$100 computer suggestions?
I am willing to spend up to $100 but preferably less for a bare minimum part-desktop part-server computer to mess around on. I already have a laptop as my primary computer, and as such don't need much of anything in particular, although a generally better computer would be preferable. I am considering buying new, used, or even parts that add up to a box. Does anyone know where I can get a new system for that much? If used, any suggestions on what to look for? Should I eBay or buy locally somehow? Is there anywhere I can buy low end, even possibly used, parts? Is there any way I can know how well it will work with Linux? Thanks.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Unparallelogram
I am willing to spend up to $100 but preferably less for a bare minimum part-desktop part-server computer to mess around on. I already have a laptop as my primary computer, and as such don't need much of anything in particular, although a generally better computer would be preferable. I am considering buying new, used, or even parts that add up to a box. Does anyone know where I can get a new system for that much? If used, any suggestions on what to look for? Should I eBay or buy locally somehow? Is there anywhere I can buy low end, even possibly used, parts? Is there any way I can know how well it will work with Linux? Thanks.
$100 is a pretty tough price-point to meet. e-Bay or Craig's list are probably your best bet. For $100, you're going to wind up getting used parts. Do you have a case? Do you have basic knowledge of PC assembly? It isn't too hard, but can be frustrating the first couple of times.
To keep price low, look for a used motherboard that has onboard video and LAN. You can run Ubuntu on as little as 256 MB RAM. I've done it - in fact, I have a server running on an AMD Athlon 1800 w/256 MB RAM and a hodgepodge of ancient 10 & 20 GB drives (Western Digital - gotta love 'em; they run forever!).
After a while in this biz, if you're anything like me, you'll wind up with enough parts lying around to build more boxes...
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
I can assemble a computer from parts, though I have none at the moment. While I've seen a bunch of old computers being offered, I keep wanting something better,
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...=Barebone-Kits
Tiger direct is a great place to start poking around. If you're comfortable building from parts, you can get some good deals from them. They often put together some good barebones kits as well as package deals with rebates etc. Takes some looking but you can find stuff there.
Craigslist is another good resource if you want to go used. Always taking a chance, but you can have the person start it up and let you test it before you buy. I bought a computer off C.L. not long ago for $75 that is moving along just fine with a dual boot Ubuntu & Winxp.
Newegg is another site to check ... www.newegg.com. They don't have as many deals, but if you check out the refurbished section, you can sometimes find some great prices.
There's always Frys. www.frys.com
Good luck.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Unparallelogram
... Should I eBay or buy locally somehow? ...
Ebay is good except for a desktop box. Packing you won't know about, and shipping charges will hurt.
Visit the local tech shops. They'll probably have any used units to sell; if not, they might know where to steer you.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
What should I be expecting for $100?
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
Your local classified ads. You can usually find a relatively decent pc with monitor , keyboard and mouse for about $100. I would look for a HP since I've had good luck with them and they seem to last forever. AT least 512MB of RAM and a cd drive.
Being after Christmas and those that got new pc's may be looking to get rid of there used one. Yard sales, flea markets, swap meets. Take a livecd with you and if you have one an inverter so you can see that it works and what the specs are yourself.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
So far all the used PCs for $100 I've seen are far worse than that.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Unparallelogram
So far all the used PCs for $100 I've seen are far worse than that.
Craigslist is a bargaining type of buy... it's like going to a garage sale. Everyone marks the price way up, but the stuff there people really just want to get rid of. So just because it is listed at $150 or $200, usually you can get that for $100, if the seller is reasonable.
I would actually try to find an old (p3, 256mb) for closer to 50, and then buy a brand new hard drive. If you are using this computer as a home server, data security is critical. All the computers in this price range are getting to the age where hard drives are very suspect (>5 years), so I would invest in a new one.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
Quote:
I would actually try to find an old (p3, 256mb) for closer to 50, and then buy a brand new hard drive. If you are using this computer as a home server, data security is critical. All the computers in this price range are getting to the age where hard drives are very suspect (>5 years), so I would invest in a new one.
+1. A P3 would be fine for the server and basic computing.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
I would especially look for what is on the motherboard. Most of all the processor. I suspect you should be resigned to adding some memory (although I may be wrong on this, In my experiance a little more memory makes an older computer a lot more usable and it is usually cheep) and, if you are keeping anything significant on it, a hdd. The processor is the thing you probably don't want to have to fool with upgrading. And not having to worry about adding USB ports, NIC, etc. is nice, but not really a biggie.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
I agree used is the way to go. I would try to steer clear of the "Consumer Grade" PCs that cut corners and have sh1tty integrated components. Using a new HD is not a bad idea.
Upgrades can break a good deal. Keep in mind that older memory is typically more expensive than newer technologies. You could spend as much on 512MB of PC100/PC133 as would get you a couple gigs of DDR2. (unless it is a server/workstation board that uses Registered then it is cheap on the used market!) Also do not fall into the Rambus moneypit. Processor prices vary greatly not just depending on speed... if it is a Slot 1 Pentium 3 it is generally more expensive than a Socket 370 Pentium 3.
BTW if you want to build something up I have some older serverboards / cpus / memory I have been meaning to sell, you would have to supply a case / psu / drives
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
I think this is pretty typical of what you can expect. However this particular deal is nice because of the 90 day warranty. You might be able to find something similar in your area.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0303596
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
If you are going for a Pentium III, I suggest grabbing a Tualatin. These are rated up to speeds of 1.4Ghz with up to 512Kb cache, with the server in mind. These processors are cool, reliable and can outperform higher clocked Pentium 4s.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
The thing on craigslist is to shop around for a while if you're not in a hurry.
I found this computer for $75. AMD 3000+, 1gb ram, 180gb hd, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, and he threw in a wi-fi card. Seemed like a decent deal.
Just have to find the right seller.
Re: $100 computer suggestions?
I got a Dell Optiplex off eBay awhile back for $80. It was a P4 2 ghz, with 512 RAM and a 40 gb HD. That was awhile ago though, so you could probably get a bit more for your money now.
