Build Your Own Desktop Computer - The Complete Reference Guide

You may have heard that you can save a lot of money by building your own computer. Is this actually true? It used to be much more true that it is currently, but with consumer spending at such low ebb, manufacturers are coming up with impossible-to-resist deals that may sometimes be an even better value that what you can get building your own computer. There are other advantages to building your own computer besides price, however. For more information to help make the decision on whether or not to build or buy, I suggest reading: Computer Purchasing Tips - Custom PCs.

If you've decided that do-it-yourself is the way to go, now you need to ask yourself if you have the technical know-how to get the job done. In all honesty, building your own computer isn't that difficult so long as you have an excellent guide - like our own J. F. Amprimoz. I highly recommend reading his step-by-step 15-article guide to building your own computer, beginning with: Building a PC: Open Your Case and Get to Work!

You can't build a computer if you don't have the parts to do it, and obtaining those parts is the real trick, here. You want to make sure everything is compatible, and is exactly what you need. You also want to make sure you're getting a good deal. Along those lines, I highly recommend: Buying a PC Things to Know: Spending Less on PC Hardware.

But how do you select compatible parts? You'll have to familiarize yourself with all current PC technologies if you're going to select parts yourself, and that can take a very long time. These articles about Knowing What You Need for a General Use Computer, and, Knowing What You Need For High Demand Applications, can help, but instead, may I suggest one of Bright Hubs many guides on selecting parts for a new PC build?

Basic Home and Office Productivity PC for Under $300

How to Build a Cheap Gaming PC - Under $500

PC Build Part Recommendations: Cheap Gaming PC - Under $750

How to Build a Computer for Less Than $1000: Building a New Computer During a Recession

The Ultimate DIY Gaming PC For Under $1000

Build a $1500 Gaming PC

Building a Gaming PC Under $2500 - Top Parts Recommendations

Computer Build Parts Recommendations - A 2 TB File Server Under $800

Finding the right parts for your computer is one thing, but what about selecting an operating system? This could be a several hundred dollar investment, or it can be completely free. If you're looking to save money, you may want to give serious thought to Linux. On the other hand, you might want to stick with what you're familiar with - Windows, in it's various flavors. For help choosing, I suggest reading: Choosing an Operating System for Your New Build.

While you're doing some reading there, educate yourself about what is possible by switching to Linux in: What are the Advantages of Linux? Since there are so many hundreds of Linux Distributions you may be wondering which one to choose. Find the answer in: Which is the Best Linux Distribution for a New User? For more Linux Distribution information, see the Linux Distribution List - By Type.