New Build

[fvs]

Need some advise for a new build,
I'm really considering the price and need to stay within my budget which is around $350
for the whole box,so far this is what I have been considering.
BOXD946GZISSL $84.99
corsair VS1GBKIT533D2 $105.99
Nic TEG-PCITXR $13.99
CPU BX80551PE2666FN $93.00
Foxcon ATX mid tower $31.99

I'm running FC5 and Suse 10.2 right now and I don't know if I even need dual core, I do like to be up to date with this build, need some more input.

[JN4OldSchool]

It would have helped if you had given more info on your parts or at least linked to newegg.

For a big bang low buck PC I use the following formula:

case - the cheapest mid-tower I can find. I have had great luck with Rosewill. I also look for one with an included PSU, the whole package around $30

PSU- I do a big no-no here. Considering the cheap price of these computers I use the cheap included PSU and watch it fry itself usually within the first year. So far I have fried 3 with NO damage to the computer, they simply flake out or wont power up. Then I buy a GOOD Antec 450+ W. Be warned though that you COULD fry your whole PC doing this.

CPU- AMD Sempron or Athlon 2800-3200 or even better depending on stock and price. It wont be dual core but it is a great 64 bit CPU. look for socket 939 boards (unless the AM2's are prevalient in these low buck cpu's now). usually right around $100

MOBO- the cheapest I can get away with, I have used Gigabyte, Asus and PCChips and they are all still running flawlessly. usually around $50. If you have an old GPU laying around use it, if not:

GPU - whatever works, they can be had for $20. I usually go around $100 though for a fairly recent one.

RAM - Kingston! Cheaper than Corsair and just as reliable. I wont build a PC with less than 1GB now.

HD - I like WD, at least 80GB which seems to be the sweet spot, though the 160GB isnt much more these days.

You probably have about $400 right here, maybe a tad under. You will also need a Lite-on DVD burner for around $40. This is the way I would go anyway, I have built 8 computers following this basic formula and they are all runners. modestly fast, good RAM, good storage, DVD burner...probably the most bang for your buck and open for later upgrades.

[techmatt]

Well not sure how new the components will be this way but get a decant computer for really cheap.

Go to 30 to 40 yard/garage sales pick up the towers and any parts they might have available peace them together to build the best system you can. I have built about 40 computers this way and never spent more than $100 US then turn around and sell them with no OS for about $200 ( I do load Windows If they buy it somewhere and I always offer Linux)

If you do this method run every burn in test from the Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD) from www.ultimatebootcd.com. This also has memtest86 which is always a good idea to run with used hardware.

I do normally buy my RAM separate. At least 512MB, although the more the better.

[JN4OldSchool]

Originally Posted by techmatt

Well not sure how new the components will be this way but get a decant computer for really cheap.

Go to 30 to 40 yard/garage sales pick up the towers and any parts they might have available peace them together to build the best system you can. I have built about 40 computers this way and never spent more than $100 US then turn around and sell them with no OS for about $200 ( I do load Windows If they buy it somewhere and I always offer Linux)

If you do this method run every burn in test from the Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD) from www.ultimatebootcd.com. This also has memtest86 which is always a good idea to run with used hardware.

I do normally buy my RAM separate. At least 512MB, although the more the better.

yes, very wise advice. I do this also, you would be amazed what you can pick up for $10-$20! This is a great way to buy the case, the CD maybe even a DVD if youre lucky, a floppy, could strike it rich on a good name brand PSU (remember, you only really NEED 300-350W to run your system, and maybe even some decent RAM. Unless you found something within a year or two old I would buy the mobo and CPU but hey, salvage what you can. Instead of 1 80GB new drive, why not 3 30GB used drives?

[techmatt]

I once even found a P4 1.5GHz PC Chips bord with 512MB DDR 400 for 15 Dollars

Edit: The city clean up days here (when every body troughs out there old junk and the city picks it up free) are a nother grate way to get parts.

I know I'm a cheap skate