Budget Computer help?

[mroutlaw]

Hi guys,

I have created a program in VB .NET 2010 which I'm about to release commercial and non-commercial versions.

This program interacts with a HFS HTTP Server to collect and store information. What I need to do is have my PC running 24/7 so users will be able to connect to it to check for updates and such. Now this isn't a problem with my home network (Being unlimited p/m). But the computer I own is a power hungry one. So I have decided to build a another computer dedicated to running the server, something very cheap.

Can you guys, recommend specific parts for me to order? What I need to find is a

* A CPU - at least single core with around 1.8-2.0ghz
* Ram - 256mb minimum
* Motherboard - with integrated card if you find one
* A HDD - 10gb minimum
* ATX pc tower - with a low watt rating
* WIFI card - This computer will be left in my garage, so I need it to pick up my modem in my living room.

I am not willing to spend over $100 AUD. This computer will be left on 24/7 so it should be energy efficient.

The rest of the parts (CRT Monitor, keyboard, mouse and OS) I already own, so don't worry about that

Help would be greatly appreciated,
Allen.P

 

[jmsellars1]

I think to get a PC that cheap youre going to have to look at the second hand market. I just added up a build on Newegg (sorry i don't know any Aussie sites) at about 200 USD with:

Intel Celeron 1.8Ghz (Low power 35W version)
1GB Crucial DDR3
Biostar G31 Mobo with integrated graphics
160GB Seagate HDD (cheapest HDD on the site)
Random cheap case
80+ 200W PSU
Cheap Wireless N Card

 

[Branden]

if you want a new PC you're going to have to at least double your budget, the cheapest pre-built thing i can think of would be an Eee PC type thing in the $200 range. if you build yourself with the cheapest parts you can find you'd be hard-pressed to hit the <$200 mark.
if you're budget is fixed at $100 then you're looking at something used and several years old. and at that age and price it's likely going to be something that chews more than 35W, a HDD on it's last legs, and surely not wireless N (if any).

 

[jmsellars1]

Yeah i would just up your budget if you can, youre going to save it on bills if it's going to be on all the time.

 

[ps3hacker12]

you could go with a low end sempron build, heres a low end sempron build for $224 but it also needs ram and im sure this australian websites sucks:
500GB HDD:
http://www.computeronline.com.au/products.php?C_ID=3&S_ID=71&PROD=33621&PHPSESSID=&
case with PSU:
http://www.computeronline.com.au/products_pic.php?C_ID=24&S_ID=235&PROD=26925
sempron 140:
http://www.computeronline.com.au/products.php?C_ID=1&S_ID=215&PROD=25507&PHPSESSID=&
am3 mobo:
http://www.computeronline.com.au/products.php?C_ID=5&S_ID=21&PROD=36376&PHPSESSID=&

and you'll need some ddr3 ram also. im sure you can go cheaper if you find a cheaper site (eBay maybe?) and some cheaper parts too.

TBH i would just buy prebuilt with that sort of budget. i think the best CPU for your needs (you'll need to up your budget though) would be an E-350.

 

[megamanx00]

Don't be so cheap. You can't even get something for that cheap on eway

http://www.ewayco.com/

Even then those are often built with old slow VIA CPUs.

http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/embedded/products-overview/?gclid=CO3u15uN-qkCFQe87Qod_T9FaQ

I suggest building something with AMD fusion or Intel Atom if you want something decent and low power which will cost you a little more. You can also look into getting an older, used PC, but those will certainly be less power efficient .