Is it possible to build a computer for under $400.00

[fritzi93]

I don't recall taking part in the argument "What is and what is not...OS, distro, blah blah." The original poster asked about Windows alternatives and may want to give one of them a try, whatever they are.

[MJA]

newegg.com

1- CASE SCASE|PC-115 BEIGE 350W RT - Retail
Item #: N82E16811154017

$25.99
1 MB BIOSTAR GEFORCE 6100 AM2 GF6100 - Retail
Item #: N82E16813138029

$66.99
1 CPU AMD|A64 3000+ 1.8G AM2 512K R - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103639
$94.00
1 MEM 512M|WINTEC 3AMD2533-512M2-R R - Retail
Item #: N82E16820161637

$32.50
1 HD 80G|ST 7K 8M SATA2 ST3808110AS % - OEM
Item #: N82E16822148107

$50.99
1 DVD_BURN SONY|DWQ120AB2 BK % - OEM
Item #: N82E16827131031

$34.99
Subtotal: $305.46
What's this? Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $26.31
Grand Total: $331.77

+ floppy+OS little over $400

[King Ghidora]

They also have a vested interest in suppling you with components which are likely to be trouble-free in combination. You are less likely to find fingerpointing to another system component when you report a problem.

Wow that just doesn't reflect my experience at all. It's virtually impossible to find any real help for anything these days by placing a call to any manufacturer. But a few years back you could occasionally get help from a decent tech at a place like Newegg. But a tech from a company like Dell was a total waste of time in my experience. I called a few mostly in response to working on computers in an onsite repair attempt. I heard some of the most ridiculous remarks you can imagine from those big name computer techs. It was possible to get decent help from a tech at a store that actually sold components because they were the places that actually stood to lose out if you returned the stuff you bought but couldn't make work. Other places that sold m'boards were similar because they seemed to deal with all the problems everyone else just didn't care to deal with or as you say, they just blamed it on someone else.

Any computer problem I've had in the past 8 years at least I've solved by getting help from the net. Sure there are some people who don't have a clue that are giving bad advice but I think you just have to learn to sift through the really bad advice and figure out how to protect your data before a really bad problem comes along. The truth is that there aren't nearly as many problems with hardware as there was a few years ago anyway. Drivers and the like have become much more stable simply because there isn't nearly as much innovation in the computer industry now. The problems were mainly solved long ago. I just don't see anything that comes close to trying to load all your memory hogging drivers in 640k of memory while keeping all the IRQ's from conflicting. Computers are just much easier to deal with now and I don't think it's a big concern having to worry about doing your own troubleshooting.

[Sabro]

Even if you decide to skimp on every component in the system your building, DO NOT skimp on the thermal solution!

I've used Ceramique by Artic Silver with excellent results, but have heard great things about Silver 5 as well ... http://www.arcticsilver.com/

I think most will agree on this aspect that seems to have been overlooked in this thread.

Sabro

[ROF]

Remember that a computer manufacturer, wishes to avoid support costs and is more likely to provide you with specialized update and troubleshooting tools. They also have a vested interest in suppling you with components which are likely to be trouble-free in combination. You are less likely to find fingerpointing to another system component when you report a problem. In my own experiemce the liklihood of a well-trained technician on the phone is only a little better than from component suppliers but you can usually make only one call. And they are usually provided with scripts to help you troubleshoot which drive experts crazy but do help the relatively inexperienced user.

Really? I wish I could have your experience. Ever call Gateway to tell them you have a dead hard drive? I've had them tell me it could be the motherboard or even go as far as blaming a power supply. I know more than enough about technology to know that a system with a dead hard drive acts completely different than one with a dead power supply. I actually argued with a tech from Dell about this same issue recently. Finally, I held the phone up to the PC Speaker and let the loud beeps echo in his ears. I then asked him if he ever heard a dead power supply that would provide power to the motherboard which in turn provided power to the PC speaker. His reply? Yes. I laughed and hung up only to have to call back and speak to someone else. Well trained? Knowledgeable? HA! I get more reliable and knowledgeable auto mechanics service from the local McDonald's hamburger place.

[jimbucc]

The cheap Dell systems are good - except they use Shared DDR video memory. I would think this could be a bottleneck when using a high end video editor.
For me, I like all my components separated - separate video, audio, etc. so that I can swap them out as needed.

[ROF]

Considering the technology of today's motherboards I do not see the need for separate sound or Lan cards unless you have a specific need for what they offer. The onboard technology is way more sufficient for most users. Graphics on the other hand is best left to a dedicated board with enough dedicated RAM. Beware of those separate graphics boards that use system RAM. For example an advertised as 128MB video card with 64MB onboard.

