I’ve been doing upgrades of my main desktop computer about every four or five years. Recently I got the “builder’s bug” and decided to do a complete rebuild. Using parts ordered from Newegg.com, I spent less than $900 for a gaming-class machine. Mail-in rebates should recover some of my expenses as well. Highlights of my new computer:
- AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8 GHz triple core CPU, clocked at 3.3 GHz
- Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P 2 oz. copper motherboard
- Asus 512MB Radeon HD 4850 video card
- Two hard drives: Western Digital 74GB SATA Raptor (primary), Westen Digital 1TB SATA (secondary)
- 4GB DDR2 memory at 1066 MHz clock
- Samsung DVD/CD-ROM RW drive/burner
- Antec 300 case/Seasonic 550W power supply/Xigmatek cooler (massive)
- Windows Vista 64-bit operating system
Computer building has some interesting challenges, but it’s a very satisfying “maker” project! If done with care, a DIY computer builder can create a great machine on a designated budget.
Among other places, a good overview of DIY computer building can be found at MySuperPC.com.
