A fun little challenge

[williamtheface]

Hello to everyone

I am wanting to build another computer. This computer will be used for downloads and internet use only. With VERY VERY lite gaming. (So lite that onboard video would work) It doesn't have to be upgradeable. I currently have the computer case, fans, and a monitor for it. I'd like it to have plenty of hard drive space. I ask you all to come up with the best and cheapest rig you can make.

I'm just looking for different peoples opinion's. Enjoy ^^

(newegg only please)

 

[tlmck]

Did not include OS.

Foxconn 946GZ Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Model #: 946GZ7MA-8KS2H
Item #: N82E16813186107
$37.99

Intel Pentium E2180 Processor
Model #: BX80557E2180
Item #: N82E16819116052
$89.99

Crucial 1GB (2 x 512MB) DDR2 667
Model #: CT2KIT6464AA667
Item #: N82E16820146524
$23.49

Western Digital Caviar SE 500gb SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Model #: WD5000AAJS
Item #: N82E16822136178
$99.99

Sony NEC Optiarc 20X DVD±RW Burner Black SATA
Model #: AD-7190S
Item #: N82E16827118002
$25.99

Subtotal: $277.45

 

[I]

Given the needs, do not buy a new system part by part at all, buy someone's old nForce2 based system.

If you must buy new, get AM2, a $40 AMD processor, 1GB of memory. $100 total if you watch out for deals.

Although, frankly if even onboard video is enough, you should think about buying someone's old system, as even a GF4 TI4200 based system gives the very best new integrated video system a run for it's money, once you disable enough game eyecandy that the game is actually playable.

Just a few months ago I sold such a system for $200 total with a new case, even a floppy drive. There really isn't anything in particular you need to spend much money on, certainly not $90 for a E2180 CPU, only the HDD is going to be a capacityrice compromise, and of course if your case has no PSU, you should not skimp on that by buying generic instead of something honestly rated from a major name brand.

If you had enough time to shop around for sale forums, you might even get a whole system meeting these needs for $100 as the requirement isn't much at all.

Buying all new parts is certainly the most expensive option. It is a good idea for an optical drive since dust and wear take their toll faster than with most parts, but you didn't quite express the need for this either and with modern gigiabit networking, the # of burners needed in systems on a lan is lower than in the past.

 

[drysocks]

I, do agree. Also Newegg does have ...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883114037
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883114051
Includes OS

 

[Anonissimus]

http://laptop.media.mit.edu/

cheaper will be pretty hard, maybe if you put a bigger harddrive inside?

 

[williamtheface]

I'm liking a lot of your comments. I posted this last night about 4:30am and I totally forgot something important. I have a spare 7900GS laying around. Now lets build something around it.

I don't really want to buy a computer pre-built. Part of me building this new pc is to show my girlfriend how to build a pc. Shes never built one before so this would be a great opportunity for her to do so. I appreciate everyones comments.