low cost PC

I'm building my first pc. I want high preformance but not to spend a bundle. What parts are the best to go cheap on?

 

Hmmm...that's an interesting question... I would put hard drives at low priority (just keep good backups!) as well as optical drives, case, and a generic power supply will do the trick for you until you upgrade. Because you want performance, do not skimp on CPU, RAM, Motherboard or Video Card (if you game/use graphic intensive programs)

 

what will you be using this pc for? if its for games dont skimp on mobo memory video card and cpu... but if its just for basic use then you dont need a power machine

 

Err drives and case skimp anywhere else IMHO you'll end up in trouble especially psu,cheaper motherboards with less features will only slightly reduce performance dont get a dual core if your a gamer get a faster single core

Basically the best you can afford

 

If your interested here is a good article on Building PCs' as for where to make the savings you really need to define your purpose!

http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_torture_test.shtml