Help poor college student build cheap PC?

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My budget is tight... very tight..... as I'm a full
time college student.

Having said that I'm wanting to build a solid desktop
PC for general Internet and school use...something that
is cheap to build now but has enough room to upgrade
later when I get back to work.

I'm NOT a techie at all and haven't kept up on any
parts and specs.... can someone recommend good cheap
components that would give me a "box" that cost around
$300 without monitor? Is that even possible?
Click to expand...

It may be possible to build for $300, but you aren't likely to come up
with anything better than a turnkey system you could buy for the same
amount.

Also, don't forget about the cost of software ... Linux wouldn't cost
you anything and will be very popular ten years from now and might
easily serve your needs now, depending ...

A few years ago, I found a new Dell with a 17" LCD monitor at a good
price. I bought the system and then sold the monitor, so that the
computer, keyboard, mouse, and software cost around $180 including tax
and shipping, with a warranty. Definitely a low-end system, but
adequate for basic use.

If you enjoy building things, go ahead, but don't do it to save money.
Otherwise remember that you are a student, and do what students
do---study and have fun. It has been quite a few years since a person
could save much money building his own computer.
 
My budget is tight... very tight..... as I'm a full time college
student.

Having said that I'm wanting to build a solid desktop PC for general
Internet and school use...something that is cheap to build now but has
enough room to upgrade later when I get back to work.
Click to expand...

The first thing I'd probably do is forget about the upgrading. Get a cheap
system that'll do what you want today. Many people will tell you that they
had to buy a new power supply when they changed the plugins, a new
motherboard when they changed the socket or pinning on the cpu, a new....
the list goes on.

As far as cheap, low budget, it's hard to beat a used computer.

IBM Pentium 4 2.4GHz 256MB 40GB CD-ROM - B $136.50
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=IBMNVPIV24-3B&cat=SYS

I have heard of people buying refurbs from the Dell outlet for even less,
if you don't mind sitting by a computer waiting for Dell's drop times.

eBay is a good place to check. Yes, you have to be careful but there are
deals to be had if you can find them.

For general Internet you don't really need a super fast machine. It's fun,
but not really needed.

If you want to play the rebate game you can pick items up very cheaply.

http://www.freeafterrebate.info/

I actually have an extra case/power supply sitting here that was something
like $14 delivered from newegg. I have obtained several free items also.

You're on a campus and students are always short of money. I wouldn't be
surprised if someone there wasn't pawning a computer as you're reading
this. As around there are bound to be good used systems for little money
right where you are.

Whether you decide to build, or buy a complete system, keep an eye on the
deal sites. There are hundreds.

Anandtech Hot Deals
http://forums.anandtech.com/categories.aspx?catid=40&forumid=1

http://www.edealinfo.com/

http://www.edealinfo.com/

http://www.fatwallet.com/

http://www.techbargains.com/

http://slickdeals.net/

http://www.gotapex.com/

http://www.resellerratings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=16

http://www.dealcatcher.com/

http://www.secret-coupons.com/

http://www.dealzconnection.com/

Don't underestimate clearance items at local stores. At a local Wal-Mart I
bought this TV for $350. I was sooo lucky. Good luck.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487214-REG/Sony_KDL_32S3000_KDL_32S3000_32_16_9_BRAVIA.html

$.02
Steve
 
Fishface said:
Got Fry's? http://shop3.outpost.com/ac/storelocator/index.jsp
They regularly have CPU / Motherboard combo deals where
you essentially get an motherboard for free. Last week they had
an Intel E2200 (2.2 GHz Dual Core) plus an ECS 945GCT-M
motherboard for $80. You could easily come in under budget
since you don't need to purchase operating system software.
E4500 with the same motherboard was $119 a few weeks ago,
as I recall.
Click to expand...

No... I live in small rural town but I guess I could
mail order stuff from Fry's yes?
 
No, those combos seem to be in-store only...
Click to expand...

Fry's website prices is for web purchases only; the fine print says that it
is NOT the same as the instore prices & have found that whatever is
advert online is NOT the same as for the store.

If Fry's combo is priced right then "mail order" it online or check Newegg.
 
OK point taken....

Then maybe I should buy a ready made cheap "box" for
abt $300 sans monitor.... then get a third part 22"
monitor and install TV tuner as someone else suggested.

Would a 22" monitor provide enough "real; estate" for
decent TV watching when setting abt 7 feet back tho?
Click to expand...

Yes. In fact, a 19" monitor would work fine also, as long as it's standard
4:3 aspect ratio. Or ~22" widescreen. They're about the same size, in
terms of viewable area. -Dave
 
OK point taken....

