Help with "really" cheap system

[LostHiWay]

My friends computer just died and he needs a new one. The VERY most he can spend is $225. He already has monitor, KB, Mouse. He will only be using the system for internet browsing, and very simple games like solitaire, and freecell. The only thing I could come up with in his price range was this...

ECS K7SEM MB mATX form factor intergrated snd/nic/video
Duron 750
128MB pc133
generic mATX case
250watt PS...should be enough I think considering it's mATX and almost everything is integrated
50x Cd-rom
floppy
**I have a HSF that I am giving him.

total came to about $250 shipped

I know what most will say about this system...It sucks!! and I agree, but it's the most he can afford and anything is better than nothing. I am refusing to use PChips MB's in the system also. I'm almost sure that intergrated sound/nic/video is the only way to go with the price limit he has.

Anyone have any ideas which could get the price down a little.

 

[mithrandir2001]

If the limit is $250 shipping, he is better off with a used system. That way, you will be getting more componentry (like sound/video), in exchange for a slower CPU. For browsing and simple games, even a PII-400 is more than sufficient. Go browse through the FS/FT forum. A Celeron system with a 440BX chipset is a cheap solution, with an CPU upgrade path to 900MHz or more in some cases.

 

[AppleTalking]

I think you need a hard drive in there too. 🙁

Try taking a look at computergeeks.com for some cheap parts. Sometimes they sell whole systems too. I think it's going to be really hard to spend less than $250 on a new computer, even if you do build it yourself. You may be looking at a refurb or, at best, a new machine that is somewhat dated.

Nick

 

[LostHiWay]

I'll be using the HD from his old system