To build your own computer, you need to purchase certain parts and assemble them in a certain order to ensure it works correctly. The things needed to build a computer are: a case, a processor, a motherboard, a power supply, a heatsink, RAM, a hard drive, a graphics card, a sound card, and optical drives.

The first step is to choose the equipment. The case must be large enough to fit the motherboard and have places for the optical drives. Choose the motherboard and processor first, as this will determine the rest of the computer set up. Each motherboard will provide a list of supported processors, and will provide specifications as to the maximum amount of RAM to be supported. Many motherboards now have integrated sound and graphics cards, negating the need to purchase these separately.

Several companies provide barebone kits which are a combination of all the parts needed to build a computer. Different barebone kits will have different parts of the computer bundled together for a discount price. Often times it helps to have hard drive data recovery software as well.

Once all of the parts have been purchased, install the motherboard into the case. After installing the motherboard, install the power supply. Then, install the processor and its cooling fan. After this, install the RAM, the hard drive, and the optical drives. Connect the hard drive and optical drives. When all of this is done, connect the monitor, the mouse, and keyboard. If all of this is done correctly, the machine should fire up and allow a boot from CD to install the operating system.

Tiger Direct offers barebones kits, and all the parts needed to build a computer.

Geeks offers barebones kits, and all the parts needed to build a computer.

New Egg offers great deals on computers and consumer electronics. A good idea for those looking for a bargain is to comparison shop between these three merchants.

Intel has a processor compatibility tool to ensure the processor chosen will work with the motherboard chosen.

Hardware Secrets provides a step-by-step guide to install a motherboard.

About shows how to install a power supply.

PC Mechanic provides help with installing the processor and cooling fan.

Bright Hub's Computer Hardware Channel provides assistance with installing the RAM.

Bright Hub's Computer Hardware Channel shows how to install hard drives and optical drives.

How Stuff Works gives a step-by-step guide to building a computer.