computer Internal Drives

7. Install Computer Motherboard in Computer Case

8. Connect Computer Front Panel Switches/LEDs/Speaker, etc.

9. Connect ATX 20 or 24-Pin Power Supply Cable to Motherboard

10. Install Cheap Computer Video Card

11. Install Cheap Computer Sound Card

12. Connect Computer Peripheral to Back Panel

13. Post Assembly Check

14. Configure Motherboard Bios

15. Test Run Your Cheap Computer System

16. Partition and Format Hard Drive

17. Install Computer Operating System