How to Build a Cheap Computer

Don't have the money to buy a new computer? Don't want to buy one? Here's how to build one on a budget.

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 Steps

   
    Choose the components you would like to build the computer with. Try searching for the items on sites like Amazon, as it is sometimes cheaper than buying them from specialist stores such as Maplin.
   
    When you recieve the parts, assemble them together, as detailed below:
        Unscrew one side panel of the PC case
        Install the CPU into the motherboard CPU Socket (Be careful to align the CPU properly into the socket. Try to align the two corners with no pins)
        Install the CPU heatsink and fan on top of the CPU
        Install the RAM into the RAM slots on the motherboard and apply firm pressure until the RAM clicks into place
        Screw the motherboard into the computer case
        Connect the wires from the front panel of the computer case to the motherboard front panel pins. This is different for each motherboard, and detailed instructions should be included in your motherboard documentation.
        Screw the hard drive into the disk rack at the front of the PC case
        Screw the CD/DVD drive into the rack, and push out one of the pieces of plastic so the drive is visible on the front panel
        Connect one end of a SATA cable to the motherboard, and the other to the hard disk, taking care to plug the motherboard end into the slot marked 'Hard Disk' or 'HDD'. Repeat with another cable for the CD/DVD drive, plugging one end to the motherboard, and the other to the CD/DVD drive
        Screw in the power supply into the PC case, and connect the appropriate cables to the motherboard, hard disk, and CD/DVD drive
        Replace the side panel of the computer case
   
    Install the operating system, by starting the computer, inserting the setup disk, then selecting 'Select boot device', followed by the CD/DVD drive, for example "IDE CD/DVD Device", then follow the instructions on screen

Tips

    You can also buy a computer kit with all the parts you need.
    Don't expect the latest and greatest on a budget, you won't get it
Warnings

    Do NOT force any components, they are very delicate, and could cause them to break
    Take care when installing RAM, pushing too hard can damage it
    Take your time, using too much haste can cause silly mistakes

Things You'll Need

    PC Case (Around £30 - Amazon)
    Motherboard (Around £35 - Amazon)
    Random Access Memory (RAM) (Around £20 - Amazon)
    CPU (with Heatsink and Fan) (CPU around £40; Heatsink & Fan around £10 - Amazon)
    Hard drive (HDD) (Around £30 - Amazon)
    SATA Data Cables (x2) (Around £2 - Amazon)
    Power Supply (PSU) (Around £25 - Amazon)
    Video card (if the motherboard doesn't have a inbuilt one, or you would like higher graphics capability for games etc.) (Motherboard Integrated)
    CD/DVD ROM (to install the operating system, and/or to play most types of video games) (Around £10 - Amazon)
    Operating System (Windows XP/Vista/7; Ubuntu; Linux etc.) (Ubuntu and some other Linux distributions are free for personal use)
    Screws
    Screwdriver
    Total: Around £202