The computer we're building is made up of the following components:

• Intel Celeron 366 with Global Win CPM32 cooler

• AOpen AX6BC Pro Motherboard (Gold version)

• L&C 16" Super Case

• 128 Megs Micron PC-125 Ram

• Creative 6X DVD ROM

• Quantum Fireball CX 13 Gig HD

• 3dfx Voodoo 3 3000

• Sound Blaster Live Value

• BTC 3.5 Floppy Drive

• TVM 17" monitor

• Cambridge Soundworks 4 point Speakers

• Logitech mouse and keyboard

Total cost of equipment as of Sept. 2, 1999 was just $1300 US. That's not bad for a PC with a 17" monitor that will go toe to toe with the fastest game systems out there. The Celeron 366 is overclocked of course. The final system runs at 567Mhz @ 2V.

You might  be wondering why I'm using a Voodoo 3 for this computer. Well, the first reason is it's not my computer. I'm     building it for a friend. The Voodoo 3 was what he wanted. He's an Unreal nut and Voodoo 3 rules for that game.

The new AOpen AX6BC is one cool looking motherboard. It has a gold heatsink on the BX chip. Too bad  the  CPU heatsink blocks off the view. All equipment were acquired from local vendors.

You may disagree with some of the equipment selection, but that's OK. That's the whole beauty of building your own computer. You get to decide what goes inside. This system is easy to upgrade. That's another good reason for building it yourself. Upgrading is a snap. No need to worry about one off pieces you might get with a name brand computer.

Next page: Tools you will need