Build Your Own Computer

How to Save Money by Building Your Own Computer

Derek Chamberlain | March 1, 2016

[Blogger's note: Having built several home PCs and planning to do another one shortly, I would never go back to buying a manufactured PC. Apart from savings in costs, you get so much more: a better PC with the latest components, higher specs, and a complete understanding of what is in the box. You learn tremendous amounts of detail about how to run a PC and fix it when you have problems. You become your own support center and do things faster and better. But it takes some careful planning. If you are new to doing this, it helps to have a geek handy to ask questions and help your review your purchase plans. And help with any problems as you go. There are many excellent videos on how to build a PC and they are free. There is little need to buy books or buy tutorials. My recommendation to anyone planning to buy a new system is to consider building it yourself. Even if it is a challenge, you will be glad you did. I probably should say that if you are not sure which end of a screwdriver to hold, you might want to back off on any such plans. Let's assume you are beyond that stage.]
Have you been putting off upgrading your slow computer because of the cost?  If it is time for an upgrade, you may be wondering how you can get a new PC for less money.  This how-to guide will show you how to save money by building your own computer!  I have built my own computer several times over the years and saved hundreds!  Let’s get started.
What Will You Use Your New Computer For?
One of the most important questions to ask yourself before embarking on building your own computer to save money is “what will you use your new PC for?”  You might say “that’s a dumb question Derek, what does that have to do with anything?”  When building your new PC, this is the most important question!!!!  There is no need to go out and spend thousands of dollars on top of the line computer components if you are going to be blogging for a little extra side money or surfing the internet!  Maybe you are going to setup your own LLC and will just be working with spreadsheets and email all day.  No need for anything expensive if that’s the plan!

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5840963/the-best-pcs-you-can-build-for-600-and-1200

<more at http://www.moneyahoy.com/how-to-save-money-by-building-your-own-computer/; related articles and links: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2485172,00.asp (How to Build Your Own PC. If you want the strongest, most adaptable, and most upgradeable PC, you should build it yourself. June 3, 2015) and http://lifehacker.com/5840963/the-best-pcs-you-can-build-for-600-and-1200 (The Best PCs You Can Build for $300, $600, and $1200. August 19, 2015)>