A new computer for 300-400

[gamerxx13]

Okay, my friend wants to get a new computer. He is willing to spend about 300-400 dollars on this new computer. What kind of specs will be the best value. Like whats the best type of computer we can get for that money. Thanks for the help. I was thinking a P4 with 512 ram and a 80 gig harddrive...well hope you guys can help, thanks

 

[shoRunner]

just computer or monitor also, what is it gonna be used for

 

[gamerxx13]

He has the moniter and speakers, just the computer. Thanks.

 

[fishstickz]

Here is a link that will you set you up with all you need:

Budget Guide @ Mikhailtech

Most people would be more than content with that machine.

 

[theMan]

what is it used for, just web surfing and basic office tasks?

 

[So]

Value computer? Skip P4.

 

[furballi]

Depends on what you want to do with this new PC. The old PC may be adequate. $400 is not much $ if you have to buy a new OS, PSU, and RAM.

 

[fishstickz]

Of course, the guide I posted doesn't factor the cost of an OS. Rememer that many Linux distros, such as Ubuntu, Knoppix, Mepis, Debian, and Gentoo, are COMPLETELY free of charge and useable as a desktop system.

 

[Tom]

Under $400, it's often cheaper to buy a Gateway, Dell, HP, or Compaq, sometimes a lot cheaper. Compared to building your own.

Particularly if you intend to use Windows XP, and don't already have the operating system.

 

[GuileVsGuile]

he's gonna have to settle for a celeron if he wants intel...$300-$400 is ultra-budget

 

[Moonsabie]

if he goes to collage well mine gives me a Free windows OS ever year. I knew my $8000 a year payed for something.

 

[spacejamz]

How about this?

if we can't post FW links, please delete...

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

HP has the Presario SR1010Z on sale right now: free shipping on all models.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopp...mpaq_presario&storeName=computer_store

Windows XP Home SP2
Sempron 3000+
256 MB RAM
40 GB hard disk
integrated graphics
DVD burner
5.1 audio
front USB/firewire/audio ports
keyboard & mouse
$399.99 - $50.00 rebate = $349.99

Of course, you can get a slightly better system by building it yourself. I suggest newegg.com for parts.

 

[jose]

$400 for everything will probably only get you onboard graphics.. ie. a cheap Dell

Does he want to play any games ?? If so then probably he'll have to double his budget...

The absolute min. I'd get is some processor in the 3.0Ghz(P4) or 1.8Ghz(A64) w/ 512mb of ram. (1 gig is preferred.)

This will cost about $350, now you need add:

DVD burner($40 nec 3520a)
HD 80g $100
Case $50
PSU $75
Video card $150

that's a total of $765 w/out shipping !!!

Try to convince your friend to spend more money...

Regards,
Jose

 

[shoRunner]

Originally posted by: jose
$400 for everything will probably only get you onboard graphics.. ie. a cheap Dell

Does he want to play any games ?? If so then probably he'll have to double his budget...

The absolute min. I'd get is some processor in the 3.0Ghz(P4) or 1.8Ghz(A64) w/ 512mb of ram. (1 gig is preferred.)

This will cost about $350, now you need add:

DVD burner($40 nec 3520a)
HD 80g $100
Case $50
PSU $75
Video card $150

that's a total of $765 w/out shipping !!!

Try to convince your friend to spend more money...

Regards,
Jose

lol why would you buy a dell...then spend $400 upgrading it...it'd be better to build it in the 1st place.

 

[vrbaba]

bestbuy.com or compusa (check out weekend deals)....you will get a great comp for 300-400 than build ur own. (keep in mind the 100 cost for OS, which comes included in prebuilt systems).

 

[gamerxx13]

He has software and hardware all he needs is the hardware.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

I would recommend:

An nForce 2 mobo: ~ $50-75
A retail socket A Athlon XP cpu: ~$100
A Seagate or Western Digital 80gb IDE hard drive: ~$55
1x 512mb pc2700 stick of Crucial or OCZ: ~$45
Some cheaper but quality CD-RW/DVD-ROM: ~$40
Decent case with decent psu: $80
An older AGP video card (like an ati 9200se or nvidia 5200) from eBay or the FS/T forums here on AT: <$30
Total: $400-425

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

HP/Compaq systems are usually cheaper than Dells.

 

[SrGuapo]

Originally posted by: Moonsabie
if he goes to collage well mine gives me a Free windows OS ever year. I knew my $8000 a year payed for something.

Glad to see you are learning so much. Obviously not an english major j/k.

Anyways, just look for a cheapo Dell PC. You can get rid of the monitor and save some cash. If you REALLY want to build you own, here is what I would do:

CPU: s754 Sempron 2600+ ($70)
Mobo: Cheap s754 board with integrated video ($60)
RAM: 512 MB corasair value ($40)
Case/PSU: ANtec SLK1650 w/ 350W PSU ($65)
HDD: Cheapest 80GB (on sale maybe $40)
DVD: NEC 3540A ($45)

Total: $320 (plus shipping)

Not too bad... For an extra $100 or so you could get a venice 3000+ and a Radeon XPress 200 board. That will be quite a bit faster and have better integrated graphics (around an x300SE, that may be able to play some semi recent 3D games, of course at low settings), up to you...

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: gamerxx13
He has software and hardware all he needs is the hardware.

what hardware does he have and what does he need?

 

[DanDaMan315]

Check up on Dell deals until you find something decent that is in your price range.

 

[Sonikku]

Pay for a Operating System? On a budget?!

 

[fstime]

If you can, get a P4 w/ HT if he doesnt game, superior to AMD's when it comes to multi tasking, overall smoother.

Not sure you can fit that in his budget.