Bricks and Bots » Resources http://bricksandbots.com Legos, Robots, robotics, computers, building toys Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:45:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 How I Built My Computer for $975 http://bricksandbots.com/computer1.htm http://bricksandbots.com/computer1.htm#comments Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:06:57 +0000 brix http://bricksandbots.com/?p=87 If you are looking for a fast and cheap computer, look no further than here. This one is good for mid range gaming, graphics, internet, or a future proof family computer.

Here are the components and prices from www.newegg.com

Intel E7400 Core 2 Duo processor- $119

Asus P5QL Pro motherboard- $84

Visiontek HD 3650 video card- $60

Western Digital Caviar SE 160 GB Hard Drive- $40

Cooler master 500 watt power supply- $30

Gigabyte SECC Black Case- $30

Kingston HyperX 2GB 1066 mhz RAM- $18

Samsung CD/DVD drive/burner- $22

Logitech G4 gaming speakers- $70

Razer Copperhead 2000 DPi gaming mouse-$54

Logitech g15 Keyboard- $80

Samsung 2232 22″ monitor- $209

Your choice of Microsoft Windows XP Home, or Windows Vista Home Premium- $89 or $99 respectively

If wanted-Linksys Wireless-N adaptor- $69

Total cost-$975 With Monitor, $750 without

To Build- follow ALL instructions that came with the motherboard, processor, and all other components.

1. Wait for all parts to arrive.

2. Take out Case.

3. Install Power Supply

4. Move all wires aside and install motherboard spacers and backplate.

5. Place motherboard on a non-conductive surface and install processor and heatsink/fan.

6.Install Motherboard in Case.

7. Install hard drives, optical drives, power buttons, and secure in bays.

8. Push 24 pin power connector into place on motherboard, and do the same with 4-pin connector(should be near CPU).

9. Plug in other power cables and SATA/ IDE cables.

10. Now for a test- plug in computer and push power button. The lights and fans should turn on. if not you have a problem. check power cables and other connections and try again. If all is well, you should hear a beep.

11. Install video, network, and sound cards, connect monitor, plug in mouse and keyboards, and proceed from there, following motherboard and operating system manuals.

12. If you did everything right, you should have a working computer soon. if you have trouble, feel free to leave a comment and I will try to help. You can find these items on newegg, or go to the amazon links here.

]]> http://bricksandbots.com/computer1.htm/feed 0 Meatspace Episode 8 http://bricksandbots.com/meatspace-episode-8.htm http://bricksandbots.com/meatspace-episode-8.htm#comments Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:58:07 +0000 brix http://bricksandbots.com/?p=83 The final episode (so far). The briefcase conspiracy!

]]> http://bricksandbots.com/meatspace-episode-8.htm/feed 0 Robot Printables http://bricksandbots.com/robot-printables.htm http://bricksandbots.com/robot-printables.htm#comments Sat, 31 May 2008 01:00:36 +0000 brix http://bricksandbots.com/robot-printables.htm If you are looking for some fun robot printables, head over to Printables4Kids and check out the Robot Maze.

More robot related printables:

Transformers Maze

Lego Coloring Sheets

R is for Robot Coloring and Handwriting Page

For 9-12 year olds, check out Design Squad’s challenges

Visit HobbyTron.com for a large selection of robot kits and projects.

The NXT Generation of LEGO Robotics: LEGO® MINDSTORMS®! Order Today!

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