Cheap computer parts are easily located on the Internet, and in order to get the best deal, one should know exactly the type of part and performance requirements that you, the computer user, will need to satisfy, in order to get the most out of your investment. There are several vital components needed for a computer to be built, and selection of these parts should not just be done on a price basis.
CPU
The CPU is the Central Processing Unit, which has increased in power, but has largely remained based around the same silicon chip technology that was developed in the later years of the 20th century. It performs all of the actual calculations required to make a computer operate, but cannot operate efficiently if there are bottlenecks elsewhere in the system.
RAM
This is the memory bank in which all of the information the computer needs, in short term memory, when it is trying to process data. The RAM accesses the Hard Drive for the information the CPU will need, and lines it up for processing. Once a file is in the RAM, it can be opened and manipulated much faster. This is why image editing and gaming machines often have large amounts of RAM, so that there is very little lag time while the computer loads information from the hard drive into the RAM. The RAM clears when the computer loses power.
Video Cards
The video card provides the graphical output for the user to see, connected to the motherboard and monitor.
Hard Drives
The Hard Drive is a small unit with a series of magnetic wheels inside, upon which information is stored. Being magnetic storage, it is sensitive to power surges, and strong magnetic fields from speakers, and other devices. The upshot of this is that the information is stored even when the Computer Power Supply is turned off.
Power Supplies
A Computer Power supply provides electricity at the correct power requirements for each of the components of the system, from the CPU, to the hard drives and even the fans. Choosing a quality power supply, from a supplier of cheap computer parts can often result in having a computer that will last much longer and perform far better than a mass-produced store bought unit. Often the power supplies used in mass production are very limited in their performance and predictability.
Sound Card
This device provides audio output, and comes in a variety of types that can be used in a home as well as an industry setting.
Cooling Devices
These keep the electronic components of the computer cool. They can be fans, water-cooling devices, and sometimes even liquid nitrogen!
Cases
This is the chassis that holds all the components in the correct place, protecting them from damage.
Monitor
This is the screen upon which the computer output is displayed, allowing the user to interact with the machine through a visual feed.
Input Devices
These include the mouse, the keyboard, a joystick, drawing tablets and other methods for entering information into the computer. A driver controls them and often when the driver is not installed correctly, the device will not function.
Knowing a small bit about how a computer actually functions means that you can make a much more informed decision in your search for cheap computer parts, and this will save you a lot of money and time in the long run.