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Build Computers:
Computer Case - This can be as plain or as fancy as you like. Many people choose a case to match their personality. Make sure your case includes a 250+ Watt power supply. Click here for an excellent selection of cases.
Motherboard - The motherboard is one of the most important components in your computer. You can order your motherboard with the processor preinstalled or without a processor, with onboard sound and graphics or without. A good motherboard should also include several USB 2.0 connections.
Processor - This is the brains of your computer. The top processors are made by AMD and Intel. Be sure choose a motherboard that is compatible with the processor you choose. For the average home user a lower end processor, such as the AMD 2400 or the Intel P4 2.4 GHz will work fine. If you plan on high end gaming you will want the best processor you can afford.
Hard Drive - This is the storage area for your computer. The average user can get by with a 40GB or 80GB hard drive. If you plan on storing a lot of video, pictures or music files you may want to choose a 120GB or larger hard drive.
CD/DVD Drive - Do you want the ability to watch DVDs on your computer or to be able to write home videos to DVD? How about writing to CDs? With the price drop for writeable DVD/CD players it's best to be on the safe site and purchase a unit that writes to both CD and DVD.
Floppy Drive - A Floppy drive is not as important as it use to be. Some people even opt to leave them off of their systems. With the cost being below $20 it doesn't hurt to go ahead and include one in your system.
Memory - Memory is critical to system speed. When building your own computer you should include a minimum of 256 MB. 512 MB is better and 1,024 MB is even better, especially for running graphics intensive applications such as video editing and video games.
Graphics Card - The average user can get by just fine with the onboard graphics provided on most motherboards. But a high user who does a lot of gaming or video editing will want to add more processing power for your graphics.
Sound Card - As with graphics, many motherboards include online sound. I would only suggest upgrading to a better sound card if you plan on doing gaming or want to add surround sound capability. Creative Labs makes one of the best sound cards.
Speakers - Usually basic speakers will work just fine but for gaming or using your PC as an entertainment center you will want to add more advanced speakers with 5.1 surround sound.
Keyboard/Mouse - Every computer needs a keyboard and mouse. Just decide whether you want to go wireless, optical or take the cheap route.
Battery Backup (UPS) - Protect your computer and files with a battery backup and surge protector. Click here for more details.
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