Suggestions for DIRT CHEAP computer

[Jman13]

Hello. I live in Germany with the military, and my wife is going back to her job this summer (she's a teacher and has been on a leave of absence for two years). I'll be joining her back in the states as soon as the stop-loss order is lifted. That's neither here nor there...what I do need is to build an ultra-cheap computer for her so she can have e-mail access at home, and can e-mail me when we can't talk on the phone.

Here's the deal...I need suggestions for just the box, she'll pick up a monitor in the States. I want it to be reasonably speedy (don't tell me to pick up a used Athlon 1GHz), but it doesn't need to be a speed demon. All I want is it to be moderately snappy for office / web applications. Something around AXP 2000+ speeds or faster. 512MB of RAM is a must. I also only want relatively high quality parts...not a machine that's going to re-boot every 45 minutes.

This machine will not be overclocked, and must have a built-in sound solution (are there mobos without it nowadays?).

I do not need the following components: Video card (she'll be using my old GF3ti200), Hard drive (I have a 20GB not in use). I also have a 350W Antec power supply, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a 4-pin cable, so if the mobo requires that, a PSU will be needed in the case.

There are NO requirements on the case, other than I need to be able to build the machine. Also, AMD vs. Intel is a moot point.

The price of OEM Windows XP must be included...

So far, the lowest I've gotten in this area is about $400, all inclusive, and I know there's got to be a valid solution that's cheaper than that. Goal is about $250-$300 including OS. Is this possible with the restrictions I've given?

 

[Raduque]

It can be done.
Check this box:
Case
Optical drive
Ram
Motherboard
CPU
XP Home OEM
$324.19 before tax/shipping. You can drop the optical to go under $300.

You didn't mention optical drives, so I jsut went ahead and threw in a Samsung DVDRW drive. The mobo has onboard video as well as an AGP slot, so you can throw in that GF3 anyway. The case has a decent PSU (I run an HTPC, see sig, on one of similar specs and it's solid as a rock), and the CPU should be decently snappy.

Good luck.

 

[imported_Kensai]

You need a heatsink for that combo. 😛

 

[Jman13]

Thanks Raduque.

I've been fiddling more, and right now I am looking at the case you recommended, a Socket 754 Sempron 2600+ Retail (the price difference between going Socket A and Socket 754 is small enough that the speed increase is worth it for me), 512MB of pqi RAM, ECS 755-A2 mobo (never gone SiS on a mobo before, but it got good reviews on Newegg), Sony combo DVD-ROM and CD-RW. (My wife will NEVER burn DVDs, so there's no need to spend the extra $25 here), XP Home OEM.

Total is $308 before shipping. Can this be beat?

 

[imported_Kensai]

Not that I know of.

 

[Raduque]

lol, so I did forget the HSF.

That looks like a pretty good rig, Jman. I personally, like SiS chipsets. I used a SiS 745 chipset for years, and loved it. I don't think you can get much cheaper then that.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Well, I would really ask for a picture of his face when he starts the system that you suggested on. 😛

 

[Raduque]

Well, considering he's running a A64 3000+ @ 2.3ghz, I'd think he's experienced enough to throw on a spare socketa HSF he probably has lying around 😉

 

[Jman13]

Originally posted by: Raduque
Well, considering he's running a A64 3000+ @ 2.3ghz, I'd think he's experienced enough to throw on a spare socketa HSF he probably has lying around 😉

I have two actually. I wish that my old AXP 1700+ mobo hadn't crapped out on me at the end of its life, or this would be a REALLY cheap machine. Thanks for the help...I ordered the above.

 

[Raduque]

NP. Good luck, and let us (or at least me) know how the build goes!

 

[6000SUX]

The real answer is to wait until your wife starts work again, then buy a Dell with an educational discount. You'll get more for your money.