EC Build

How to Build a Computer

Building your own computer can result in a custom machine at a cheaper cost.

Building your own computer can result in a custom machine at a cheaper cost.

HOWSTUFFWORKS

Have you ever thought about building your own computer? Actually buying a motherboard and a case ­along with all the supporting components and assembling the whole thing yourself?

Here are three reasons why you might want to consider taking the plunge:

You'll be able to create a custom machine that exactly matches your needs.

It will be much easier to upgrade your machine in the future because you'll understand it completely.

You may be able to save some money.

And, if you've never done it before, you'll definitely learn a lot about computers.

­In this app, we'll take you through the entire process of building a computer. You'll learn how to choose the parts you'll use, how to buy them and how to put them all together. When you're done, you'll have exactly the machine that you need.

­The first step in building a computer is deciding what type of machine you want to build. Do you want a really inexpensive computer for the kids to use? A small, quiet machine to use as a media computer in the living room? A high-end gaming computer? Or maybe you need a powerful machine with a lot of disk space for video editing. The possibilities are endless, and the type of machine you want to build will control many of the decisions you make down the line