$250 Linux Build

[usbgtx550]

It's Christmas so I plan on building a cheap computer for my brothers to use. Budget strap but the only thing they really plan on playing on it is minecraft so that should be easily met. Also planning on using linux to keep the price down. I just upgraded my current computer to a 7850 so I will be reusing my old gts 450 in this build.

Approximate Purchase Date: tonight or tomorrow

Budget Range: $250 strict

System Usage from Most to Least Important: general usage, minecraft, tf2

Parts Not Required: monitor(1080p television), OS (ubuntu), video card(gts 450)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country: U.S.

Parts Preferences: no preference

Overclocking: no

SLI or Crossfire: no

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Is it possible to install linux via flash drive or would a CD/DVD drive be necessary

What I am currently looking at

Rosewill FBM-02 Dual Fans MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147167

Intel Celeron G530 $49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116409

Western Digital WD Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 4GB $18
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148516

ASRock H61M-DGS LGA 1155 $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157315

Antec VP-450 450W $39
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045

total: $246

 

[samuelohagan]

nice build, you might want to get this power supply:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

And if you live near microcenter get this:

http://www.microcenter.com/site/products/amd_bundles.aspx

the fx 4100 is good when you overclock it to 4.2 ghz.

 

[Aristotelian]

Looks good overall. Note that Celeron only supports memory up to 1066. Your memory should work but not at the full speed. Do you need a DVD drive?

 

[ThatMoose]

Just but him minecraft on his phone for 5$ much cheaper

 

[usbgtx550]

Has a windows phone so minecraft is a no go for for the phone. Also thanks for the info about the supported memory speed, probably will stick with the same ram though due to it being cheap.
Also about the DVD drive, to install linux can I simply download it to a flash drive from my main computer and install it to this new build or would a CD/DVD be the better/supported option?

 

[twelve25]

The older version of that case is on sale and gets better reviews: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147123

You can get a g645 for only $10 more than that Celeron: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093H8KGM/?tag=pcpapi-20

It's over 20% faster and more Cache for only $10. Well worth it.

Another possible PSU. Cheaper before rebate than the Corsair above, but more expensive after. Has a few more watts. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171031

DVD is easier to install, but flash drive does work. You could also always just hook up your DVD drive long enough to do the install and then move it back to your machine, too.

 

[usbgtx550]

I'm afraid that I'm on a strict $250 budget so I can't cough up the extra money for the pentium.
I was looking at that case and was in a toss up between the two, I suppose I will ask my brothers which one they prefer the looks of.
Is the extra money for the Corsair necessary, or would this be suitable
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029
I guess you could call me a fan of antec

 

[twelve25]

You are making me laugh. It's going to be like $2 over budget for a 20% performance jump. Don't buy a soda tomorrow and it's even.

 

[AMD Radeon]

this one is better, has pentium sandy bridge 3.0Ghz instead celeron. and has cx430 v2 which is much more reliable and popular

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G860 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ECS H61H2-M2(1.0) Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($41.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Raidmax Reiter ATX Mid Tower Case ($27.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $244.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-23 02:44 EST-0500)

 

[ThatMoose]

As for the installation of Linux I think you need to download it off of the internet onto a flash drive. I am not sure though look at Linux 's website.

 

[ThatMoose]

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/03/getting-started-with-linux-how-to-install-linux-on-your-computer/


This has all you need to know about the installation of Linux.

 

[usbgtx550]

Best answer selected by usbgtx550.

 

[twelve25]

So now G860 is best answer when it comes from someone else!

 

[usbgtx550]

Well he threw in some other details too....

 

[Aristotelian]

You do not need DVD drive to install Linux, I just thought your brother might want it for everyday use. Most people these days use their computers to rip CDs and videos.

 

[usbgtx550]

For the installation portion I will probably take the dvd drive from my computer to install it. He currently has a netbook so he is kind of used to not having a dvd drive.