Build a Cheap Computer
Don't have the money to buy a new computer? Have a bit of tech skills? If so, then you can build a cheap computer right at home. All you need to do is to order the components you need, from the CPU to the RAM, assemble them together, and install the operating system. You'll save money and will have fun while learning something new in the process.
Steps
- Choose the components you would like to build the computer with. Try searching for the items on sites like Amazon, as it is sometimes cheaper than buying them from specialist stores such as Maplin.
- When you receive the parts, assemble them together, as detailed below:
- Unscrew one side panel of the PC case
- Install the CPU into the motherboard CPU Socket (Be careful to align the CPU properly into the socket. Try to align the two corners with no pins)
- Install the CPU heatsink and fan on top of the CPU
- Install the RAM into the RAM slots on the motherboard and apply firm pressure until the RAM clicks into place
- Screw the motherboard into the computer case
- Connect the wires from the front panel of the computer case to the motherboard front panel pins. This is different for each motherboard, and detailed instructions should be included in your motherboard documentation.
- Screw the hard drive into the disk rack at the front of the PC case
- Screw the CD/DVD drive into the rack, and push out one of the pieces of plastic so the drive is visible on the front panel
- Connect one end of a SATA cable to the motherboard, and the other to the hard disk, taking care to plug the motherboard end into the slot marked 'Hard Disk' or 'HDD'. Repeat with another cable for the CD/DVD drive, plugging one end to the motherboard, and the other to the CD/DVD drive
- Screw in the power supply into the PC case, and connect the appropriate cables to the motherboard, hard disk, and CD/DVD drive
- Replace the side panel of the computer case
- Install the operating system, by starting the computer, inserting the setup disk, then selecting 'Select boot device', followed by the CD/DVD drive, for example "IDE CD/DVD Device", then follow the instructions on screen
Tips
- You can also buy a computer kit with all the parts you need.
- Don't expect the latest and greatest on a budget, you won't get it
- Always invest on buying a good SMPS so that it can supply sufficient power to all components, especially if you have a graphic card.
Warnings
- Do NOT touch any circuits with bare hands to avoid damage to delicate components due to static electricity from your hands. To avoid this, touch the outside cabinet so that any static electricity present on your hands gets transferred to it.
- Take care when installing RAM, pushing too hard can damage it
- Do NOT force any components, they are very delicate, and could cause them to break
- Take your time, using too much haste can cause silly mistakes
Things You'll Need
- PC Case (Around £30 - Amazon)
- Motherboard (Around £35 - Amazon)
- Random Access Memory (RAM) (Around £20 - Amazon)
- CPU (with Heatsink and Fan) (CPU around £40; Heatsink & Fan around £10 - Amazon)
- Hard drive (HDD) (Around £30 - Amazon)
- SATA Data Cables (x2) (Around £2 - Amazon)
- Power Supply (PSU) (Around £25 - Amazon)
- Video card (if the motherboard doesn't have an inbuilt one, or you would like higher graphics capability for games etc.) (Motherboard Integrated)
- CD/DVD ROM (to install the operating system, and/or to play most types of video games) (Around £10 - Amazon)
- Operating System (Windows XP/Vista/7; Ubuntu; Linux etc.) (Ubuntu and some other Linux distributions are free for personal use)
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Manual
- Total: Around £202
