Help me build a computer!!?

Question

Ok heres the deal.

I'm 15 years old and I've been mowing all summer to save up for this project.

Sadly, I've been sucking at saving and only got up to $250

Im hoping to build my first computer though.

I've already researched everything, taken apart our old computer, and put it back together.

So I know HOW to do it, I just need someone to help me get the components I need.

This is my first computer so I'm not expecting much, but I also don't want it to be a piece of c**p. I just want it to have iTunes, internet capibilities, run microsoft office 2007, and use vista IF POSSIBLE.

But here it is...

I already have a mouse, keyboard, monitor, Vista OS, microsoft office 2007, speakers, and case.

Can someone PLEASE give me a list of the things to buy.

Remember, I only have $250!

I know its not much, thats why I'm not expecting much. Just please help me get a list of the specific products to buy.

Answer 1

just go to neweggs

I dont think anyone wanna stay online and research u

Answer 2

The things to keep in mind, that a computer needs the four basic components to work. Without them it simply "wont" work.

- Mother board ( on which every thing is placed like processors , cards etc)

- Processor ( which performs the actual maths and computations)

- RAM ( the random access memory so processor can put its temp data into it and use it later on)

- Hard disk (to store your permanent data, like Windows files, office, your games etc)

now addressing them individually

Motherboard - Its not a mess - you can buy on that can support around 2.5 G hz of processor (try acer or intel - acer would be bit cheap)

Processor - For office and vista try a processor of around 2.5 GHz - (2 GHz should work fine)

RAM - This is the most important part for most of the programs these days, because the greater it is, more efficiently your programs would work, as they have more memory to put in their stuff

Hard disk - for a normal user, 80 + GB is more than enough - after checking all the three components above, just see how much you are left with.

Buying second hand:

You can buy second hand motherboard and processor, and "most" of the times they work fine; if you know how to check them before buying, because second hand components have no warranty, unlike first hand (which have warranty of 1 year)

Answer 3

So you'll be wanting a

motherboard

+ processor

+ ram

+hard drive

+PSU (if your case lacks one)

+graphics card (or use an integrated motherboard graphics temporarily)

For your price range I'd suggest the following two lists, look around the $50-60 mark, you can pickup a cheap AMD or Intel for $50-70.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...

The motherboard's gonna depend on which processor you choose, but newegg's got a good range, so find one with the right socket that's cheap. If going AMD get an AM2+ mobo so you can switch up to a phenom/ AM3 socket chip(in future) without issues. Remember to consider spending more on integrated graphics - It'll be rubbish for gaming but will mean your pc is usable until you get some more cash.

Cost ~$50

You're probably going to be using DDR2 RAM. goto crucial.com and enter the name of your chosen motherboard. It'll find RAM kits that are 100% guaranteed to work.

With Vista, I'd recommend getting 2GB, 1 GB won't cut it, especially if you go with integrated graphics.

Cost ~ $40

Leaves ~$100 for a hard drive. (and maybe a PSU).

If you need a PSU, you'll want one you can keep for a while and is upgrade worthy. However on this budget, anything with a 6-pin-pci-e connector will do (so you have more graphic's options.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...

cost ~$25

Hard drives are all pretty much the same, so use whatever you think suits your needs.

A Note on graphics : Some integrated graphic's won't allow the use of the vista 'Aero' interface, as they are that underpowered. Fret not, you're not missing much, and you'll want to upgrade asap anyway.

If you find you've enough budget left for a small card, an 8600GT performs adequately and can be had for ~$55

!! http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as... 8600GTS for $43 limited time. Time to beg/borrow/steal :) Remember if you get a card you can skimp on the motherboard's integrated to save some budget.

Good luck.

EDIT: Forgot you'll want a DVD drive, say $25. (makes the graphic's budget nonexistant I'm afraid.

Answer 4

whats the point of building your own computer if all you did was bought computer parts and connect them together?.. trust me, Im just like you; same age, and wants to build technology but know this, go to college first before trying to achieve an ideal dream

Answer 5

You're not going to get anything worth running with Vista for $250. Maybe XP, but definitely not Vista.

I suggest that you use the computer you have now, save up more money, then get a computer you can be proud of.

Answer 6

This should work for ya

motherboard&cpu combo $119:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...

memory sticks $25:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...

hard drive $50

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...

cpu fan $20

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...

I think you'll be fine with these. And vista will work but i recommend XP