My Build and Sell Computer Project - Summary

Now that we've taken a look at the hardware, software, and process of assembling the system, let's take a look at the complete system specs:

Description	Price
Socket 939 Athlon 64 3500+ (2.2GHz) OEM CPU	$161.32
Asus CRUX K8 MH7S CPU Cooler	$12.87
ECS nForce4-A939 Retail Motherboard	$76.81
2x512MB Corsair Value Select DDR400 System Memory	$96.31
PCI-Express BFG GeForce 6600 128MB OEM Video Card	$74.99
Maxtor ATA133 200GB Hard Drive Retail	$75.76
NEC 3540A 16X DVD±RW Dual-Layer DVD Burner OEM	$49.95
Mitsumi FA404M 7-in-1 USB 2.0 Media Drive	$26.80
Hummingbird 56K/V.92 Fax Modem	$7.05
Syba Firewire IEEE 1394A Card	$10.85
6 Pin Male to 2x5 Pin Female Firewire Cable	$7.20
CoolerMaster Centurion 5 Case	$63.01
Rosewill RP500 500W ATX Power Supply	$52.10
LG 715Z 17-inch LCD Monitor, Retail	$222.63
Lite-On SK-1688U Black Natural USB Keyboard, Retail	$14.89
Black Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical, Retail	$26.36
Logitech X-230 Black 2.1 Speakers, OEM	$40.30
Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2	$160.38
Total (including taxes and shipping costs)	$1,179.58

And here is a list of what you will get in the box (pictured), in addition to the hardware listed above:

• CDs for Nero, NVIDIA Drivers and Software, Motherboard Drivers, and Ulead VideoStudio (not installed on computer)
• Manuals and product inserts for the various hardware components and Windows XP
• TV-Out cable with composite, s-video, and component video outputs
• DVI to VGA adapter
• 24 to 20-pin adapter cable (if you ever need to use the PSU with an older motherboard)
• Extra serial ATA cable, with power cable
• Power and phone cords
• Bracket covers in case you ever take out any expansion cards
• I/O shield that came with the case
• OEM CPU box for storing the CPU in case of upgrade
• Drive covers in case you ever remove the drives

Based on the specifications, this system is priced very competitively against retail systems. The only thing missing is a warranty and technical support, but I am hoping that the person who buys this computer will be savvy enough to provide his or her own support. Having said that, I will now provide a list of pros and cons for buying my system:

Pros:

Fast - This system is fast. The Athlon 64 CPU performs more work per clock cycle than any other CPU in the market, and at 2.2GHz beats out even 3.0GHz CPUs from Intel. In addition, it features a built-in memory controller for ultra fast system memory access. The 1 gigabyte of dual channel memory is more than what most computers have today and further contributes to overall system speed. Software-wise, I install only what is necessary and nothing else, unlike all the major computer vendors who like to bog down their systems with "bloatware."

Well built - I don't like to toot my own horn, but this machine is very well built. I pay attention to details like tying up loose cables, tucking cables away to improve airflow, securing drives and cards with extra screws (in addition to the case's tool-less fasteners), and wearing gloves while working on the computer. I build my own computers and I built this computer with the mindset that I would be proud to own this computer myself, and I think it shows in the final product.

Aesthetically pleasing - This computer looks good. I picked the parts so that they would match nicely with each other, and I believe this computer would look good in any bedroom, living room, or office. Unlike a lot of other enthusiast-built computers with over-the-top cases, this computer has a basic, sleek look to it. I am especially proud of this particular pro, since I usually don't color-coordinate my personal systems.

Connectivity/Upgradability - With Firewire, USB2.0, a flash reader, a DVD burner, gigabit Ethernet, a 56k modem, socket 939, PCI- Express, and Serial ATA, this computer is ready to connect with any peripheral you want to throw at it. If you need more processing power, you can install a new dual-core CPU. If you want to make it a true gaming computer, you can install a faster video card. Need more space? Install another hard drive. With the Ethernet or modem ports, you're ready to hop on to the Internet. There are quite a few possibilities!

Cons:

No support - This computer will not officially have any technical or warranty support from me. Granted, if the buyer has some basic questions for me, I would be glad to help via email. But I am the technical support person for my friends, family, and employer, and I simply do not have the time or desire to provide extra support on the side. Thus, I am making it clear here that whoever buys my computer should have some knowledge of how Windows and PC hardware works, or know someone who does. Maybe you are like me, an enthusiast, but you don't have time to build your own system. You then, would be the perfect buyer for this system. If, on the other hand, you know nothing about computers and don't have a source for technical support, then perhaps you should buy from elsewhere (unless you are willing to learn on your own). This point is probably the most important point to consider for a potential buyer.

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Well, there you have it. My first build and sell computer project. In my many years of experience dealing with computer sellers, I have found that many of them are unscrupulous and dishonest. They prey on consumers' lack of knowledge and try to sell them more than they need. Having been a victim of their schemes, I now want to "show them how it's done," so to speak. Now, I realize that I probably will never be able to compete with them, or even be able to sell this computer in a timely manner, but I also realize that I have to at least try. Like I said, this is a computer that I would be proud to own even if I cannot sell it. But hopefully, a potential buyer will read this article and see the time and effort that I have put into this project and decide that it would be worthwhile to buy this computer from me. Thank you for reading about my project. I hope you had as much fun reading about it as I did working on it. I will end this article with some random pictures of the build process. Enjoy!