Learn how to build the computer below by watching videos.

Anyone can build a computer. Sit down and watch our videos for 2 hours and you will be able to build a PC. The videos are available online, here, on the site and you can get the same videos on DVD with Free shipping, worldwide. You can watch the DVD on your home DVD player or computer. This is the complete set of videos.

Everything you need to know in order to build a computer is included on the DVD and online videos.

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Updated 02-27-2010


$250 Computer Upgrade Parts List

If you already have a computer and would like to upgrade it, this is a great starting point.

This computer upgrade uses the same basic components as the $500 computer.  The difference is that you don't have to buy the hard drive, DVD drive, monitor, keyboard and mouse.  If you want to upgrade your computer, you already have these components as part of your current computer.  The externals are universal and standard so your monitor, keyboard and mouse will work without any problems.  The hard drive and DVD from your existing computer can be either IDE or SATA. Both the Intel and AMD motherboards have for 2 IDE controllers and 4 SATA II controllers.

The reason for replacing your case is that a lot of computers you buy pre-built come with a non standard case and power supply.  Replacing the case and power supply get rids of any compatibility problems and gives you a fresh start, while saving you money vs building completely from scratch with new drives and externals.

 The Processor (CPU)

make a computerIntel Socket 775

 alt

Description

Where to Buy

Price

Notes

Intel Pentium E5300 Wolfdale 2.6GHz

Newegg.com

$67.99

We have chosen a solid performing CPU. This CPU will keep your system speedy for years to come without braking the bank.  It's a dual core which means you can have multiple things going on at once and it will split the load between the 2 CPU cores.  It's like having 2 CPU's in 1 and it's a must going forward. Check out the CPU component lesson for more on CPU features and specifications to look for.

build computersAMD Socket AM3

Description

Where to Buy

Price

Notes

AMD Athlon X2 250 3GHz

Newegg.com

$64.00

For the AMD based system we have also chosen a solid performer.  You may notice the speed in megahertz is faster than the Intel CPU.  3GHz vs 2.5GHz for the Intel.  This will result in about equal performance to the Intel CPU, but slightly less. Check out the CPU component lesson for an explanation of this performance difference. This CPU is also dual core, like the Intel, so it's a solid performer for you every day tasks.



The Motherboard

Choose your motherboard depending on if you want an Intel or AMD CPU.


build your own pcIntel Socket 775

Description

Where to Buy

Price

Notes

GIGABYTE GA-G41M-ES2L

Newegg.com

$64.99

This motherboard has a great reputation for being very stable.  Supports a max of 8GB of RAM.  Has on-board networking and sound.  It's the perfect platform for building a basic, do pretty much anything very well, computer.



build a computerAMD Socket AM2/AM2+

Description

Where to Buy

Price

Notes

ASRock K10N78M

Newegg.com

$54.99

For the AMD based system we've chosen a motherboard with better features than the Intel based motherboard above and yet it is slightly less expensive than the Intel option.  This is the norm for Intel vs. AMD systems.  The AMD specific motherboard is less expensive than the Intel.  The reason for this is Intel CPUs have higher performance than AMD CPUs.  So AMD CPUs and motherboards are priced less to make up for this performance gap. This motherboard supports 8GB of RAM and has on-board video. The on-board sound and networking are comparable to the Intel based motherboard.

 
altRAM (Memory)

The RAM Memory speed needs to match what the motherboard can handle.  DDR2 800 or 1066

Description

Where to Buy

Price

Notes

For both Intel and AMD based Systems

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066

Newegg.com

$52.99

This RAM Memory is for both Intel and AMD based motherboards. 

 
assemble a computerVideo card: Optional for 3D gaming performance

Description

Where to Buy

Price

Notes

EVGA 01G-P3-N959-TR GeForce 9500 GT 1GB

Newegg.com

$64.99

The AMD motherboard has an on-board video adapter that is all you need for web based games and other 2D games. You can add an optional video card to improve the performance of 3D games.  The Intel motherboard doesn't have on board video so you will need a video card. This is the best bang for you buck video card under $75.  See the video card component lesson for what a video card is with definitions of features.  To turn this $500 computer into a gaming computer you can get one of the video cards listed in the $800 gaming computer list.

 

altCase and Power Supply

Description

Where to Buy

Price

Notes

COOLER MASTER Elite RC-330-KKR1

Newegg.com

$59.99

This case is very similar to the case we used in the 2007 videos and still recommend today.  It cools extremely well and is very quiet.  See the case and power supply video lesson for features and specifications to look for in a custom computer case. This case has room for 4 DVD drives, 5 hard drives and 1 extra, 120mm cooling fan.  

 

altCooling Fans

Description

Where to Buy

Price

Notes

Scythe SY1225SL12M 120mm "Slipstream" Case Fan 

Newegg.com

$8.99

The case we recommend above has 1, 120mm fan and space for one more at the front of the case.  To keep your hard drives cool and bring in cool air for all of your components we recommend this fan. This Scythe 120mm cooler is very quiet, which will help keep down the noise level of your computer.


Sound and Network - included on the motherboard

The motherboard include sound and network adapters so you don't need to buy a separate add on card.

For a PCI computer sound card comparison see the computer sound card component video lesson

For more on
the Network card component see the Modem and Network card component video lesson.

 


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Why we recommend Newegg.com

You will notice that all of the links to the components in the list are pointing to Newegg.com.  We do receive a commission for any purchases made that come from these links.  Our commission is 1%.  This is not very much.  We could direct our customers to other sites where we would receive much higher commissions.  We chose Newegg because we absolutely believe they are the best place to buy online.  They consistently have the lowest prices, best selection, helpful end user reviews and real customer service.  If you have a problem with a part you can call them up and talk to a real person about whether to exchange it or get a refund.