first home built computer

[TexRanger1]

I am planning to build my first home built computer. I have a P233 MMX motherboard, 64ram and 4 meg video card and that is all. I am looking for a good 'how to guide' so I can learn first hand what goes in to it. There is a limit to the $$$'s available as well. any suggestions?

[alien_from_io]

www.smartcomputing.com (http://www.smartcomputing.com) lots of help magazines of which I like the best, Windows98 PC Novice Learning series. They offer one on building, but can't find my master catalog. I like these better than Win xx for dummies, this book doesn't assume you know much.. very basic. good luck,, Take me to your leader.

[happyhamster]

http://www.verinet.com/pc/
http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm

[Ed_S]

This should help!

How-to guide (http://www.sysopt.com/buildpc/)

As to getting components reasonably, since this is a first attempt with limited funds I'd recommend looking for a used 486 or even 386 to gut. Make sure to get a standard AT case design, don't even look at old Packard Bell's!! Around here they can be had for around $25. But of course, the less you spend the uglier they get!
You might even find one with a monitor, that's a major chunk of the budget.

That would give you quite a few parts & you can see how it all goes together as you take it apart.

Ed



[This message has been edited by Ed_S (edited 01-26-2000).]

[Johnny]

Great place for step by step instructions. www.anandtech.com/html/articledisplay.cfm?document=283 (http://www.anandtech.com/html/articledisplay.cfm?document=283)

[Dreamboat Annie]

Texranger1,

I am also in the process of researching components to build my first PC!

As per alien_from_io's post, there is a wonderful magazine by PC NOVICE/SMART COMPUTING called "How to Upgrade Anything". It goes into detail about each component and how to install them all. It's written in easy step-by-step instructions and great illustration. You can find it in the magazine section of your local newstand (U.S.A.) for about $5.95.

You can also check your local library and used book stores for books, which can save you some money.

Good Luck!

[Titan]

http://www.sysopt.com/buildpc/ Just another option.

[Fredman]

It really depends on what you want to do, AND what you want to be replacing/upgrading to in the next 1-2 years.
I have built 2 home PC's in the past 5 months, and have saved about $250.00 just with Rebates, so watch for those.
1) Buy Computer Shopper
2) surf www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com)
3) be leery of shipping costs if ordering by Mail.
4) What do you want to do ?
I wanted an ATA/66 box, so i started with
an ATX case ($40.00), ABIT BE-6 Board
(100.00 at the time), 128 mb ram ($80.00 at the time), But i didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on a CPU so i made sure
I got a Motherbaord that would support both a Celeron 400 (65.00 Today), but i also wanted the flexability to buy a P-III 550 WHEN the prices drop later... Even though folks will argue i am shooting myself in the foot running ATA/66 with a 66mhz board speed CPU and not a 100mhz chip, i see little if any difference in speed.

Another thing i learned is if you are buying from a local 'Chain' Compter store like CompUSA or BestBuy, is to buy on SUNDAY - that gives you 3 Sundays' to look at Ads
and see if someone drops a price on something you bought so you can get a price diff. refund. (i have twice - saved $80.00).
These stores have a 2 week price 'Guarantee'.
Sometimes they bend it beyond 2 weeks...

But it does depend on what you want to do, and how long before you want another Antique.

[Fredman]

SORRY - i misread your note. I see you already HAVE some of the stuff. In this case, I'd get Computer Shopper, go from there.
A Creative SoundBlaster Live! value pack is an AWESOME soundcard, 40-60.00 on pricewatch.com

What you have is borderline 'acceptable' for about the next 6 months. But again, it depends on what you want to do...

What do you want to be buying ?