I don't know much about computer hardware at all I only read the first 2 or 3 chapters of an A+ exam prep book but I opened up my comp earlier today and was surprised to notice I knew what nearly everything was this time. Before I couldn't even tell the harddrive from the CD drive.

Anyhow I noticed that apart from the harddrive/cd drive/power supply, fan and a few other little bits and pieces everything is located on the motherboard. Does this mean that to upgrade your comp you need to upgrade your motherboard?

I just installed a TV Tuner card into the last vacant PCI slot on my motherboard but the PC case has 3 more unused slots. If I wanted more PCI slots would I have to get a new motherboard or could I just solder new ones on myself?

I've heard people talk about the computers their building themselves and they all seem to spend thousands building their comps. Are these just ridiculously hi tech computers their building or does it cost this much in general to build a decent up to date computer? You can buy good desktops these days for $500 and you'd think building your own computer would work out cheaper so how the hell do these people manage to spend thousands?

The people who spend thousands buy things like dual SLI graphics cards, ultra-fast hard drives, overclockable RAM and $1500 processors. It's remarkably easy to rack up a massive bill if you choose all the latest, most powerful stuff.

If you want more PCI slots, there is no way to just add another one I'm afraid. Soldering anything on a motherboard is a challenge (10-15 layers, most of which you can't see), let alone modifying it enough to add another slot. Maybe if you had a year or two to work at it... You'll need to buy another board if you want more slots.

A good desktop can indeed be had for $500, but that will be good for basic tasks and won't be able to handle new games. Gaming is what costs money...

Note that in addition to the parts you mention, RAM and CPU are also removable...the two things which define how fast a computer is. Upgrading RAM is as easy as clipping in a bigger module, and CPU can also be upgraded within reason. You obviously won't be able to jam the latest processor into an elderly PIII, but processor upgrades are relatively straightforward as long as you make sure it will work with your motherboard.