The OneMinute Geek:

Pimp My PC

The Problem:

I consider it one of those rules of the universe: When it comes to computers, children get the hand-me-downs. It’s me who deserves the new stuff! For example, when PDAs were all the rage a few years ago, I picked up one for myself…because it was cool…and then promptly passed it on to my son when I was ready for the newer, fire-breathing version.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not THAT selfish. I just feel kids can live with the second-hand stuff. They simply don’t need the newest technology. They just need something that works and gets the job done.

And so, as my son’s Windows 98 hand-me-down computer no longer had the horsepower to keep up with his love for online gaming, I decided it just didn’t make sense to buy him one of those new gaming machines costing thousands of dollars.

The Solution:

Instead, I decided to “pimp his PC.” Much like those TV shows that take an abused car and turn it show-stopping cruiser, I was gonna gut his machine and turn it into a gamer’s dream machine…for about 700!

Here’s what we started with: a Pentium III processor, Windows 92, 684 MB of ram, a 64 MB nVidia graphics card and a 8 GB hard drive.

And here’s what we ended up with:

AMD Athlon 3 GHz 64 bit processor $100

Windows XP Home Edition $160

512 MB PC3200 DDR ram $80

128 MB 5900GT nVidia graphics card $180

80 GB hard drive $100

MSI motherboard $85

To make it look cool, we went over budget and bought a black gaming tower (the case that houses all the parts) for $45.

Building your own PC these days is not as difficult as you might think – and can be a great weekend project with your son or daughter. Check out www.ExtremeTech.com. There are several good articles under the ‘Build It’ tab. Also, go to http://money.cnn.com and search for ‘Adventures in PC Building.’

For parts, search the Sunday paper for price specials. Many of the “big-box” computer stores will offer loss-leaders (parts sold so cheaply the store is losing money on it) just to get you in the door.

You can also go online. There are several sites offering computer parts. Try www.EggHead.com and www.PriceWatch.com for starters.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773