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Building the cheapest computer possible

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  • Intel
  • Desktops
  • Homebuilt
  • Components
  • Computers
Last response: in Components
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February 20, 2014 8:57:04 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to build the cheapest computer possible for a science project. I want it to very cheap, but usable nonetheless (since I'm going to use it afterward too.) It doesn't have to be capable of handling any games since I don't game. All it has to do is handle moderate multitasking and play a 1080p YouTube video now and then. Anyway, my current list of parts is as so:


    Intel Core i3 550 @3.20GHz: ~$40
    Intel DH55TC Micro ATX LGA1156 Motherboard: ~$74
    LGA1156 Heatsink/cooler: ~$13
    4GB 1333MHz RAM: ~$36
    xGB 3.5" HDD: ~$24
    Xion XON-720P-RD (w/300W PSU):~$45
    Samsung Optical Drive: ~$10


I'm a noob when it comes to this kind of thing, but I'm fairly certain all the parts are compatible. Problem is, they total out to around $246, which is a bit more than my goal of $200 or less. Do you guys suggest that I make a few changes to my list, or create an entirely new one? Thank you so much in advance.

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a b å Intel
a c 94 B Homebuilt system
February 21, 2014 1:54:59 AM

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Celeron G1610 2.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($37.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI H61M-P31/W8 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($46.99 @ Staples)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($32.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital AV 160GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($24.94 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $209.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-21 04:54 EST-0500)

Nearly there. Are you sure you need the ODD?
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February 21, 2014 4:45:09 PM

Someone Somewhere said:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Celeron G1610 2.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($37.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI H61M-P31/W8 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($46.99 @ Staples)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($32.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital AV 160GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($24.94 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $209.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-21 04:54 EST-0500)

Nearly there. Are you sure you need the ODD?


I think I do, actually, because I have a Windows 8 install disc and don't feel like creating a bootable flash drive. Out of curiosity, would the G1610 be noticeably slower than the i3 I had picked out (both CPU and GPU-wise?)
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a b å Intel
a c 94 B Homebuilt system
February 22, 2014 12:08:36 AM

Should be somewhat faster, especially on the GPU side.
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