Hello everyone,

I just decided to build my own computer and I’m pretty psyched! I’ve carefully selected my components and I can’t wait to get started. I wanted to build an inexpensive, fast, modern machine that will allow me to upgrade in the future. This is not a gaming machine but it could easily handle some games as is. If I ever wanted to run high resource games I would have to upgrade a few components.

I was not interested in overclocking the CPU and I had no need to buy a “snazzy” gaming case. I didn’t need a huge hard drive nor a blu-ray optical drive. My budget was $550.00 and I am very happy with the components selected.

Here are the components that I have selected:

CPU: Intel Core i3 2100 = $125.00

MOTHERBOARD: ASRock P67 EXTREME6 (B3) = $190.00

MEMORY: Crucial 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 133 = $40.00

CASE & POWER SUPPLY: Cooler Master Centurion 534 + 460W Power Supply = $65.00 (combo deal)

GRAPHICS CARD:  The ASRock mobo has no onboard video chipset so it is unable to take advantage of the very good graphic capabilities of the Intel Core i3 2100. I decided on the very basic but decent EVGA GeForce 8400 GS = $25.00

HARD DRIVE: Western Digital Caviar Blue 320GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache = $40.00

OPTICAL DRIVE: ASUS 24X DVD Burner = $20.00

OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit = $41.00 (from a 3-user family pack that I bought earlier)

A great and powerful computer for only $546.00 (easily upgradable too). Can you believe it!

Professor Randy says: There is nothing like building your own machine! You can handpick the components and get exactly what you want. Just make sure to leave room for future upgrades as you make your initial selection of parts.