Computer for the po' folk

[czarate]

Alright, I know this is sacrilege, but I want to build a decent computer and spend the least amount possible. But I am coming here to ask you guys because I know that if I pick based on price, I will get some pretty crappy components. I value speed and performance, but I am a Cheap Bastard. If buying something better will really make a difference, then I will loosen the pursestrings a bit.

I am not a gamer, but I do some fairly intensive photo editing and I like to watch DiVX movies. I am trying to get a barebones system, plus system memory for $250. I already have hard drive, CD-RW, etc.

This is what I am shooting for:
Tower case, not picky.
Power supply (what wattage is sufficient?)
Athlon XP 2000+
Motherboard
- integrated sound, video, maybe LAN a plus
- at least 2 or 3 PCI slots
256 MB system memory (I will add another 256 later)

I've looked at some of the barebones systems on Pricewatch, but the prices seem too good to be true. $100 for case, power supply, mobo, and Athlon XP 2000+ CPU? Can that be right? Will it work, or arrive at all?

http://www.pricewatch.com/1/235/4418-1.htm

I know I sound clueless, but I can put a system together so I'd rather not go the Dell/Gateway route. I've just been out of the game for awhile and get overwhelmed when it comes to matching up mobos with CPUs. I'd really appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you.

[Tomteriffic]

Here's your rig right here: Unicom Computers They have a barebones right on the front page that is "just add drives and RAM" that is right down your alley for $210.

Very good vendor, several folks around here have bought such systems from them, and I'm running a previous iteration of the system with an XP1800 in it that has been going 24/7, full-tilt, for months.

Edit: I followed your link. Most of those systems don't have onboard video, and several of those vendors I wouldn't touch with a 20 foot pole.

[jened]

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[czarate]

Hi jened, how is the PC working out for you?

[ook]

Yeah I think $100 for a barebones is too good to be true.

Since you've been "out of the game for a while" you should take note that computer parts have become such a large business that there are manufacturers that will shave a few bucks and sellers that will shave a few bucks and the end result is a flaky product and credit card disputes.

Many years ago you could just pick the lowest price on pricewatch and end up with working generic memory, motherboards and power supplies backed up by an honest retailer. Now if you try that it's almost guaranteed to be a scam.

For retailers try newegg which everyone seems to like. I recommend against their 'refurbs' though. People also seem to like googlegear and TCWO.

For some inexpensive but quality part recommendations:
Asus A7N266-VM AA (nforce chipset AMD assured) $70.50
KINGSTON KVR266X64C25/256 256MB 32x64 PC2100 $34
Fortron (sparkle) - P300XFPN 300W Power Supply OEM $32 (recommend also enlight, sparkle >= 300 Watt)
Case - they have many at newegg like evercase truly screwless (buy w/o cheapo power sup). $30 ish
Chip - could save by going with XP1700 for $50.
Heatsink - Glacialtech 462 Copper or whatever style you like. coolermaster makes some ok cheaper ones too. $17 (it's become the most exciting part of a system)

I know that comes to $200 for XP1700 barebones but I don't think too many people would argue with the reputation of these parts or of the dealer.

[Tomteriffic]

I picked up one of the Unicom systems from Bruce (the owner) in person last weekend, but haven't had a chance to throw it together yet. What I see as improvements from my older one are the DDR option (which will speed up the video as well), USB 2.0, and a better basic video chipset than what my older one had. Bruce had a show special going on and I got an upgrade case and power supply for an extra $5.

I had an XP1600+ lying around already, so I just got the Duron 1.3 package (I'll keep that as a backup) and I was out the door for about $142. Having dealt with Unicom before, I know the service and support will be there if I need it.

Will post back after I get it up and humming.

[elroy]

No one is going to sell you a system with case, board and 2000 cpu for a $100. Watch out for the ones with a $75 shipping charge. For a board I would look at a Biostar M7VIG. www.tcwo.com had them for $60. Excellent board, lots of room to upgrade the cpu later, sdram and DDR, 32mb onboard video that works nicely.
As for the power supply get a minimum of 300 watt. 300 will run most systems as long as you don't ry to put in 4 HD's and 2 cdrw's etc.

[ook]

I am using the M7VIG to type this now actually. If you can find it I recommend it. It has been replaced by the M7VIG Pro which some people like and some don't so I can't personally recommend the pro model. But some don't like the asus nforce either (especially those that were trying to use other than win XP).

[Richard Cranium]

For $250 you can get a pretty good unit built by You.

Biostar M7VIG PRO
$58 shipprd

AMD Athlon XP 1700+ Thoroughbred
$50 shipped

VANTEC Hard Disk Drive Cooler
$15 shipped

SimpleTech (Simple Technologies) 256MB DDR PC2700
$33 shipped

Pick a cooler

Black ATX Window Case w/400W PS
$50 ~ shipped
Someone else may have a good case at Newegg .

[jened]

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