Building low-spec pc (educational purposes)

[jimyp100]

So I had the idea of building a really low spec PC just for the fun of it and hopefully learn a but more about computer systems too. So basicly I was woundering what the lowest specs I would need to run Debian is and be able to write and compile some simple code.

More importantly where would I go to buy these cheap components?

Any answers to these questions, tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
James

 

[g-unit1111]

There's always Newegg but that mainly depends on where you live.

Anyway check out my extreme low budget builds:

AMD:

Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 - $49.99 ($10.00 MIR)
PSU: Corsair Enthusiast Series CX430 - $44.99 ($20.00 MIR)
Motherboard: Asrock A75 Pro 4 FM1 - $89.99
CPU: 2.6 GHz AMD A6-3850 - $109.99
RAM: PNY Optima 4GB 1333MHz - $19.99
HD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB - $84.99
Optical: Sony 22X DVD Burner - $17.99

Total: $422.93 - $30.00 MIR = $392.93

Intel:

Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 - $49.99 ($10.00 MIR)
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CX500 - $59.99 ($10.00 MIR)
Motherboard: Intel BOXDH67DLCB3 - $89.99
CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Pentium G620 - $69.99
RAM: PNY Optima 4GB 1333MHz - $19.99
HD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB - $84.99
Optical: Sony 22X DVD Burner - $17.99

Total: $397.93 - $20.00 MIR = $377.93

 

[striker410]

hi! Welcome to the forums.

Well, I can certainly help you there.
There's really two big options.
-Buy a $25 Raspberry Pi computer (Brand new! Just launched. Completely new concept) and experiment around with it.
-Buy a more expensive but fully developed PC and run a full operating system on it (~$250-300)
Amazon.com and Newegg.com (with newegg getting my personal pick) are the two best sites for US users.

I'd be happy to help you come up with a potential parts list, if you wanna go the full system route. Just let me know!

 

[Ohmybad]

ebay maybe if you really want to go old... single Pentium / amd with 128mb Ram im sure you could go back to early 00's tech wise. I've had fun going back to older ancient tech compared to the many 1155 builds I've done in recent years.

 

[jimyp100]

hi! Welcome to the forums.

Well, I can certainly help you there.
There's really two big options.
-Buy a $25 Raspberry Pi computer (Brand new! Just launched. Completely new concept) and experiment around with it.
-Buy a more expensive but fully developed PC and run a full operating system on it (~$250-300)
Amazon.com and Newegg.com (with newegg getting my personal pick) are the two best sites for US users.

I'd be happy to help you come up with a potential parts list, if you wanna go the full system route. Just let me know!

I have read about the Raspberry Pi and it looks interesting but I am more looking to put together my own PC with OS. I also live in the UK so Ebay might be the best option for cheap low spec components.

 

[striker410]

Yeah, an old Pentium 4 or Athlon X2 would be good. Basic machines, you know. If you wanted to buy new, you'd need a significant amount of coin, probably around £300 for the whole thing. If you know anyone who's upgrading their PC soon, the oftentimes throw the old one away. A reformat and a new OS install of XP can do wonders.

 

[Snowsniper2]

Pentium 4s run fine I still have my first gaming rig still running and it's my old Pentium 4.
To be honest if my Pentium 4 was still above the spec of all these new games I would probably still be using it, the Pentium 4 is probably one of the best options as they are cheap and easy to find parts for.