"Ask CCF" - Please Suggest a Good, Cheap DIY PC Configuration

[Richardk]

Not quite leading edge will save you some money and it's interesting to see that the "bare bones MB+case kit from Tiger or Newegg" are so competitive. I'll have to keep that in mind when shopping for my next system instead of putting more money into an old one.

[benali72]

Gorn, I think the key here is whether she requires Windows. If not, a Pentium IV with 512m will run Ubuntu or any other Linux with good performance. And I eat my own dogfood ... I often use computers with configurations like that. Getting such a machine will cost anywhere from free (give-away) to $100.

If you need Win 7 then you'll have to buy new to get enough power (as I'm sure you know).

[The Gorn]

^ Good point. But what would happen is every little thing that is different I'd have to coach her through.

[DarkHumour]

To meet that price point - http://www.itxchange.com has a lot of refurbed machines that you could then add whatever else you need to get it where you want.  Also can get a reasonable restore disk depending on the brand and model.

Otherwise look at the all in one micro atx motherboards as they eliminate the need for additional audio, video, and network cards.

Goodwill and other thrift stores may have some stuff to scrounge (toss the contents) but keep the case or visa versa...

DarkHumour

[PhilFromNY]

Do you know why her current PC is blue screening? Hardware or software?

I'm asking because if you think it's software then I would suggest you upgrade the current computer. For $250 you could

• add an SSD drive, will make her current machine faster than any low cost new machine
• add a wireless mouse and keyboard, the old ones are probably pretty scuzzy and wireless is really nice for getting comfortable
• upgrade to Windows 7
• replace the probably on-board graphics with a cheap card which would free up memory
• replace the DVD drive with an external USB drive.

If you decide later that you still want a new machine all of the above can be transferred over. A flat screen monitor would also make a big difference. Perhaps add that later.

[pxsant]

If you have not purchased anything yet look at this system from Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellShocker.aspx?cm_sp=ShellShocker-_-739446-_-10072011_1

It looks like a do it yourself kit but it has just about everything you need and is well within your price point.

[DarkHumour]

I saw two server class boards that were $79 (Normally $286) and $286 ($540) respectively on CDW's outlet website.  They handle over 100+ GB of RAM.  Socket G34 or Socket LGA1366. 

These boards are a bargain but the cpus for them are not....

DarkHumour