$500 or less, is it possible to put together a system?

[rky60]

Something semi-decent, just for a new computer owner. Maybe some Web surfin and very light gaming. My Sister is lookin', i'm not sure if she should buy pre-built (if she can find one) or if i could find the (better) parts cheaper. Will need everything of course, just not sure if it can be done

What ya think?

 

[pelikan]

Look in the Hot Deals forum for Dell deals.

 

[LeeTJ]

$500 or less, is it possible to put together a system?

Yes.

 

[nolovenohope]

I have no doubt in my mind that it is possible to build a system for light gaming and web surfing.

AMD XP1600-1800+
1 256MB Stick of DDR
32-64MB Video Card
An AMD board will do (I don't know much since I've fallen out of the mix)

But needless to say, it can easily be achieved.

 

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: pelikan
Look in the Hot Deals forum for Dell deals.

For a new computer owner... Definitely send them to Dell. Let Dell supply the Tech Support instead of you.

 

[Jhhnn]

It's not as easy as you might think- prebuilts can be a good deal, particularly when Dell is practically giving them away, as happens occasionally. $500 is a realistic minimum for all new components with legal software, integrated board, case, keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor and all the other stuff... You'll need to be a smart shopper not to go over..

 

[rky60]

Thx for the tips, pre-built is the way to go. Now i just gotta find it

Thx again

 

[NokiaDude]

I built mine for ~$500 including Windows XP Pro.

System Rig:
Envision 17" Flat CRT model no. 770-e
ABIT KT7A-RAID
AMD Duron 1.2Ghz w/200mhz FSB (Morgan Core)
1024mb of SDRAM 2x512mb@133mhz
40gb WD HDD UDMA 66mb/s
ATI Radeon 7500 AGP4X 64mbDDR
Sound Blaster PCI512
SMC EZ-Card 10/100
TDK 24/10/40x CD-RW
Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM
Mitsumi Floppy Drive
300w Generic PSU
AOC Socket A Cooler (SVC GC68)
Windows XP Professional

 

[magomago]

If you already have an OS use that instead of buying one.


And yes its very possible. the nforce asus for 71.99 covers most everything....then toss in a 1700+ (49.99)....256megs of pc2100 ram (29.99 at bestbuy for this weekend)....go to bestbuy/circuit city for a 40 gig HD for 50 dollars....get a case+psu for 50 on pricewatch...

Should be very easy

 

[compudog]

Try this place. here or here or here. I have used all of them with no problems. Again, there is always Dell.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

My idea is to go to bestbuy, and get an emachines at 1.8ghz, enough ram (hehe, don't remember how much) but it'll be atleast 256,not bad integrated video card unless shes into lots of gaming but for a little gaming she'll survive,40 gig hard drive, etc.

Emachines usually has the best deals for computers at $500.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Oh, and for that low of a price, its better to get it prebuilt, and when you get it, usually for either their $1 or $10, you can get a color printer.

If you decide to buy it prebuilt, make sure to not buy an extra warranties, its just a lot of junk, since most of the computers they sell are reasonably priced, they make more money off of the warranties they sell, so be careful cause those sales people can be tricky.