Build Your Own PC Pt. 2: Finding the Parts Necessary

Okay, it’s obvious that you’re interested in building your own PC if you’re moving onto the second part of this three part series. The most interesting part of building your own PC requires finding each and every piece that works in conjunction with the PC you want. Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect hard drive with the power you need on a budget. Below you will find a list of required parts for ANY PC project you undertake.

Required Parts for ANY PC:

Monitor                                                Motherboard                               Modem
Keyboard                                             RAM                                           Power Supply
Mouse                                                  Processor                                     Hard Drive
PC Case                                               Sound Card                                 Universal Power Cord
Floppy Disk (if applicable)                 Fan                                               Internal Wireless Card
Video Adapter

In this article, you’re going to learn three great places to locate these parts to build a functional PC that’s on a low budget. Some of our destinations will require a bit more money to get the right parts to work without sacrificing the integrity of the project.

Online Auction Sites

Online auctions sites such as eBay have an array of PC parts available for low prices. In fact, sellers offer lots of certain equipment including RAM, processors, and power supplies on a good day. One factor you must consider in purchasing from an online auction site is the reliability of the equipment. As with any electronic purchase, ask the seller questions regarding the products including:
• Where did the parts come from?
• Do they work with my current processor/motherboard?
• Does the fan fit my kind of case?
• Will I be able to return the equipment if it is faulty?
Concentrate on the details provided in every email with the sellers. The great thing about online auction sites is you can contact or complain if someone does not keep their end of the bargain in the sale. Since you’re on a budget, you have to find the right equipment with some kind of warranty that you’ll receive your money back if it does not work. Online auction sites such as eBay can provide this guarantee because all transactions are monitored through PayPal.

Retail Stores

Retail stores offer warranties, sales, and extreme discounts on old equipment in need of quick sales. Learn all of the details pertaining to purchasing procedures and return policies for faulty equipment. Top electronic retail stores keep a 14 day return policy that allows you two weeks to try the equipment before you can return it for a full refund.

In the midst of looking for equipment, you will have a knowledgeable associate to assist in finding the best parts for your project. Keep a list of all of the parts you have at home then come to the store to find the remaining parts needed to fulfill the details of your PC. An associate will be the perfect help in locating discounted or low priced parts to fit in the puzzle.

Local Libraries and Other Sources

Local libraries, flea markets, and yard sales can be a goldmine in finding old or current hardware necessary for building your PC. Your local library may offer short sales of old computer equipment as well as desktop computers that require little upgrading. Do not cut short on visiting these locations to find parts because they seem out of range; in fact, you may find more for your money.

Finding parts is the second step in creating a fast, functional PC under a tight budget. Anyone can find these parts at a reasonable price. Consider your needs before you go on your search. Do not go back too far where none of the software works on it properly. Focus on current systems that can manage Windows XP or better. With the costs of computer parts dropping to the industry’s lowest costs, you can build a supreme PC for as little as $200-300.

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