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 [log in to unmask] ICQ 37146228 The PCBUILD web site always needs good submissions. If you would like to contribute to the website, send any hardware tech tips or hardware reviews to: [log in to unmask]