Some people think building a desktop computer is a difficult task. The truth is, it is very easy to build a cheap desktop computer given the knowledge of the parts and how these parts are joined together. You can build a cheap desktop computer gradually, buying the parts whenever you are able to save money and assembling them later (but not too late than six months or one year as computer specifications change fast). You will save a great deal of money by building a cheap desktop computer for the kids yourself.

Since the cheap desktop computer is dedicated for the kids, this need not require expensive parts. The cheap desktop computer should just have the necessary functionality to introduce a kid to basic computing skills.

Here are the computer parts that you need to build a cheap desktop computer. Always choose the cheapest parts with warranty.

1. Motherboard

There are hundreds of motherboards to choose from. Choose the cheapest one with a reasonable warranty period. These are motherboards in the $50 range. The motherboard should be compatible with your processor. Find a motherboard which includes a video card on-board. The motherboard should have a DVI or VGA connector on the motherboard. Buy a motherboard which will allow SATA hard disks for future upgrades.

A DVI port alongside a VGA port.

If you find this gibberish, you can just buy an inexpensive motherboard combo kit that includes the central processing unit (CPU). Just make sure you have the video card on-board.

2. Computer processor

Choose the cheapest AMD computer processor (range in Megahertz speed) compatible with your motherboard. This is a cheaper alternative to the pricey Intel processor.

3. Computer casing

The computer casing usually comes with a power supply. If the computer casing does not come with a power supply, find a 300 watt power supply that matches your motherboard. Check to see if the connectors fit your mother board. Choose a bigger computer casing than a small one to help liberate hea in the computer system as well as facilitate works in building up your cheap desktop computer.

4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is an integrated circuit memory chip that allows information to be stored or accessed in any order in the computer. The RAM have different pin configurations. Buy one which fits your motherboard. You may read the motherboard manual which RAMs are required. The storage capacity of RAMs range from 1 gigabyte or higher. The price goes higher as you buy a higher storage capacity. One gigabyte RAM is enough for many applications.

RAM with different pin configurations.

5. Hard Drive.

Choose a hard drive that matches SATA cables of your motherboard. Choose one with the higher speed. Usually, hard drive speed range from 5,400 rpm to 7,200 rpm or higher. The 5,400 rpm hard drive may be slower but it consumes lesser amount of electricity and produce less heat which is important to the computer system.

A SATA cable attached to the hard drive.

6. DVD or CD-ROM Drive

If the DVD or CD-ROM Optical Drive does not come with your computer casing, choose the cheapest one available.

Find a local computer part dealer or mail order the parts so you have a hand in choosing the cheapest computer part to build a cheap desktop computer. Now you are ready to build your cheap desktop computer by following the steps below.

Step 1. Installing the Computer Processor, the Heat Sink and the RAM

Make sure you eliminate static electricity from your body by grounding yourself. The computer parts are highly sensitive to static shocks. Static electricity can destroy sensitive computer parts like the CPU chip. You can wear a grounding bracelet on your wrist which is connected to a copper pipe or anything grounded or you may just place your hands on a grounded metal object like your computer's casing. Also, make sure you wear your dry home slippers to eliminate the possibility of static shock. You can skip this step if you have a combo motherboard kit with the microprocessor built into it.

Unwrap the motherboard and the microprocessor chip. The microprocessor chip should have one marked corner that aligns with another marked corner of its socket on the motherboard. Align the corners and attach the microprocessor into the socket. If it is aligned correctly, it should fall into place. Do not force the microprocessor in if it does not fit in. Chances are, you misaligned it. Once the microprocessor chip is in, fix it down with the lever arm supplied with the microprocessor chip.

Next, install the heat sink. The microprocessor chip box will contain a manual that tells you how to do it. The heat sink which usually comes with a small fan may contain a heat sink grease to use when mounting the heat sink on the CPU. Follow the instructions carefully. Connect the power lead for the heat sink to the motherboard. Your motherboard guide will help you find out the correct port.

Install the random access memory (RAM). Find on the motherboard the slot marked "one" and firmly press the RAM module into it while holding both ends of the RAM. There's a notch that you can find as reference. Each side of the RAM module should also have a rotating arm that will lock the RAM down. When you hear it click in place (fixes the RAM), you've done it right. An incorrectly inserted RAM will prevent your computer from booting.

You are now ready to proceed to Step 2.

Step 2. Assembling the Case and the Motherboard

If your computer casing comes with a power supply (which it usually does), you may skip installation of the power supply. Either your casing or your motherboard comes with standoffs to hold the motherboard in place.

Your motherboard should have a face plate with holes cut in it where you install the standoffs. Your motherboard should not have contact with the case's surface so will need the spacers supplied with your motherboard. Attach these spacers and put the motherboard in place. Make sure the holes where you mount the motherboard matches the pre-drilled holes in the case. This is where you place the spacers.

Screw in the motherboard with the supplied screws just enough to keep the motherboard in place. Don't force the screws as it can damage either the motherboard or the spacers (usually made of plastic). 

Install the computer supply by orienting it in such a way that the fan side faces the outside. Slide the power supply onto the brackets usually found at the upper back side of the computer casing and secure it with the supplied screws. Check the setting of the voltage at the end to suit your power outlet voltage. Set it to 110 volts if you have a 110 power supplied in your locality or 220 volts if 220 is the norm.

Now, connect the power leads from the power supply to the motherboard orienting it in such a way that it fits the slot in the motherboard. There will be other wires to power your DVD or CD-ROM drive or hard drive but some motherboards have ports that supply power to the other computer parts.

Step 3. Installing the Hard Drive and the DVD or CD-ROM Drive

The computer casing has a bracket where you can install the hard drive easily. This is located normally at the front side of the computer casing but some have them near the front end of the power supply. Place the hard drive onto the bracket orienting it in such a way that the port side where you get to connect the cables are on the exposed side. Fix with the supplied screws that goes with your hard disk. Your hard drive comes with a SATA cable (as you chose a SATA hard drive above). Attach the SATA cable to your hard drive and then the other end to your motherboard. There are guides supplied with your motherboard. If it fits, you've done it right. Now, connect the power cable (a smaller cable that goes with your hard drive) to the connector in the hard drive and the other end to the connector in the motherboard.

The DVD or CD-ROM drive may have separate cables that also connect with the motherboard just like the hard drive. Find the cables and attach both ends to the DVD or CD-ROM drive and the motherboard. Use the available connector coming from the power supply to power your DVD or CD-ROM drive. Orient the cable properly so it fits in the back of the DVD or CD-ROM drive. Connect the audio cable for the DVD or CD-ROM drive by finding the appropriate ports in the drive and the motherboard.

Now you've built a cheap desktop computer! Close up the case and attach your monitor on the DVI or VGA connector, and the peripherals like the mouse, keyboard and spearkers on their appropriate slots at the back of the computer casing where the motherboard ports are located.

This author built more than eight cheap desktop computers using these tips derived from the knowledge he gained from two computer building books. As you build your confidence building a cheap desktop computer, you will later use this knowledge to do your own upgrades and come up with a higher end computer system suitable for graphics and gaming applications.

The next step is to install the software needed (operating system and applications) to boot the computer and make it usable. You may choose a Linux distribution or a Windows operating system whichever you prefer. The former is either provided free or sold at a way cheaper price than the windows operating system. If you decide to install a windows operating system, proceed to the detailed steps to install a Windows XP or Window 7 operating system.