by Patrick Julius

Created on: June 30, 2007   Last Updated: July 02, 2007

It's something of a rite of passage in computer geek circles: your first computer built from scratch. It's much cheaper than buying a retail system, it's relatively quick and easy to do, and above all it allows for limitless customization.

To make the job easier, I've laid out a few basic steps, which can be supplemented with other sources:

1. Decide what you want to use the computer for; this will be a major factor in everything else to come. My most recent computer was designed for 64-bit Ubuntu Linux (which, in case you're not in the know about Linux, doesn't cost a dime). I plan to use it mostly for word processing, Internet access, and of course learning and getting used to Linux.

2. Choose your processor. This is by far the most-important and least-upgradeable component in your computer. It's the heart, the prefrontal cortex, the Big Kahuna. Base your decision on two factors and two factors only: budget and speed. Honestly, all that stuff about L2 caches and the eternal AMD versus Intel debate is quite beside the point for all but the most advanced users. Try to get a processor that comes with its own cooling system; you can upgrade the heat sink if you want, but if you use the one that comes with it it's easy to put together and you know it will work. Count in dollars and gigahertz, and shop around; you'll be surprised what you can find. I found an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (that has a clock speed of 2.0 GHz, not to mention 64-bit capability) for only $47.50.

3. Choose the rest of your hardware. You'll need the following at minimum:
* A case to hold everything
* A power supply
* Cooling fans, the more the merrier
* A motherboard compatible with your processor
* A sound card
* An ethernet card (the usual 10/100 will do)
* RAM; get at least 512 MB and not more than 2 GB; make sure it's compatible with your processor and motherboard
* A hard drive; just about anything will do, since the smallest you can get these days is 80 GB or so, which is plenty for almost anyone.
* A CD-ROM drive (preferably a CD-R, CD-RW, or better yet a DVD+RW or DVD-RAM)
* A 3.5-inch floppy drive (you laugh, but they're cheap and reliable. If your CD-RW fails and you really need to back up that file, floppies will do it.)
* A monitor (flat panels are better for your eyes, but pricier)
* A keyboard and mouse

4. Add optional components, depending on what you want to use the computer for:
* A video card, if you want to watch movies or play games
* Speakers, if you love music
* Additional hard drives, if you

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