I would like to share a talent of mine to help someone out there who can't afford for someone to build a Gaming Computer for themselves! Now, This computer doesn't have to be a "gaming computer" but a high end computer, a video editing computer, or the family computer.

Ok. Let's determine how much money you want to spend. For this illustration, we'll do it on about $500. The lower you go, obviously the less performance, but $500 is fair enough, and you'll still get a good computer.

Parts: Prices as of August 2013

• You will need an OS, or, in computer terminology: an Operating System. Let's go with Windows 7 or 8 Home Premium. Because this OS is usually pretty good priced when purchased singly, you can go to Tiger Direct, Newegg, or some other discount retailer. Price=$91 at Amazon.
• Then, you will need your Case. A case will hold all of your parts, and protect them. Let's go with Cooler Master HAF at Newegg $60. Sometimes you can purchase one for $25 or $40.

I will include a package deal from Newegg: Only $316 now. Granted deals change all the time, but you should be able to find one even after this article is published.

At this time, it includes a power supply, a motherboard by ASUS, AMD CPU, 4 Gig Mem, and Seagate Hard Drive.

Let's Reiterate what we need:

• OS--Operating System from Windows 7 or 8. About $91
• A good computer Case: Cooler Master Haf $60
• Power Supply
• Motherboard
• CPU-Processor-The brain of the computer!
• Memory-4 gigabytes
• Hard Drive--500 GB.
• DVD Rom Drive R/RW, LIte On $18
• Video Card: EVGA Videocard $32 after rebate.

Grand total for complete system: $514 and that includes: Operating System

Note: When people on the internet say that they can build a computer for $500, they most likely Never mention the operating system--you need that.

Preparation:

Make sure that you're in a non-electric static area. Extremely important! If you short out your motherboard--it will cost you a minimum of $60 on up to replace it. So you want to take extra precaution. Work in a basement or non-carpeted area, so static electricity won't build up. Wear rubber soled shoes for extra protection. Also(With Computer kit below) wear the anti-static wrist band. That should guarantee you not to have any static electricity build up.

Tools:

You can get a simple computer tool kit for about $15-20 at Newegg or Tiger Direct. That will include parts needed to help you put your computer together. It's worth the investment.

Assembly:

Get your computer case, and open up the side that allows you to put components into it. You will see a lot of wires attached to fans inside, don't worry about it, just make sure that the computer is free of any foam products and clean inside.

• Computer standoff's: these are little gold/bronze screws that must be put into the area where the motherboard would be. Critically important! The Motherboard MUST match up with the standoff's so it can be grounded together. Otherwise, without it, you'll fry your computer motherboard, and have to purchase another one.
• Put the Motherboard into the computer case, and like I said before, make sure that you align up the motherboard on top of the standoff's, and take screws supplied with the case, screw the motherboard onto computer case.
• All in? Great! contact me at SHAZAM! Computers if you have any questions. You may also purchase products from my site. With the stand-offs are concerned, this is a very critical component, and must be done correctly.

CPU or Processor: Take off the foam and packaging off the CPU. On the motherboard is where the CPU goes, you'll have to take the hinge-like component, and swing it up. Place the CPU and match it exactly how the bottom of the CPU Socket. Make sure it's snug, and the little arrow aligns up with the arrow on the motherboard. Then swing the arm back, and lock it into place.

Memory: Place the memory sticks into the memory sockets onto the motherboard. Make sure that the the little slots on the bottom align up, place into sockets, and lock the latches.

DVD: Take the DVD Rom drive you purchased and put it into the area onto the case and lock it in. Screws may be needed if it doesn't lock into place.

Hard Drive: Take the Hard drive, and lock it in, take screws, if necessary and screw them into the case if needed.

Power Supply: Put into case, and make sure it's snug. Take the 4 or 5 screws, and screw into place so that it's tight into place.

I know your thinking. OK, great, will this work? Not yet, got a ways to go. You got wires all over the place, and must be put into the appropriate places.

Wire Assembly:

Power Supply

On your power supply is one of the major power cords with 24 pins. That's the 24-pin ATX power connector, attach it to the connector spot on your motherboard. Great! Do Not Plug the power cord in!!!

Then, attach your other cords on the power supply is a 4 pin power cord, connect it to the 4-pin CPU power connector.

Video Card: Place card into place. Screw to hold it down. Make sure that it's secure.

DVD Rom Drive

Attach a SATA cable from your dvd rom drive to the computer, any one of the sata connectors is fine. Then, you need to connect the power cable to the motherboard as well.

A lot of these instructions will be with your motherboard manual. It's easier to have you look at this in front. But this will help you out a lot.

Once you have everything together, plug it in for testing, if all goes well it will go up with a c:\ code or DOS. Insert your Windows disk, and follow directions. And you will have updates, so it may take a while.

I highly suggest to have your computer wired connected to your router/modem after building it.