Build Your Own

Home PC Computer System

Finding Discount Computer Parts

This is the part in building your own home PC that you can potentially save yourself the most money if you take your time shopping around for the best deal. Watch the circulars in your local paper for sales, especially on last years parts when their newer versions are being released.

Once you have decided what you are going to primarily use your computer for, and you have reviewed which parts are available for reuse, you should make a list of what components you will need to actually build your computer. Always research the best components for your computer's application, and be sure on the exact specifications that you will need, as this will save a lot of time and effort when you start shopping around. Make sure that you understand all terminology related to components before you purchase, as this can also save a lot of confusion later in the process.

There are several places to buy parts:

• Internet retailers generally offer the best price for new parts. The main disadvantage occurs if a part is broken and requires returns.
• Auction sites offer very good prices for used parts. This is especially useful for parts which do not wear out. As with internet retailers, returns can be problematic.
• Local PC shops - Their prices are higher, but they make up for this by providing a lot of expertise.
• Big local retailers often have low technical expertise and not very good prices, but are very useful because they can handle returns quickly.
• Trade shows that occur from time to time also provide a good place to shop, as the prices are often significantly reduced but again buyer-beware. By the time you get home and get the part installed to find out its broken, the trade show has ended, so get the sellers personal information and agree on a refund policy.

Also, check your local town dump. They may have a special section for computers & monitors that others have gotten rid of. Many times these are more or less brand new computers with such trivial problems as a busted power supply or faulty cables. Of course if the dump does have such a section, it is wise to ask permission of those in charge. They're usually glad to let you go through it, but don't leave a mess. Taking advantage of this can yield incredible finds, with a price tag of free.

OEM vs Retail

Most hardware manufacturers will sell the same components for both OEM and Retail computers.

• Retail hardware is intended to be sold to the end-user through retail channels, and will come fully packaged with manuals, accessories, software, etc.
• OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer"; items labeled as such are sold in bulk and are intended for use by firms which may integrate the components into their own products.

However, many online stores will offer OEM hardware at cheaper prices than the corresponding retail versions. You will usually receive such an item by itself in an anti-static bag. It may or may not come with a manual or a CD containing drivers. Warranties on OEM parts may often be shorter, and sometimes require you to obtain support through your vendor, rather than the manufacturer. Other than that, OEM components themselves are usually the same as their retail counterparts.

Build Your Own PC, 4th Edition (Build Your Own)