Guide to Cheap Computers, Cheap Computer Parts, and Discount Computer Systems

Which is the more economical: Building a cheap computer from discount computer parts, or buying a pre-built discount computer system such as a Dell? Or how about a cheap barebone computer kit: it has all the computer hardware installed and all you need to do is install the operating system - will that help put more savings in your pocket for another copy of the latest game? 1st Cheap Computers Resource has the information to help you. Find the best cheap computer systems, cool computer cases, computer case mods, power supplies, video cards, sound cards, best computer speakers, cheap hard drives, discount computer memory, and even used refurbished computers from quality discount sources.

Plenty of ways to buy and build cheap computers – online and off

With computers fast becoming a “commodity” as Michael Dell likes to put it, prices are tumbling and hence you come searching for cheap computers. For those of you who prefer pre-built computer systems, we recommend these two online retailers:

Dell Computers
Hewlett-Packard (HP)

These are the two main sources to get cheap computers without sacrificing the quality. They offer regular offers through online rebates and discounts.

Another more resourceful way is to build the computer yourself.

Cheap computers – build or buy?

Is building your own PC really cheaper than buying one from the retail stores? Well, yes and no. It used to be the case that buying pre-fabricated computers from brands such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Apple Computer is relatively more expensive that building one yourself. But with the onslaught of cheap computers from makers like Dell, eMachines (now part of Gateway), Gateway and more recently, Hewlett-Packard, now all of a sudden you have got a ton of discount computers to choose from.

For instance, Dell regularly has promotions for their lines of desktops. Yes, you will still need to fill and send in those rebate forms and wait for them to come back to really get cash back. However, on top of the rebates you will also receive instant discount and you may even receive discount coupon codes in your emails from Dell. With some clever mix-and-match in Dell’s desktop customization menu and the price can (and does) get insanely low. As of this writing, there is a Dell Dimension 4600 desktop deal out there: P4 2.8GHz, 256MB, 40GB, 48x CD-ROM, 48x CD-RW, XP Home, 2 Year Basic Plan + Free Shipping is going for $499.10 after rebates and discounts. And this is not the lowest for this computer system.

Nevertheless, as you can see, it involves some work, and unless you are one of those avid bargain hunters you seldom get the best out of these deals. Furthermore, Dell’s proprietary system may put some people off, because once you buy a Dell and you want to upgrade your computer, your only choice for parts is from Dell.

HP has been recently adding cheap AMD computers to their online offerings, and the price matches Dell’s. But you may still face some upgrading and customization issues. Hence, the advantage of building your own cheap computers from the discount computer hardware we will show you here.

The Advantage of Building Your Very Own Cheap Computer System

For those who have built cheap computers before the advantage over buying a pre-built machine is clear. The computer is exactly as you have wanted it. When you want to upgrade or add new components to it, there are usually no compatibility issues (unless your motherboard is too old for the processor you want to upgrade to). Furthermore, as long as you are not building a state-of-the-art-thrash-all-the-competition ultimate-gaming-rig it does not have to break the bank.

Let me give you an example of my own:

I am currently typing from this cheap desktop computer I built myself just over 6 months ago using cheap computer parts from literally everywhere. Here are the specifications:

AMD Athlon XP 2200+ microprocessor - $80 (combo deal with motherboard)
ECS K7VTA3 VIA-KT333 motherboard
Crucial PC 2100 DDR memory (2 sticks at 256 MB each) - Free
Western Digital 180 GB 7200 RPM 8 MB cache hard drive - $100 after rebate
Gainward GeForce4 4200ti 128 MB video card - $70 used
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy sound card - $40 used
Lite-On 52X32X52 CDRW CD-burner - $10 after rebate
Cooler Master Aero 7 Lite CPU cooling fan and heatsink combo - $15
Chieftec 420W twin-fan computer power supply - $50
Side-window computer case - $30
17 inch LG flat screen CRT monitor - $100
Yamaha YST M50 2.1 80W multimedia computer speakers - $25 after rebate
The total price = about $520

I did a bit of digging to get these cheap computer parts. The Crucial memory for example was bought at $60 for four 256 MB sticks; sold two on eBay and so I ended up getting them for almost free :)

However, the truth is, without waiting for rebate deals you can still get exceptionally discount computer hardware online and in brick-and-mortar stores to build your computer cheap. If I can build this gaming computer – well obviously not a whole lot of firepower – for a low $520 (and that’s 6 months ago) when an Alienware gaming computer goes for $2000 and more without the monitor – then you can easily build cheap computers for ordinary use for much less.

The most important things to remember when building your own cheap computer are:
Always know what you want to build it for. Gaming? Office works? Video editing? Or a mix of everything.

Then search for specs for these types of computers. For instance, you can base your cheap gaming rig on mine. Or if you want a high end one, then visit the Alienware site for specs.

When it is time to buy the hardware, check your local newspapers for deals from your local stores. If you are not too fond of dealing with rebates, then visit cheap computer parts stores online for an excellent selection of cheap goodies. It is often crucial to find a good retailer such as Dealsonic with excellent customer support, so that if your ordered hardware ever breaks then it won’t be a nightmlare to do a RMA.

What if I have never built a computer before?

Well, before building my current computer, I have never built one. Nevertheless, I managed to assemble it in less than four hours. Not bad for a beginner ;) As I could remember, the most difficult part being putting on the heatsink and CPU fan.
So if you prefer a more hassle-free way, then Dell and Hewlett-Packard would offer a great selection of cheap computers.