How to Build a Gaming PC, for Less!

It's been a few years, you haven't upgraded to SATA, you're still running IDE's, and the RAM in your computer is equal to a gerbil doing surgery. In this How-To, I'm going to show you exactly what it takes to get a gaming computer for less then simply running to your nearest retail store and purchasing one.

If you were like me, and didn't upgrade for a long time, then most of the hardware in your computer is most likely obsolete. Being a gamer, one of the top conditions of PC gaming is keeping a fast internet connection, and an up-to-date computer. Let's take this moment to forget trying to salvage any hardware, and simply start fresh, m'kay?

1. Barebone Kits
You can purchase these at many of the trusted online retailers, or even some local sellers carry these. Basically a barebone system, is a kit that comes with just about everything you need (more often then not, you'll lack the operating system) for a lot less money. Some decently available gaming kits are going for $150-$200 LESS then what they would purchasing the system outright. The only problem with this type of system, is it comes to you like a Lego box. You have to assemble everything yourself (unless you buy a pre-assembled one. But those tend to go up in price.) Barebone kits are good for those people who know how to, and enjoy building their own PC's but do not want to try to figure out what CPU goes with what motherboard, and if that certain RAM will work. The only thing to remember with a barebone system is to have a Windows XP/Vista/7 CD with a valid key, otherwise you'll be reinstalling it over, and over, every 30 days.

2. Search For Sales
Every so often (think Black Friday) there will be huge sales on computers. These may take awhile to find, or only happen certain times of the year, but these deals can save you hundreds of dollars. That doesn't just count computers, either. You can get TV's, furniture, or even clothing cheaper. There are pros and cons for purchasing online as opposed to offline. Sometimes online you can get better deals, but you must still consider the shipping charges. Some places will obliterate the sale with their charges. Offline you can get the computer as soon as you purchase it, but some of the deals may not be quite as low priced. It takes a lot of research, but it can be worth it!

3. Buy it from a friend.
Does a friend of yours have a semi-up-to-date computer, and they're about to upgrade? Purchase their old system, wipe the OS and install your own, and whammy, you can save a few hundred bucks. Usually friends will negotiate more reasonable prices for a friend, plus selling their older computer frees up some money that they make back on their purchase of a new computer. So what do you do if you can't afford a top of the line system? If that barebone kit is just TOO expensive? If you can't build your own? Buy a friend's older-but-still-more-up-to-date-then-yours-computer!

Of course these are just some tips on buying a gaming PC for less. Computers are constantly getting less expensive, and technology is continually growing, so there is never any end! Upgrading your computer can be something you will be doing for the rest of your life! Hopefully by that time, though, we have virtual reality, or something awesome like that!

One final tip, if you want a more powerful gaming rig, but you can't afford it: Buy it in pieces. A motherboard here, a CPU there, and eventually you have a complete system to put together. This method doesn't work for some people (like myself) for the simple fact that once you have one piece of kick-awesome, you want the entire thing. Although if you do have the patience, it's one more cheaper method!

Good luck with your new computer, and I'll meet you for some online gaming!