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Guide to choosing cheap computer parts
I like to look at building a cheap computer as a 2 step process:
I've been building and upgrading my computers for years using cheap computer parts. I have never done any formal computer training.
What cheap computer parts do I need for a complete computer?
Below is a list of all the different components in a cheap computer system. This list is everything you need to build a Northwood Pentium 4 socket 478 computer. I think this type of computer is currently the best value once you take into account the motherboard costs. If all you want to do is basic wordprocessing, email and a bit of Internet surfing then here is a list of all the cheap computer parts you will need:
CPU:I recommend a Socket 478 Intel Pentium 4 or Celeron 2 Ghz and above.
Motherboard:You need a Socket 478 motherboard to go with your Pentium 4/Celeron CPU
RAM:Get at least 256 megs of DDR SDRAM
RAM:Get at least 256 megs of DDR SDRAM
Hard Drive:Get at least a 40 gigabyte drive.
CD Writer:Any CD writer faster than 32 speed is plenty fast enough.
Graphics Card:Get at least a 64 megabyte AGP card
Case and power supply:Get a minimum 300 watt power supply.Get a nice large case (like the one above) that has enough room for you to work on your computer. If you want to know more then check out my guide to cheap computer cases here.
Sound Card:Get a Soundblaster Live by Creative labs. They are the most common and most compatible brand.
Monitor:Get at least a 17 inch computer monitorIf you want to save your eyesight get a 17" LCD screen like
the one pictured above. LCD sreens are much easier to read from than bulky CRT
displays. If you want to
I've got all the details on how to select a good cheap computer monitor that suits your needs here.
Keyboard and Mouse:If you are going to be spending a great deal of time using your mouse surfing or doing graphic design then get a new optical mouse like the one below. This Logitech combo includes both a cordless mouse and matching keyboard.
I use the mouse pictured above and it is very responsive and doesn't get "jammed" with funny brown gunk like old style mice. Keybords are pretty much all the same. If you do a lot of typing then spend more. I recommend you get the Logitech keyboard pictured above. I know a guy who got one and it works great. The keyboard has great key action and the mouse is precise. The best part of all is that there are no cords to clutter up your desk. Now you have seen a list of cheap computer parts that are common to all computers. I think you are ready to see how to Build your own computer Once you see how easy it is to assemble cheap computer parts into a computer you will be convinced. Being an independent computer user will save you money and win
you friends. You will save thousands if you plan on maintaining a computer for a
few years. |
Screen Reading Software( can read text directly from the computer screen)
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