[RLT69]

And if you want Linux, I hope you are patient, especially if you use the X GUI system. Although this gives a Windows-like interface, it's basically about where Windows 3.0 was in 1990 in terms of integration, convenience, speed, and usability. Plus, X is a resource hog. Linux is a good choice if you are knowledgable, patient, and willing to do research to debug problems. And if you don't need the X interface it's rather fast too. Otherwise, stick with Windoze.

BULL F@$@#$ SH!T!!!

It's quite obvious from this quote that CrayonEaterx hasn't a clue. Use any recent linux distro and the interface DOES NOT look like a Windows 3.0 throw back. If anything Vista looks like the new linux GUIs, particularly KDE. X is not a resource hog. In fact your system should bootup faster under linux than under windows.

Ubuntu [http://www.ubuntu.com/] is a rather popular linux distro for novices. Nice thing is, it's FREE. You can download an iso from their website. Give it a shot.

[Bronx]

I don't recall taking part in the argument "What is and what is not...OS, distro, blah blah." The original poster asked about Windows alternatives and may want to give one of them a try, whatever they are.

This thread is about building a PC.

1- CASE SCASE|PC-115 BEIGE 350W RT - Retail
Item #: N82E16811154017

$25.99
1 MB BIOSTAR GEFORCE 6100 AM2 GF6100 - Retail
Item #: N82E16813138029

$66.99
1 CPU AMD|A64 3000+ 1.8G AM2 512K R - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103639
$94.00
1 MEM 512M|WINTEC 3AMD2533-512M2-R R - Retail
Item #: N82E16820161637

$32.50
1 HD 80G|ST 7K 8M SATA2 ST3808110AS % - OEM
Item #: N82E16822148107

$50.99
1 DVD_BURN SONY|DWQ120AB2 BK % - OEM
Item #: N82E16827131031

$34.99
Subtotal: $305.46
What's this? Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $26.31
Grand Total: $331.77

+ floppy+OS little over $400

Thank you so much.

[fritzi93]

I was thinking of using Linux. Has any body used Linux OS?

You didn't ask the above question, then?

[Bronx]

I was thinking of using Linux. Has any body used Linux OS?

You didn't ask the above question, then?

Bronx:

As for an operating system, I will stick to windows.

My main concern is building the pc. Not a debate about an operating system.

[CBC]

interesting thread. Several good options offered here for the cheap PC builder.

[budz]

newegg.com

1- CASE SCASE|PC-115 BEIGE 350W RT - Retail
Item #: N82E16811154017

$25.99
1 MB BIOSTAR GEFORCE 6100 AM2 GF6100 - Retail
Item #: N82E16813138029

$66.99
1 CPU AMD|A64 3000+ 1.8G AM2 512K R - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103639
$94.00
1 MEM 512M|WINTEC 3AMD2533-512M2-R R - Retail
Item #: N82E16820161637

$32.50
1 HD 80G|ST 7K 8M SATA2 ST3808110AS % - OEM
Item #: N82E16822148107

$50.99
1 DVD_BURN SONY|DWQ120AB2 BK % - OEM
Item #: N82E16827131031

$34.99
Subtotal: $305.46
What's this? Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $26.31
Grand Total: $331.77

+ floppy+OS little over $400

Instead of that SONY DVD BURNER I'd suggest getting the BENQ 1650/1655 or the PIONEER 111D.

[smearbrick1]

I just built one for $12.00.

Of course, it isn't very fast and the case is made from scrap wood, but it did come in under $400.00.

Was this the only criteria?

[zoobie]

I built one for free...found 2 by the dumpster...switched video card...now one works fine running XP. Gave it to my Yahoo-obsessed brother-in-law who is still trying to figure out how to to turn it on.

newegg rocks and are #1

[ROF]

I was thinking of using Linux. Has any body used Linux OS?

You didn't ask the above question, then?

Bronx:

As for an operating system, I will stick to windows.

My main concern is building the pc. Not a debate about an operating system.

In that case, my suggestion would be to not install one and see how much your computing experience thrives. The rest of us have come to realize that two major components of your computer are required for full enjoyment. A good Operating System and a quality motherboard. That being said you rarely get a quality motherboard or a good Operating System by purchasing a pre-packaged system.

[ROF]

I built one for free...found 2 by the dumpster...switched video card...now one works fine running XP. Gave it to my Yahoo-obsessed brother-in-law who is still trying to figure out how to to turn it on.

I regularly get computers this way. So many dumb people put there computer out to the curb. Hard drive and all simply because they either bought a new one or they broke something easily fixed in this one.

I can not begin to tell you how many times I have been asked why I am grabbing a roadside computer in the middle of the rain. As if a little water is going to harm an unplugged device.

[anzimike]

You might check out goodwill or salvation army stores for cheap used system or parts. I got a 17" dell crt for $30.

