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Building a computer is one of the more rewarding and challenging projects kids can engage in. Piecing together the components, kids get the chance to see their coding efforts pay off in real-time

If you are looking for a challenging STEM toy that introduces advanced concepts, look no further. DIY computer build kits offer endless awesome project ideas while teaching kids how to program from scratch.

Some computer build kits let kids make cool things happen through hands-on manipulation while other kits let kids construct a working computer by piecing together the major components. Each type of kit has its own unique benefit - they are all great choices.

No matter what DIY computer build kit you choose, you can feel good about investing in one of the ultimate STEM activities for your child. Here are 10 amazing kits to choose from.

1. NEEGO Raspberry Pi 4

The NEEGO Raspberry Pi 4 is a complete kit that's great for computer building projects at every level. It comes with a super-fast processor, which gives kids the satisfaction of having built a powerful and useful machine.

This computer build kit introduced kids to the basic concepts of how the electronic components of computers work, and the speed of the finished computer makes for a fun and functional finished product.

Because this kit is slightly less involved on the building side, it's the perfect product to teach kids about computers and then moves right onto fun projects in coding and computer languages.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • Includes everything you need, from the motherboard to a touch screen display monitor.
  • Great for beginners and advanced skill levels.
  • SD card comes with Linux preloaded.
  • Comes with a wireless keyboard, which is great for gaming post assembly.

Check it out: NEEGO Raspberry Pi 4

2. Sania Box

The Sania Box is slightly more involved on the building side than the NEEGO Raspberry kit, which makes it great for elementary-age kids. (Teenagers, and even adults, will still have a lot of educational fun with this one, though.)

This computer build kit is a great progression up from the Snap Circuits kits your child has probably worked with.

The Sania Box is a great kit for building a computer that promotes STEM skills while giving children the satisfaction of building their own computer. You are going to want to check this one out.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • Comes with an add-on board, which is similar to the electrical circuits kits kids are familiar with.
  • Comes with pre-installed codes - great for younger kids.
  • SD card has Python preloaded. This programming language is user-friendly and great for kids to learn.

Check it out: Sania Box

3. REXqualis Most Complete Starter Kit 

The REXqualis starter kit comes with more than 200 components, which means there are endless opportunities for projects. Tinkering on the circuit board, kids get to experience completing circuits to make some pretty cool things happen.

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The REXqualis computer build kit is highly rated and great for kids who are ready for intermediate and advanced-level computer building and basic programming projects.

Bonus points that this is an Arduino product. Many of us already have experience tinkering with these circuit boards from our youth, which makes it easier to introduce them to kids.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • Well worth the price for the number of components and potential projects.
  • Many easy-to-follow tutorials for the REXqualis can be found on Youtube.
  • It comes with a storage case to help you keep all the pieces together.

Check it out: REXqualis Most Complete Starter Kit

4. ELEGOO UNO Project Starter Kit

The ELEGOO UNO Project Starter Kit is a great DIY computer build kit for kids. This is because the kit comes with a lot of cool stuff - motors, sensors, LCDs, etc.

Computer programmers, software developers, and parents alike are all raving about this starter kit.

The appeal of this computer build kit is that the child can write the code and see the real-life results. This has more educational value (and is more satisfying) for kids than inputting code into a computer and have the results show up on the computer screen.

If your child is interested in building and developing their programming skills, this kit is sure to keep them busy for hours on end.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • It comes with 24 easy-to-follow tutorial lessons.
  • The kit is high quality for the price and comes with a lot of fun things, like buttons, motors, and sensors.
  • It comes with a full-size breadboard.
  • It comes with LCD display lessons.

Check it out: ELEGOO UNO Project Starter Kit

5. SunFounder 37 Modules Sensor Kit

The SunFounder 37 Modules Sensor Kit is a computer build kit that's perfect for beginners. Kids can learn programming skills and basic programming concepts while working their way through some exciting projects.

It comes with everything a child needs to get started with basic programming and learning how sensors are able to communicate with SBC's or microcontrollers. Kids have a lot of fun with the laser sensors, as well as the buzzers.

This kit is great for as young as elementary age and provides hours and endless opportunities for circuit board fun.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • It comes with 35 unique projects to try.
  • The kit comes with a case to keep all the small parts in.
  • The user guide comes with helpful diagrams for each project.

