I have a couple questions. I am relatively good with computers, such as software, programs, operating systems, etc... But I would like build my own computer out of hardware, then load a couple of Linux OS's onto it. I have never really messed around with hardware beside changing the RAM on a old desktop. I was wondering that, if and when I decide to do this, how hard would it be on me, and my very tiny wallet. I may be able to get my hands on some old computer parts to make the cost cheaper, and for the case I was thinking of just using plexiglass. (Poly carbonate) I have never really done anything like this, but I think it will be a fun project. I would like to know how much something like this would cost, where I could get the parts from, and how hard the assembly would be. I know some of the people on these forums are experts, so sorry if this post is misplaced.

Hi -

Hardware is such a commodity (i.e. so cheap) ... and trying to get old parts to "play nice" with each other can be such an EXPENSIVE hassle (have YOU tried pricing RAM for a 486 or Pentium-II class PC lately ) ...
that I honestly think it's foolish not to simply buy off-the-shelf parts. Instead of scrounging "hand-me-downs" from garages and dumpsters.

Newer is definitely Better

"Off the shelf" can mean:
a) Frys, MicroCenter or the equivalent
... or ...
b) your local swap meet

Basic parts include:
* CPU (minimum 64-bit multi-code: they're COMMODITIES)
* Motherboard
<= maximum $100USD;
should include built-in NIC and video adapter (unless you're doing serious gaming)
should support as many USB 2.0 ports as possible
should be expandable >> 4-8GB
* RAM
* Power supply (don't scrimp)
* Case (simple metal is fine)
* Hard drive, DVD reader/writer

All of the above together can be SURPRISINGLY inexpensive!

IMHO...

I have just build my own PC, installed f14 64bit and Windows 7 for photoshop. My PC is going me performance like anything.

My hardware configuration is :
CPU : AMD phenom x2 550 Blackbox (core 2 due equivalent but with 8 MB cache )
Asus m4a785-m Motherboad
2 GB DDR2 RAM
500 GB HDD
20" LG LCD
Cabinet

These was cost me around INR 21000 4 months back. I dont know the current price for the same. But I should suggest you this machine.

It is usually cheaper to build a computer yourself from parts, at least that's what I've found. You put in it exactly what you need and nothing more, that way you end up saving money. I built 2 computers recently and they are both working fine.

If you have no money and you're going to use ancient parts, it will be a problem. I recommend you save up some money and buy yourself some decent new parts. My more recent build was an Atom-based computer and it was very cheap, something like $300 or less. It runs quite well, the only issue being the single channel RAM, which causes loading time for FF to double. I hope the newer FF, when it comes out, will be faster.

I built a similar spec machine with addition of 1gig video card nvidia and 2.1 channel speakers for around 22k bucks. The difference was, we used intel CPU and motherboard and the ram was 3gig ddr3. Also got 320gigx2 hdd instead of one for important data backup just in case of some unfortunate incident. Not just that we saved some money out of it, it was some fun on a sunday as well. Getting together building the computer, some geeky stuff and a good lunch with friends.

Ya money is the main problem, this may be something that has to wait until early-mid next year, but it's still good to learn in advance. I checked online for parts, and I don't know if they are compatible with each other, but it sounds like it. I will definitely still have to think about this, then get the money, but like I said, planning never killed anyone. Here are the parts I might/would buy if I get the money and go through with it.
CPU : AMD Sempron
Mother board: AMD or Asus
Power supply: ThermalTake
Harddrive: Western Digital 1TB
CD Drive: LiteScribe Reader/Burner.

Now I have one more question. Is the assembly of all the parts hard? I would NOT like to buy all these parts and not know what to do with them and have wasted my money...

EDIT: You may notice that I didn't include RAM, but I have a relative that has loads of DDR2 sticks that I could have.