[Bronx]

@ROF

As for an operating system, I will stick to windows.

I did say I was going to stick to windows.

[ROF]

@ROF

As for an operating system, I will stick to windows.

I did say I was going to stick to windows.

Yep! That is why I supplied the disc with both systems.

[oldandinthe way]

ROF

I have called Gateway with a dead DVD drive. As always I got a tech who wanted to follow a script to determine the failure, all steps which I had performed before.

If I hadn't the experience of selling and supporting thousands of PCs all over the world, I might have needed their guidance, but it was a frustration. But I am not their typical customer. But eventually I was able to get them to send a replacement, it arrived promptly, worked, and I was up and running.

Hence I refered to the fact the manufacturer of a system would probably have techs who wished to follow a script which drives an experienced user nuts.

That said, the inexperienced user would probably appreciate this guidance, if tech is capable of actually guiding him.

Gateway's bigfix program and service, updates drivers, firmware and applications supplied with the system as necessary. And even some common applications which they did not supply. Imagine not having to hunt up drive firmware when you buy a newly available recordable DVD. Imagine not chasing component makers sites, or hacked firmware sites. A real convenience for the user who just wants to run his programs and isn't looking for a system maintainence hobby. And their low-end eMachines line also has this software.

If you build your own machine, you are your own general contractor. If you buy a manufactured computer, you are a user.

[MJA]

I think a laptop will be a good choice if you have no kids . I saw one at buy.com for $499 loaded made by Acer

http://www.buy.com/prod/Acer_Aspire_3624_Intel_Celeron_M_Processor_380_Mainstream/q/lo...202546015.html

Intel Celeron M Processor 380
Integrated DVD-Dual drive
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
802.11 b/g WLAN, 10/100 LAN V.92 modem
40GB Hard drive
512 MB (256/256) DDR2 400 SDRAM

more than enough for net,email,,,,.,,

ask your wife I bet she will like it

[Bronx]

I saw the same one at Circuit city

[MJA]

u save on tax+ u get $15 off on anything over $200 no rebate too


I checked CC.com I can't find it

they have the Acer Aspire 3623 not the 3624

[Super Warrior]

I want to build my wife a computer. Is it possible to build a computer for under $400.00?

I was thinking of using a Micro case.


Any suggestions and/or a hint towards the right direction will be appreciated.

Yes ofcoarse its possible. For under $400 you can build yourself a very nice, fast, and quite capable entry-level comp for that.

And if you don't want to go the build-it-yourself route, Dell sells some pretty nice entry-level comps NEW for less than $400 as well.

Actually if all you're looking for is to get your wife a decent, basic level Pc, you could just save yourself the hassle and buy a Dell.

[Super Warrior]

I think a laptop will be a good choice if you have no kids . I saw one at buy.com for $499 loaded made by Acer

http://www.buy.com/prod/Acer_Aspire_3624_Intel_Celeron_M_Processor_380_Mainstream/q/lo...202546015.html

Intel Celeron M Processor 380
Integrated DVD-Dual drive
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
802.11 b/g WLAN, 10/100 LAN V.92 modem
40GB Hard drive
512 MB (256/256) DDR2 400 SDRAM

more than enough for net,email,,,,.,,

ask your wife I bet she will like it

For a laptop i'd recommend one of Dell's new B120 laptops for $450:

14" Screen
Celeron-M 1.4Ghz
256MB Ram
40GB HDD
DVD/CD-RW drive

In fact my primary/only comp i'm using right now is the Dell B120, which i LOOOOVE BTW (Although i've since upgraded mine to DVD-RW and 512MB ram, was easy).

[MJA]

Super[/url] Warrior]

I want to build my wife a computer. Is it possible to build a computer for under $400.00?

I was thinking of using a Micro case.


Any suggestions and/or a hint towards the right direction will be appreciated.

Yes ofcoarse its possible. For under $400 you can build yourself a very nice, fast, and quite capable entry-level comp for that.

And if you don't want to go the build-it-yourself route, Dell sells some pretty nice entry-level comps NEW for less than $400 as well.

Actually if all you're looking for is to get your wife a decent, basic level Pc, you could just save yourself the hassle and buy a Dell.

bronx "I know I could buy a prebuilt computer for a low price. But I would like to built one."

[jagabo]

You might start with one of NewEgg's barebone (case, PSU, motherboard) systems:

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Category.asp?Category=3

[Bodyslide]

Laptop for 400.00 after rebates at Compusa

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&product_code=337640&pfp=srch1

[MJA]

1- you have to pay tax on $579 not $399.
2- you are dealing here with mail in from CompUSA good luck if u get your check .
3- it comes with 256mb of memory not enough so add $25 for memory
4- no DVD writer .