Check it out: SunFounder 37 Modules Sensor Kit

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6. Base 2 Kit

The Base 2 Kit has everything kids love in computer build kits - LED lights, buttons, a knob, and even a speaker. The challenging projects that come with this kit are great for kids who want to learn how to program from scratch.

This kit doesn't come with the large number of components that some of the other computer build kits on this list include. That's because it doesn't need to - every item in this kit is well thought out and purposeful, which makes it a great STEM gift for beginners.

The Base 2 Kit is specifically designed for kids and is sure to get them excited about the basics of programming.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • There are video tutorials and written explanations for each activity - an entire website's worth.
  • The kit is designed for kids, but it's also great for adults looking to learn about programming elements.
  • It's simple enough for kids (and adults) to figure out.

Check it out: Base 2 Kit

7.  Miuzei Ultimate Kit

This is a very neat kit. One thing most computer build kits don't include is a water level sensor - this one does. It still has the motor and LED lights that are pretty standard with computer build kits, as well.

The Miuzei Ultimate Kit also includes a breadboard with 830 different tie-points, which means kids have endless coding opportunities.

Another great thing about this computer build kit is that it's compatible with Arduino kits. This means there are nearly endless programming opportunities with the kit.

Whether your budding computer programmer is beginner-level or expert-level, the Miuzei Ultimate Kit is a great buy.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • The instructions and diagrams are simple enough for kids as young as 8 years old to understand.
  • The kit comes with a joystick module and remote control for extra fun.
  • The carrying case has dividers, making it easy to keep the small parts organized.

Check it out: Miuzei Ultimate Kit

8. LAVFIN Project Super Starter Kit

The LAVFIN Project Super Starter Kit is a great choice for beginners learning coding and/or electronics. This is one that will keep your child busy for hours on end.

It comes with a variety of sensors and motors that make it possible for kids to complete everything from basic programming projects to the most challenging projects, like a DIY laser.

The photos and diagrams will inspire your child and have them working on some cool projects as soon as they open the box. For the price, the LAVFIN Project Starter Kit is also an excellent value - and you can't beat that.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • The kit comes with a stepper motor, which is a lot of fun for kids.
  • Step by step instructions is included, making the projects simple for kids to complete.
  • The carrying case makes it easy to organize and store all the small components.
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Check it out: LAVFIN Project Sper Starter Kit

9. LABISTS Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Starter Pro Kit

The LABISTS Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Starter Pro Kit is a great computer build kit for kids that is simple to set up. With this kit, kids learn the basic structure and assembly of a computer.

After the assembly, kids can connect the processor to a monitor and have their own working computer with which they can practice coding and learn different programming languages.

This is the perfect computer build kit to give a child looking to build their own computer for a summer project or to have their own working computer to start the new school year.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • It has a powerful processor, which makes it great for advanced projects and/or gaming.
  • For the price, building with this kit is a great alternative to buying a new computer.
  • The finished computer is surprisingly small, leaving lots of room on the child's computer desk for books and other projects.

Check it out: LABISTS Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Starter Pro Kit

10.  Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit

The Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit is one of the top-rated computer build kits on the market. Many educators actually choose the Freenove Starter Kit for their classrooms.

This starter kit is packed full of quality computer components, including stepper motors, switches, and capacitors - so many cool parts that they barely fit in the box.

The Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit is great for elementary-age students that are just starting to learn coding, as well as high school students that are ready to take on advanced projects.

Here's what I like about this kit:

  • This kit teaches 3 different programming languages.
  • The tutorial can be downloaded, so you don't have to flip through a book to find the project you are looking for.
  • This kit is great for both learning programming and circuit building.

Check it out: Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you build a computer for beginners?

You can build a computer for beginners by collecting the individual components from various sources. You can also purchase a DIY computer build kit, like the ones in the list above.

Can a 12-year-old build a computer?

12-year-olds can absolutely build a computer. DIY computer build kits are becoming increasingly popular and technology becomes more important in our lives. These kits are well suited to a 12-year-old's skills and abilities.

At what age should a child get a laptop?

A child should get a laptop as soon they start school and their family can afford one. DIY computer build kits are a great alternative to purchasing a new desktop computer or laptop.