It's not difficult. Just make sure you've got the motherboard's manual which shows where to connect all the cables from the PSU, enclosure, etc.
The thing that I found most difficult when I first built a computer was to fit a heatsink on the CPU. I found it easier for AMD brackets. For some reason I struggled with Intel at first

Oh, well I'm sure I could get help from one of my friends or something, but I want to do most of this my self. I also realized I didn't post a case or anything, but that was because I saw somewhere that you can make your own using Polycarbonate glass. (Plexiglass) Is this advisable, or should I buy a case, because it is alot cheaper to spend $10 bucks on plexiglass at the local hardware store than $50 bucks for a fancy case that I don't need. Plus I can make the case look how I want and put just put cheap case mods on it from frys.com that are pretty cheap, and look cool. So do the parts I listed look like they will go with each other?

Well, if you have a standard case, it's quite easy.

It involves:
Screw in PSU, DVD drive, case fans, HDD, mobo
Insert processor and mount heat sink
Insert PCI, PCI-E cards
Connect cables and headers
That's it, boot it.

You should refer to the manual for more details.

The only problem I usually come across is I'm missing some cables, often SATA. In the smaller microATX case I had a hard time fitting the DVD player so it would eject properly, but I did it by omitting some screws. I like ATX cases and boards, they are easier to work with. Also, the Intel heat sink that comes with the processor is hard to understand how to mount, some notes:

Hmm, I looked at some guides online and it seems simple. The thing is cases run $50 and up, so I would like to just make my own, because it saves alot of money, and it will look alot cooler than a Icase I could buy. Like I said earlier I was doing to get some Plexiglass, build a case with shelves for the Motherboard, Hard Drive, PSU, Disc Drive, then assemble the computer itself, but Will that work? Do cases you can buy come with parts that I need?

You forgot "Insert RAM", which (IMO) would go right in between "Insert processor/mount heatsink/fan" and "Insert PCI(-e) cards".

I've never built my own computer from off-the-shelf parts before, either, but I have upgraded my main desktop (upgraded RAM, replaced video card, added second SATA HDD), so I know a little about how to deal with hardware...I've been thinking of building a new desktop myself, actually. The only real constraint for me is money (not employed yet; gonna need to get employed ), but other than that I'm sure I could figure it out. I'm subscribing to this thread though because it looks like it's got some good info.

It will work as long as you build the case correctly. I've never built a case before, so don't know if I can help. I would model it after a case, or at least make sure to plan everything out beforehand. Where the components will go, fans, etc.

Ah yes, I knew I would forget something. Well, I mean just look at the pieces that you bought and assemble them in a logical order.

Haha, ya employment is my problem right now... I get money every once in a while by fixing people's computers if something serious goes wrong, but I don't get that much money. Also: Wireless cards. Can you use them in this sort of scenario, and how much do they cost?

Cases are one place where you can save some money by using an old one. An old beige box should cost very little or nothing. Make sure that you have the right "form factor " for your motherboard.
Note that the advantage of a metal case is that it acts as a "Faraday screen" and prevents interference with things like TVs - though I don't know how much of a problem this is likely to be - it will depend on your circumstances.
A couple of sites that I found useful when building:
Build your own PC
There is a guide to PCs that is well worth reading before you start, even though it's a bit old.
Silent PC Review
Beware of static electricity, earth yourself before touching motherboards and other static-sensitive stuff.
(Beware of the other kind too!! - Don't work on a board that's got power on it.)
As someone said above, don't skimp on the power supply. Cheap ones are noisy, and don't supply a very constant voltage, which can be bad for other bits.

Yeah, one of my friends (at least, last time I checked) seems to be rather paranoid about that; suggested that I needed to get one of those anti-static wrist strap things before doing any real work. My rule-of-thumb has always been to at least touch something metal (such as the case, if it happens to be metal) before handling any of the hardware. So far I haven't had anything fail on me...but I suppose the usual comeback to that is that I could have "shortened the device's lifespan" ...