Closing the case, I plug the computer in and push the power button. I hear the familiar beep and see my computer boot, a great sign of relief and success, concluding my many hours of work.

Why would people waste hours of time building a computer when it is possible to go to a computer hardware store and buy an entire computer as a whole? The answers are the same reasons that lead people to build or remodel houses themselves, wash laundry without going to a laundromat, or cook food themselves.

One such reason is that prices are cheaper for most things that are done yourself. Building a computer yourself also gives experience. Some people just do it as a hobby for a feeling of pride and accomplishment when the many components of such a complex machine work together as if by magic.

The most important reason is money. Some pre-built computers may cost as little as $300 after the mail-in rebates are redeemed, but only contain an absolute minimum capacity and extendibility. The newest, swiftest, and most up-to-date computers may cost all the way to up $1500. Making the equivalent home-built computers can lead to savings of from $150 to $600 for strictly identical systems. Furthermore, the absolute cheapest computers, usually cannot be upgraded and can use really old parts inside.

In my case, I wanted an extremely cheap, new computer to replace a five-year-old Dell computer. Even the cheapest components available today are at least three times better than those of the computer I was to replace. My final desktop computer, which suits the needs of all but gamers and hard core analysts cost less than $270.

I started the building process by looking in a number of advertisements for cheap hardware. Once at a hardware store, I selected all the parts that I needed, such as a hard drive, the cheapest CD drive with a burner, and a case. If you do not have any extra video cards, this must also be included. Then I looked for a suitable Motherboard, CPU and set of RAM modules that all can function together. Make sure that all of these parts are compatible. Check also for integrated sound cards, Ethernet and USB attachments on you Motherboard, and if the motherboard is missing these, you will need to factor in a PCI expansion card to the equation.

Putting together the pieces is actually very simple as long as you are careful to follow the motherboard’s instructions precisely. One problem that can warrant a return of a CPU or RAM module is static electricity. It is crucial to be grounded to a different computer case that is plugged in through a wrist strap to prevent static discharge. The slightest amount of static around the CPU or RAM modules can render the computer unusable. Even the most exceptional computer builders can be left clueless as to what the problem is without expensive and advanced tools. As long as the computer beeps and you are careful about how the computer is handled, this most dangerous and yet common issue may be evaded.

Another extremely significant piece of the computer is the CPU fan. If there is no fan, the CPU will melt, or, if you are lucky, it may simply not start. Do not hesitate to talk to the salesperson at a computer store for information about the different components.

The main problem with building a computer is that it can take a long time with many tedious steps along the way. The key to success is to be alert, ensure you are grounded, and if something goes wrong, to first utilize the Internet and helpful forums and web sites that pertain to the problem. When building computers, it is important to be confident, even if you’re a rookie. As long as you pay attention to the manual, you should not run into problems.