So around here, all people ever really want is a cheap computer that functions. Now some will say that this can be done for around 250$ easy. I say that although this is a budget build it has to have standards.

I don't know if any of my fellow newegg users do this, (Perhaps it's just because I build and sell computers, but I do find it amusing.) but I make wish lists of certain computers in certain price ranges for certain uses. What we're working on here is a home PC that can do basic things, but isn't going as low as on-board graphics or 256mb of RAM.

Our standards:
1GB RAM @ at least DDR2 667
Dedicated PCI-E x16 video card with at least a 128-bit interface
Dual core processor with at least 1MB L2 Cache.
SATA 3.0GB/s HDD and disk drive.
A case with at least both an intake and outtake fan.
Onboard sound.
(These are all bare minimums.)

Open box, OEM, and re-certified items are allowed.

Your objective, if you'd like to participate of course, is to beat the build posted above yours in price:performance. I'll start.

Format:


Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156053
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138116R
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116052
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161675
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136195
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814260076
Disk Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106261
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182001

Grand total: $310.69

Post has been edited 2 time(s), last time on Oct 22 2008, 12:35 am by Excalibur.

Most programs and games these days require a graphics card heavier than 128. You're looking at a minimum of 256.
(And thats after ignoring the SLi and CrossFire stuff which costs THOUSANDS alone).

Trying to say you can spec a computer cheap when you don't bother to include a monitor is just cheating.

I mean, sure there is probably an extra monitor laying around your house, but what about not? The "OMG I FOUND A $250 COMPUTER" when it doesn't include a monitor which will cost $150 minimum is bullshit.

Tom's hardware usually has a monthly $500 budget gaming computer.
And it is usually a lot better than what you have (granted, for the $150 more).

Does that really add up to 350? Everything seems so super cheap that it appears to be less.

lolol TV!

Actually, if you buy a set of cables for 10 bucks, you can actually just do that, and switch video modes whenever you want to do whatever.

@Viet: We're assuming absolutely minimal gaming usage.
@DTBK: NO U


Tax + Shipping.

Before tax and shipping it's $250.93
Edit: Made cheaper. Yay!

Post has been edited 3 time(s), last time on Oct 22 2008, 12:36 am by Excalibur.

So are we assuming some sort of shipping adress?
I'm pretty sure your $350 USD would be a bit way more shipped all the way down here to El Salvador.

Use 07419 zipcode for the in-cart shipping thing. That's near me and should make it fair. ;O