Building a System on the cheap

from WinCustomize Forums
Recently needed a new system as the old one died. Decided to see if I could build my own (love a good hobby), and at the same time keep it inexpensive. Used my local ''''Mom and Pop'''' Computer parts stores (there are three in the area), to piece together the system. Here are the results:

Motherboard w/L/V/S onboard(MSI) 65.00 CDND
Celeron 2.8 (Boxed) 165.00 CDND
WD 40g HDD (OEM) 75.00 CDND
LG CDRW (OEM) 40.00 CDND
RAM King.Tech 512MB 135.00 CDND
Refurb Flatscreen CRT Monitor 80.00 CDND
ATX Grade C Midtower w/350w PSU 30.00 CDND

Total 590.00 CDND



That''''s Apprx. 430.00 USD
or
596.00 Aus. Dollars
or
243.00 U.K. pounds.

(Used the Bank of Canada rate to convert)

Fortunately, I was able to install my copy of Windows XP on the new system although I did have to activate over telephone, but they were ok about it.

Compared prices with pre-built systems. The only systems I could find that were close or a bit better in price were those awful e-machines. At least with the system I built I know what''''s in it. And, if the future calls for it, the MSI motherboard is upgradable to an Intel P4 3.06 gig. processor.

Post here with other ''''cheapo'''' systems. I''''d like to know, by comparison, how I did.


Oh yeah!, I was able to salvage the keyboard, mouse and speakers from the old system.

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5,587 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think I built my new system for less than 450. Ebay is wonderful.

Case with Self Done clear side panel: $25.00
400 watt PSU: $20.00
Chaintech Socket 370 Pentium 3 mobo: $40.00
800 Mhz Pentium 3 CPU: Free (trading parts for it)
32 Meg Nvidia Geforce 2 Card: $40.00
256 meg Corsair DDR stick: $65.00
40 Gig Maxtor HDD: $65.00
52x24x52 CD RW Drive: $20.00
16x DVD Drive: 25.00

So all together plus shipping about $400 to $450 bucks. I admit it''s not the best and I would rather have AMD. I have a ATI Radeon 9600 on it''s way. Maybe upgrade next year.

I admire your choices. You did well. You did VERY well.

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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks Kona. And the system is upgradeable for a year or so. That's a good feeling.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That''s Apprx. 430.00 USD


with monitor you are quite the bargain hunter Nice system for the price
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Not with monitor. I alraedy have a few of those around here as well.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just 4PC Black Midtower w/ 450W PS - $40
Soyo KT-400 Dragon Ultra Black - $110
AMD Athlon XP 2400+ Thoroughbred Core - $100
Chieftec Wireless Mouse and Keyboard - $20
DDR PC2100 512MB RAM - $60 (supposed to have rebate)
64MB 4x AGP GeForce 4 MX440 SE - $50
Speeze Socket A Aluminum Cooling Fan - $20
2x 80mm Case Fans - $20
Generic 3.5in Floppy Drive - $20
TOTAL: $440

Salvaged WD 40GB HD

not bad and i bought it a year ago so prices are lower, its a nice system though....dont forget if you have an AMD Athlon XP, its bult to run WinXP...it doesn't like 98
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
for whatt you're paying for that celeron, you can get an AMD athlon and get much more power. www.pricewatch.com is your best friend.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
just remember.. do NOT start up your machine for the first time without a heatsink and fan on the damn processor.