NVIDIA GeForce2 MX 100/200

[Cerb]

I would say, that kind of rig would cost $300-400 US at places like BestBuy or Staples. I don't know what stores you have over there.

Having recently looked at similar PCs at those very stores here in the U.S. (settling on a Thinkcentre with a C2D, instead), you're at least $100 off. $300-400 is still the domain of E-series, C2Ds, and AIIs, by and large.

 

[skulkingghost]

Having recently looked at similar PCs at those very stores here in the U.S. (settling on a Thinkcentre with a C2D, instead), you're at least $100 off. $300-400 is still the domain of E-series, C2Ds, and AIIs, by and large.

Disagree, refurb, but still:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0381952

OP that would be a great pc for you.

 

[Stuka87]

Having recently looked at similar PCs at those very stores here in the U.S. (settling on a Thinkcentre with a C2D, instead), you're at least $100 off. $300-400 is still the domain of E-series, C2Ds, and AIIs, by and large.

Which would all blow the doors what the OP has now. When upgrading from a 10 year old computer, even 2-3 year old tech is quite fast 😉

 

[Cerb]

Disagree, refurb, but still:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0381952

OP that would be a great pc for you.

If you disagree, please link to a PC available on the shelf at Best Buy or Staples. I have two Staples, and two Best Buys, within driving distance, and none had an i3-2100 or better for under $450, as of about 2 weeks ago. Most other normal chains seem to ditching desktops entirely, only having laptops.

Microcenter, like Fry's, is on a different plane of retail enlightenment.


I'd go for something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883157052
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102882

You could spend time putting together something a bit better, I'm sure (it wasn't that long ago that such a used PC was about $180, even with Windows 7--is it oil prices, high demand, or what?!), but the above would be about as close to foolproof as it gets, and the business HPs like that are nice little computers. Of course, either way, the OP would need to find UK or near-UK source, so prices and availability will vary even more.

 

[Meaker10]

Hey guys I am in the UK and have a spare socket 754 board (K8N4E-deluxe) with A64 3200 and 512mb of DDR with a PCI-express slot. I could donate it if needed.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If you disagree, please link to a PC available on the shelf at Best Buy or Staples. I have two Staples, and two Best Buys, within driving distance, and none had an i3-2100 or better for under $450, as of about 2 weeks ago. Most other normal chains seem to ditching desktops entirely, only having laptops.

Note that when I mentioned BestBuy or Staples, I said "like", meaning I was using them as examples. I would consider Microcenter or Walmart to be equivalent.

I saw an i3-2100 rig at Walmart.com for $450. Close enough, really.