New desktop 300 max

[clgy15]

Hey eveybody,
I need a solid desktop computer for 300 max.
Im not picky, though I would really like a solid graphics card and a wireless card.
I dont need anything more than 2GB of RAM, 250GB Hardrive, and usb ports (duh). I would prefer a 32 bit processor, but im willing to go to 64 bit. Oh and one thing, NO WINDOWS (thatll save some money!)
Thanks Guys
If it would look cool would be just awsome too!

[3rdalbum]

Hey eveybody,
I need a solid desktop computer for 300 max.
Im not picky, though I would really like a solid graphics card and a wireless card.
I dont need anything more than 2GB of RAM, 250GB Hardrive, and usb ports (duh). I would prefer a 32 bit processor, but im willing to go to 64 bit. Oh and one thing, NO WINDOWS (thatll save some money!)
Thanks Guys
If it would look cool would be just awsome too!

$300 US Dollars is pretty low. This is the closest I could find - a little over $300 USD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883114083

No wifi, but you can add it using a known Linux-compatibile wifi device such as the one on my website: www.chrislees.info

All of today's CPUs except for netbook Intel Atoms support 64-bit but they are backwards compatible with 32-bit OSes.

I'd suggest saving up a bit more and buying something better. You *will* want a bigger hard drive for instance (500 gigs or more).

[YuiDaoren]

Something from ZaReason: http://zareason.com/shop/product.php?productid=16211&cat=249&page=1

I agree with 3rdalbum, you may want to consider saving up for a while longer to get something that will not reach total obsolescence too soon.

[98cwitr]

craigslist

or



Pixxo CM-8318HB Black MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case 400W Power Supply
Model #:CM-8318HB
Item #:N82E16811325006
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$29.99 $29.99

GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 740G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Model #:GA-MA74GM-S2
Item #:N82E16813128342
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$54.99 -$2.00 Instant $52.99

AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX240OCK23GQ - OEM
Model #:ADX240OCK23GQ
Item #:N82E16819103714
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
$52.99 $52.99

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX6400D2LLK2/2G
Model #:KHX6400D2LLK2/2G
Item #:N82E16820134066
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$49.99 $49.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3250318AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:ST3250318AS
Item #:N82E16822148451
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 $44.99

LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
Model #:iHAS124-04
Item #:N82E16827106289
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$19.99 $19.99

Rosewill RNX-G300LX IEEE 802.11b/g PCI Wireless Card Up to 54Mbps Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA, WPA2, AES, TKIP ...
Model #:RNX-G300LX
Item #:N82E16833166021
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$19.99 -$5.00 Instant $14.99
Subtotal: $265.93


After shipping you're right under $300. The on-board graphics are fine, the wireless will work.

IMHO, you get what you pay for...save more money

[LowSky]

a recertified 80 GB hard drive... um, that is just crazy talk.

I would just save a bit more money like others have said. $500 gets you a much better computer.

[98cwitr]

a recertified 80 GB hard drive... um, that is just crazy talk.

I would just save a bit more money like others have said. $500 gets you a much better computer.

edited...saw that after copypasta...and then read the OP again...I just hated throwing that case+psu in the list...I hate cheap cases :?

[LowSky]

Hey eveybody,
I need a solid desktop computer for 300 max.
Im not picky, though I would really like a solid graphics card and a wireless card.
I dont need anything more than 2GB of RAM, 250GB Hardrive, and usb ports (duh). I would prefer a 32 bit processor, but im willing to go to 64 bit. Oh and one thing, NO WINDOWS (thatll save some money!)
Thanks Guys
If it would look cool would be just awsome too!

Sorry what you want is impossible for brand new, here's the closest I could get form Newegg.com:


RAIDMAX Scorpio ATX-868WSP Silver 0.8mm SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 420watts PS2 ATX12V Power Supply
Item #: N82E16811156139
$57.99

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136113
$44.99

ECS NSG210C-512QS-H GeForce 210 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card
Item #: N82E16814134085
$39.99

ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813157176
$59.99

Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864BA1339
Item #: N82E16820148194
$57.99

AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX240OCGQBOX
Item #: N82E16819103688
$56.99

AZiO AWD102N PCI Wireless Adapter
Item #: N82E16833340013
$19.99

TOTAL
$368.29

[98cwitr]

Sorry what you want is impossible for brand new, here's the closest I could get form Newegg.com:


RAIDMAX Scorpio ATX-868WSP Silver 0.8mm SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 420watts PS2 ATX12V Power Supply
Item #: N82E16811156139
$57.99

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136113
$44.99

ECS NSG210C-512QS-H GeForce 210 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card
Item #: N82E16814134085
$39.99

ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813157176
$59.99

Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864BA1339
Item #: N82E16820148194
$57.99

AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX240OCGQBOX
Item #: N82E16819103688
$56.99

AZiO AWD102N PCI Wireless Adapter
Item #: N82E16833340013
$19.99

TOTAL
$368.29


You forgot an optical drive...so what I just posted isn't a new computer and well under $300? :?

[LowSky]

You forgot an optical drive...so what I just posted isn't a new computer and well under $300? :?

I did forget an optical drive... oops, add another $20

You did post a PC for well under $300 but clgy15 asked for a graphics card, and WIFI, and for it to "look cool".

I wanted him to know that what he wanted was not possible for under $300. I also build a machine that could be upgraded with newer technology, like DDR3 RAM and newer AMD processors that have higher Wattages and FSB speeds.

