tph15 :
Hello,
I would like to start building custom computers for other people to make a couple of extra bucks. The problem is, I have no idea where or how to start. If anyone here has ever done anything like this could you please tell me how to get my start? Any advice would be helpful.
Although I do not claim to be the master by any stretch of the imagination I have built/upgraded a lot of systems over the years; mainly for friends and family. I am assuming your question is in regard to the actual knowledge of computers and not of the business of building custom computer (of which I have very little experience).
First off I would recommend doing some basic research on the components that typically go into a system: Motherboard, CPU, RAM, Graphics, Hard Driver, etc. As kajabla said, looking at reviews and specs on a website for components is a good way to learn (as it is how I did as well). Good sites to visit in my opinion are: newegg.com and tigerdirect.com for looking at components as these are likely where you will order from (i do all my shopping on the egg). Also I would look at some of the NCIX tech tips; some are more advanced however there are many that would be good to look at like: #3,#4a,#4b,#6,#11,#81. I'd look through some of the forum posts under system as well however you sometimes have to take opinions with a grain of salt due to brand loyalty.
You basically want to get an understanding of how it all fits together and go from there. Once you have a basic understand of what will go into the system and the compatibility of each component to the motherboard then I would go onto the actually pricing out of systems for you clientele which would involve comparing benchmarks & specs of the components you wish to put into the PC vs the price. If you expect to build many systems each month I would start a spreadsheet for components that you will use in your systems with varying prices and performance such that you just do research on components to populate the list and then when you need to build a computer you simply pick components from the list for the build that they are appropriate for. I typically do this even if I am building a PC for a single person because it allows me to more easily chose components that will result in a balanced system (see tech tip #81) that gives the most bang for the buck.