Sam Brooks asked, in PCBUILD #1999-130, for suggestions regarding resources
for buying components for individually built PCs, as well as an indication
of cost savings that could be realized.

I just finished a ZD University class called "Troubleshooting Your Own PC"
that was taught by Stephen J. Bigelow, and whose book "Bigelow's Build Your
Own PC Pocket Reference" was the text used. On pages 1 and 2 and further he
attempts to answer the question of cost savings by building your own PC.
And the answer seems to be that there is none -- in fact it may cost several
hundred dollars more to build your own over the prepackaged/under $1,000
computers. But you come away with a machine built to YOUR specifications,
about which you know virtually everything that goes into it, how it works,
and how the components work together. Not to mention the satisfaction of
'doing it myself,' and the transferable knowledge you gain.

In his book he also references many, many resources by company and URL, and
his preferences in many cases. If you know what you're looking for, you
might find the straight skinny on the Internet, both from company pages, and
by shopping around for the precise component.

It might be worthwhile to grab a copy of Bigelow's book I mentioned, as well
as his bigger, more comprehensive editions.  "Tom's Hardware Guide" by Dr.
Thomas Pabst and Scott Mueller's "Upgrading and Repairing PCs" latest
edition might also be worthwhile. It will be interesting to see the comments
of the rest of the list who contribute. The PC club you mentioned probably
have these editions in their library, or should have.

I may be stepping on some toes here, but my feeling is that Fry's is a
little pricey, and is manned by people who are more sales-oriented than
technically competent. I also live in Southern California, so this
phenomenon may be indigenous to this region, but I doubt it.

Good luck.

TOM TETZLAFF
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ICQ 37146228

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