Shop around for used parts to build a cheap computer.
Not everyone can drop hundreds of dollars into a super-fast gaming computer with all the latest technology and goodies. Most computer users only need their computer for browsing the Internet, writing e-mail and doing homework. If you fall into both those categories, then finding parts to build a computer for $100 or less is easy. Buying older parts and getting them used from garage sales, used computer stores or online auctions will significantly bring down the cost of building your computer.
Instructions
1. Shop garage sales, online auctions and used computer stores. Price parts on eBay using the "completed listings" view before bidding on an auction there. Consider also buying from friends and relatives, or asking them to donate spare parts. Look for an incomplete computer system, such as an old computer missing hard drives or memory to further save money. Go online and download the latest version of Ubuntu or another Linux operating system, and burn the image to a digital video disc as a free alternative to Windows.
2. Buy a socket 478 motherboard, an Intel Pentium 4 processor, and double-data rate (DDR) memory for the best value. Buy an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) hard drive with at least 40 gigabytes of space; more if you plan to save lots of photos, music or other large files. A DVD reader is required to install most modern operating systems. Also buy a case and an Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) power supply compatible with IDE drives. If you already bought a computer with some parts left in it, replace only those parts that are non-functioning.
3. When building a computer, start with the case and install the motherboard. Pull up the lever next to the processor socket, place the processor in the socket, and push down the lever. Place the heat sink and fan unit on top of the processor and secure it with any clips or screws included. Plug the processor fan into the matching 3 or 4-pin connector on the motherboard. Install memory on the motherboard next, being sure to push the sticks in all the way until the clips fit neatly on each side. Find the square 4-pin Molex connector and the wider 20-pin connector cables on your power supply and attach them to the motherboard.
4. Look for the drive bays. There will be some 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch bays, usually located towards the case's front, although the number of each varies from case to case. Remove a 5.25-inch panel from the front of the case if needed and slide your optical drive into the bay. Secure it on each side with screws. Find a 3.5-inch bay, slide your hard drive into it, and secure on both sides with screws. Use IDE ribbon cables to attach the drives to the motherboard; the easiest way is to use one cable for each. Find two 4-pin Molex power cables on your power supply and connect them to your drives.
5. Set up your computer with any peripherals you wish. You at least need a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Plug in the computer with a universal power cord and turn it on. Install the operating system using your burned install disc. Follow the prompts it gives to set up your computer.
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