I need a new computer

[lynx rufus]

And it has to be cheap :)
I don't need a monitor or mouse or keyboard or speakers.
Just a basic machine with a dial up modem.
A writable CD drive would be nice but not essential.
What would you buy?
(No, I do not know how to build a computer :)

[BigMcLargehuge]

1. how cheap?

[lynx rufus]

3. under 500

[aquart]

2. Or you could check out your local Craigslist.

[Deja Q]

4. Best Buy would likely have something low priced...

Many used computer stores will sell used computers for the price of new ones. Avoid them. :-)

If it's low-priced you want, they're all the same: Cheap.

[lynx rufus]

6. do they sell a stand alone box without monitor etc.

[BigMcLargehuge]

7. yeah, but you lose any bundle-based rebates

try Comp USA too. They sometimes have pallets of junk... er... cheap HPs and Compaqs mid aisle which are just the CPU, Keyboard and Mouse for around 500.

[Deja Q]

10. Many bundles contain groupings of substandard hardware or

hardware they just couldn't sell.

CompUSA's return policy is objectionable too, not to forget that their prices ae higher than the competition's, especially if it's for accessories such as cables. They ramp up the prices to such an extent I go to C-USA only for printer cartridges and paper. (I could get it over the net, but I don't... it's a high end printer too, the Epson Stylus 2200... may as well support the local store before buying online...)

[Deja Q]

9. Yes.

The packaged deals definitely cost more. Low end, stand alone units can be had for ~$500. Definitely not a problem.

[madrchsod]

5. go to your local

computer store if there is one near you. if you buy a cheap one from a manufacture you won`t be able to update stuff. a guy or gal that builds there own will put in stuff you can update and really suit what you need.plus if anything goes wrong they can fix it not someone in India. you`d be surprised on how much bang for your buck you can get from people who build their own...500 bucks you could have someone build you a bitch`n box

[lynx rufus]

8. i know nothing about it

do you have any specific component suggestions?
any advice is appreciated

[mike_c]

11. "No, I do not know how to build a computer"

I didn't either until November or so of last year when I built the computer I'm using now. Since then I've built a couple of other systems for the office from spare parts floating around at work. Seriously, if you want value for your money, spend a few hours reading online --google "build computer"-- and pick up a copy of something like Maximum PC's building tips in the bookstore magazine section.

It's really easy to do if you pay attention to a few details, like buying a decent motherboard with clear instructions, etc. That's where the published reviews come in.

I know-- it always seems better to buy one off the shelf, but I guarantee that you'll get a better system for far less money-- and learn how to beat the manufacturers' price markup and quality markdown-- if you spend the relatively small amount of time necessary to roll your own.

Note too that there are numerous web sites and magazine publishers who routinely set themselves cost goals, e.g. "how can we build a quality system for under $500?" Tom's Hardware Guide (google!) comes to mind, but there are lots of others. Maximu PC's web site might be another good source of information

[Wwagsthedog]

12. Is there a Fry's near you?

If so, it's kind of fun to shop around in their store. They always seem to have a < $500 system on sale.

[2Design]

13. Go to circuit city...they have return policy and you can check it out

probably a sale on for fathers day.....all the stores have sales every two weeks......

compusa used to be good but their return policy has become yucky and they enforce it now.....

circuit city is the best...

Best buy is the most expensive of the three...

[qwertyMike]

14. Refurbs from HP or Dellor somewhere

Processor
Intel® Celeron® processor 2.70GHz
Operating system
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Memory
256MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM memory (expandable to 2GB)
Hard drive
80GB 7200 rpm Ultra DMA hard drive
Multimedia drive
CD-RW; DVD-ROM
Display
Sold separately
Communications
Integrated 10/100Base-T network interface; V.92 ready data/fax modem
Video
Integrated Intel Extreme Graphics with up to 64MB shared video memory

Sound
Integrated audio, 6-speaker configurable (speakers sold separately)

$449.
www.hpshopping.com

[huellewig]

15. This is what I would do.

CPU & Cooling AMD Athlon XP 2500+ (cooling included) $80
Motherboard ASUS A7N8X-X (nForce2 400) $69
Memory 2 X 256MB Kingston ValueRAM $100
Video Card 64MB Sapphire Radeon 9200SE $43
Computer Case CaseEdge TS1 Mid Tower plus 300W PSU $61
Sound Card Onboard sound $0
Networking Onboard 10/100 Ethernet $0
Hard Drive Western Digital 400BB (40GB) $57
CD-RW Sony 52x32x52 CD-RW $31
Modem - LECTRON 56Kbps PCI V.92 Modem, Model I56LVP-F70 $10
Bottom Line - $451

I would buy the stuff from www.newegg.com. Then I would look in the paper for computer repair in your area (like rent-a-nerd). Take the parts to that person and I bet they would build the damn thing for under 50 bucks. It should take less then a hour.

I doubt you could get a better box from Dell for that price. And building it yourself isn't really hard. I just did it and the hardest part was installing Windows.