[98cwitr]

I did forget an optical drive... oops, add another $20

You did post a PC for well under $300 but clgy15 asked for a graphics card, and WIFI, and for it to "look cool".

I wanted him to know that what he wanted was not possible for under $300. I also build a machine that could be upgraded with newer technology, like DDR3 RAM and newer AMD processors that have higher Wattages and FSB speeds.

1. The onboard graphics are fine on both of our choices
2. Wifi was included in my post
3. Looking cool is not a requisite per the OP
4. Why is DDR3 necessary when his primary concern is price?
5. We chose the same processor...haha
6. Higher wattages != good

[LowSky]

1. my choice dosen't have onboard graphics. I mearly chose a graphics card to point out the price increase.
2. My wifi choice included Wireless N (newer tech to last longer)
3. he said it would be awesome, of course my definition is different than maybe his, heck I'm rocking a Lian-Li Lancool case. i hate blue fans, I switched all mine out for Orange fan blades with White LED's for a very different but better look. I should really post a picture. Its nice.
4. Newer boards require DDR3 The cost isn't that different.
5. I agree, but lets say he wants to upgrade in a year to a 6 core Phenom II, your board might not support the 125+ Watts required or the higher FSB.

I just want to point out I was going for the potential to upgrade. A full AM3 board will have better choices in the coming year or two and will be able to squeeze more FSB and memory timmings out of my selction than, 98cwitr's, which was really an AM2 board that can accept newer AM3 chips, but then they run sort of crippled, which I don't like.

I dont want to go crazy over product, heck my own system is a frankenstien of parts from over the years.

[clgy15]

Well It was an attempt to really try. But if im gonna save some more and put up with my crappy old one for a few more months then I want to get a really good SOLID desktop. So now Im going from money saving to solid spending (Oh well =( I tried)
This is what I want, so lets see if we can get it =)
1) I would like a cool case I kinda like Dell towers alot for their nice colors (maybe order this through dell??)
2) I do just fine with a 160GB hard drive (Maybe alittle tight on space) So thats why I said 320GB but if its not to much more expensive than the 320GB ill go larger.
3) A good openly supported in linux graphics card that can do some serious work if its not tremedosly expensive
4) wifi card just a standard one would do fine
5) DVD/CD RW standard. But a solid one!!!!
6)and the standard front usb ports and audio plugins
7) Im not tremendosly worried about the fan so yeah
8) At least 2GB of memory, id go larger if its a good price

Hmmmm something tells me this will be expensive...... Well itd be good for a long time hopefully!

[Legendary_Bibo]

Man everyone just goes for a dual core with 2gb of ram. I feel spoiled just because my laptop has 4gb.

[98cwitr]

1. my choice dosen't have onboard graphics. I mearly chose a graphics card to point out the price increase.
2. My wifi choice included Wireless N (newer tech to last longer)
3. he said it would be awesome, of course my definition is different than maybe his, heck I'm rocking a Lian-Li Lancool case. i hate blue fans, I switched all mine out for Orange fan blades with White LED's for a very different but better look. I should really post a picture. Its nice.
4. Newer boards require DDR3 The cost isn't that different.
5. I agree, but lets say he wants to upgrade in a year to a 6 core Phenom II, your board might not support the 125+ Watts required or the higher FSB.

I just want to point out I was going for the potential to upgrade. A full AM3 board will have better choices in the coming year or two and will be able to squeeze more FSB and memory timmings out of my selction than, 98cwitr's, which was really an AM2 board that can accept newer AM3 chips, but then they run sort of crippled, which I don't like.

I dont want to go crazy over product, heck my own system is a frankenstien of parts from over the years.

ah I stand corrected on the graphics part...I still dont see the system I posted as being "crippled." I built the same machine with a better case and PSU for a customer running XP and it ran great.

OP are you planning on encoding video or playing games? What are you going to be using the machine for?

for $300 you can't expect to get the newest technology. Im running DDR2 and am completely satisfied still.

[cgb]

Since you mentioned dell pc's, depending on what you are planning on using this PC for you could possibly pick up a refurbished unit already built from dell. I typically like to build my own pc's but I do use dell refurbished pc's for some of my clients.. Just looked online and found an Inspiron 530 with dual core processor, 2GB ram, 250 GB HD all for $329.00.. Check out outlet.dell.com..

[Warpnow]

If you live near a Fry's they often run motherboard/cpu ombos for $40-$60 that are often dual or tri-core. This would make a big enough difference to make everything you want possibly on your budget.

[clgy15]

Id be using this desktop as a catch all sandbox. I want to be able to pretty much run anything from semi high demand programs to hd video playback to desktop OS development. My setup is pretty much this: I have a laptop for all my personal things, from school to music and then I have an old crap desktop for everything else. Its starting to really get buggy... I have an intel Celeron with 512MB of RAM. I think its time for an upgrade :).

Im looking at Dell outlet very promising.
Does anybody know if I can custom build my desktop using a dellish looking box or even a dell box?? If so what kind of good motherboards are out there???

Well scratch that... Dell outlet wont let me customize the build (Makes sense but still!!) Okay so how about a Custom build or something.... Otherwise Ill just be forced to get the new dell with crap windows that I have to pay for...

[MooPi]

I'm currently using my testing computer and it uses the same exact parts in this pic. Very stable and I even ripped and encoded a DVD movie today without a hitch. Great for backing up your DVD collection.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5209151/screenshots/300%3EPC.png