Actually, I just ordered and built a system the other day. I ordered off of
http://www.newegg.com - probably the most ideal place to purchase all of your computer parts for the cheapeast possible price, and great service. You can compare their prices with other places at
www.pricewatch.com .
Here are the key components you will need to build your own PC:
1. Processor (Intel or AMD - ultimately your choice. Intel has a bit more power than AMD, but is more expensive (with the exception of the 64 bit AMD)
2. Motherboard - this is an important one. Keep in mind, once you choose a processor, you need to find a motherboard that is compatible with your processor. Not any motherboard will fit any processor. So let's say that you purchase a Pentium 4 2.8Ghz processor with a 800 Mhz FSB - you will need a motherboard that supports the same socket type, and supports the 800 Mhz FSB. If you order an AMD, make sure the motherboard supports those specs as well. If you shop on Newegg, you can see every detail about each product and make sure they are compatible. (I suggest Asus or MSI brands)
3. RAM - Now this ultimately becomes your choice. Once again you need to keep in mind the FSB of your processor, and what your motherboard supports. If you get an 800 Mhz FSB then you will want to consider purchasing DDR400 (PC3200) RAM which takes advantage of the FSB speed. Just make sure your motherboard supports the speed and type of RAM you get. You have the choice between purchasing OEM RAM or a brandname retail style. The OEM will be cheaper, but there's no guarantee that it's going to perform well or be quality - so I recommend that if you have the money, fork over some money for quality RAM from a supplier like Giel or Kingston.
4. Case - Depends on your taste and style. Make sure you purchase one with a quality power supply in it (get no less than 350W). Many people, including myself, prefer Antec cases and power supplies - quality materials.
5. Video Cards - next to the processor, these can run you the most money, and usually more than the processor. Ultimately this is your choice yet again. It depends on how serious you are about games. You have choices, but the two main choices are Nvidia and ATI. Right now ATI seems to have the bleeding edge lead on the market, so most people are going for the ATI Radeon 9800 - which runs for about 400 bucks. I suggest the 9600XT if you can afford it (over 100 bucks). Both Nvidia and ATI make quality cards, you can read reviews and comparisons of them at
www.tomshardware.com (you can also find Intel vs. AMD benchmarks to see what they think is better). Make sure you buy an AGP video card, not a PCI card. And don't get something really cheap, because you will not be pleased with the results in most cases, especially when playing games.
6. Hard Drives - If you don't have one you want to throw in there, feel free to purchase a new hard drive. They are relatively cheap these days. I recommend Western Digital hard drives - I swear by them. Try to get a hard drive with an 8mb buffer if you can find a relatively cheap one you like.
(If you are setting up a RAID0 or SATA, then you are going to have to fork over more money, but I'm assuming you're not going in that direction.)
7. CD-RW/DVD/blah blah blah - You want one? Choose one and go for it. You can get cheap non-brand name ones, or you can go for the high end brand name ones. So many to choose from, and lot's of good ones (and bad ones) out there. I recommend you read reviews posted on newegg of the products you are considering to see what people who purchased certain products think. They will tell you for instance if you buy a DVD player if it is quiet or noisy as hell.
8. NIC (network card - This really isn't a necessity these days. Most motherboard now include built in NICs. Get a motherboard with the NIC built in.
9. Sound Card - Same as above - most motherboards include built in sound nowadays, and they are usually quality. However if you are really keen on sound, then you can fork out the massive cash for a nice one. I recommend a Creative SoundBlaster Audigy 2 Z (or something like that.)
10. Miscellaneous - Monitors, floppy drive, speakers, mouse, keyboard, wireless card, etc. These are all small and random things you just have to choose and find.
When you have purchased and ordered your system, building it is relatively easy.
Open the case up (follow instructions from the book if you don't know.) and prepare it for installation. Open up your motherboard and processor, and place the processor into its socket, then place the heatsink and fan onto the CPU. (refer to included instructions). Connect the fan's cord to the motherboard. Next install RAM into the motherboard. Then place the motherboard into the case, making sure the screws line up with the holes, and whatnot. Then install all peripherals and connect your floppy, hard drive(s), CD drive(s), and so on. Connect your case's wires (power switch, reset, IDE LED, etc) to the motherboard, using your motherboard's manual as reference to what goes where. Make sure to connect the power supply to the motherboard (usually there are two wires.) If you are using more than one hard drive, make sure the jumpers are set on each to determine which is the slave and which is the master drive (same for multiple CD/DVD drives.)
Make sure that there is no power to the case or items while installing them. Also make sure you are in a relatively static-free area. Do not place eletronic items on the carpet, place them on the bags they came in, or a hard flat surface. Always touch a grounded object (such as the metal on your case) before actually handling the electronic components.
I'm not sure when you can expect the next big sale. I got some really good deals on what I bought on Thanksgiving day because Newegg was having a big sale. They will most likely have plenty more Christmas sales and whatnot, so just keep your eye out.
