The basic, no-frills model PC will cost you the least to build. This type of computer is great for word processing, Internet e-mail, keeping track of finances, and simple applications that don’t need lots of memory or a fast computer. Here’s a list of equipment you need to build an entry level PC:
| Computer Component | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Case | Standard “pizza-box,” ATX minitower, or desk-top model; single fan |
| CPU/motherboard | Intel Celeron or AMD Sempron; PCI slots |
| System RAM | 512MB |
| Hard drive | One EIDE drive, 120GB minimum |
| Optical drive | 16x internal DVD drive |
| Video card | Standard 128MB PCI/AGP adapter |
| Sound card | PCI audio card |
| Monitor | 17-inch LCD |
| Ports | At least four USB 2.0 ports |
| Input | Standard keyboard; mouse |
