- 1). Purchase a slimline or small form factor case. These cases are designed to sit horizontally on the desk, and using this type of case will help to preserve your desk space and make your work area more manageable.
- 2). Choose a motherboard that is compatible with slimline and small form factor cases, then set the motherboard in place. Secure the motherboard according to the manufacturer's specifications.
- 3). Determine how much memory the motherboard can hold by checking with the manufacturer or using an online memory configuration tool like the kind available at Crucial.com or Kingston.com. Purchase the memory, then find the memory slots on the motherboard. Push gently but firmly on the memory modules until they snap into place. Make sure the retaining clips snap up and hold the memory in place.
- 4). Purchase the largest hard drive you can afford. Aim for a minimum storage capacity of 500 GB, but look for a bigger drive if you can. Find the hard drive bay and slide the drive into place. Secure the drive in the bay with the retaining screws, then connect one end of the cable to the drive and the other end to the motherboard.
- 5). Look for a quality DVD drive or DVD burner. There are a number of excellent burners on the market, often for as little as $50. Find the drive bay, slide the DVD burner into place and secure it with the retaining screws. Attach one end of the included cable to the drive and the other end to the motherboard.
- 6). Look for a good deal on the operating system software you need. If you are in school, you may qualify for an educational discount on the software you need. In addition some companies offer software discounts to their employees. Be sure to check for any discounts before purchasing the software.
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