Then maybe I should buy a ready made cheap "box" for
abt $300 sans monitor.... then get a third part 22"
monitor and install TV tuner as someone else suggested.

Would a 22" monitor provide enough "real; estate" for
decent TV watching when setting abt 7 feet back tho?
Click to expand...

I use a 22" widescreen and sit about 9 feet away with no problems. 7
feet should be fine
 
OK but wont I have to have the computer on to "watch"
the TV.... and wont that consume a lot of power just
for TV watching?

And..... can I have the convenience of a TV "remote
control" with the internal TV tuner card?

By the way... thanks for your help guys... like I said
money is pretty tight for me but I've got to have some
kind of computer and TV... especially the computer part
as Internet access is almost a must have while in
college. And using the computers at the college library
is getting harder and harder
Click to expand...

OK, sorry to jump in late here, but was on the road for a while. Now that I
know what you are trying to do, I second Jon's recommendations, and expand
upon them.

You will have to have the computer "ON" to watch TV. HOWEVER, this won't
use as much extra energy as you might imagine. One way or another, you've
got to power a monitor to watch TV. So the DISPLAY energy usage is
identical. You've also got to power a tuner somehow. If the tuner is built
into the display/monitor, that will add to the energy usage of the monitor.
A computer power supply (used to power a TV tuner expansion card, among
other things) will use more power when running than the tuner (built into a
TV) would. But not enough to worry about. You're probably talking about 25
cents per month in extra electricity. :)

Any decent tv tuner card will have a remote control.

If saving money is your goal, get yourself a good LCD computer monitor and a
TV tuner card. Something like:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815260005
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116098 (my
suggestion)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094 (if you
insist on widescreen)

Note that you could add EITHER of the two monitors above, plus the TV tuner
above, to the system I spec'd earlier, and still be less than $600, before
shipping.

BUT, as you are building something for TV watching, you might consider a
decent video card to add right away, also:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141068 Not a
screamer, but it should perform very well. It's Silent (fanless) AND DX10
class, also. Not bad for forty bucks.

With the system I posted earlier, you are somewhere over $600, before
shipping, depending on which monitor you choose. I believe if you build
this, you will love it. -Dave

OK, from www.newegg.com
PHILIPS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black IDE
interface (ATAPI) Model SPD2413BD - Retail
Item #: N82E16827248006
$29.99
RAIDMAX xB ATX-528B Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -
Retail
Item #: N82E16811156053
$22.99
NEC Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16821152005
$6.99
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136075
$49.99
Antec earthwatts EA430 ATX12V v2.0 430W Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817371006
-$10.00 Instant
$59.99
SUPER TALENT 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop
Memory Model T6UB1GC5 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820609085
$20.99
BIOSTAR 945GC Micro 775 LGA 775 Intel 945GC Micro ATX Intel
Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813138089
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$48.99
Intel Celeron D 347 Cedar Mill 3.06GHz LGA 775 Single-Core Processor
Model BX80552347 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819112234
$45.99

Subtotal: $285.92
 
Dave said:
If saving money is your goal, get yourself a good LCD computer monitor and a
TV tuner card. Something like:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815260005
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116098 (my
suggestion)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094 (if you
insist on widescreen)
Click to expand...

On that TV tuner card above...... is it HDTV or just
standard def TV capable?

Also.... I just ordered this antenna and should have it
today...see link

Was it overkill for good digital reception you think?

http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB2_Indoor_antenna.html

It says it "can" be used indoors as well as outdoors.

Also..... have any thoughts on good wifi external
antenna .... maybe even one that is mounted outside?
 
Dave said:
Yes. In fact, a 19" monitor would work fine also, as long as it's standard
4:3 aspect ratio. Or ~22" widescreen. They're about the same size, in
terms of viewable area. -Dave
Click to expand...

Ok again BIG thanks

Well it looks like 22" wide screen is abt the 'sweet
spot" as far as price/size.

Anything bigger seems to go up in cost pretty fast.
Agree?

I mean.... if I go smaller such as 17" LCD wide screen
it's not really THAT much cheaper than 22"... yes?
 
harikeo said:
I use a 22" widescreen and sit about 9 feet away with no problems. 7
feet should be fine
Click to expand...

Cool!!

Ok but what abt the OS interface at that distance?

Is it possible to have a wireless keyboard to control
Win XP pro at that distance and be able to SEE the OS
and its associated text and menu buttons?

Also.... what am I going to use for sound output for TV
watching? Just a reg computer speaker system? Or
cheap hoe theater speaker system?
 
Dave said:
OK, sorry to jump in late here, but was on the road for a while. Now that I
know what you are trying to do, I second Jon's recommendations, and expand
upon them.
Click to expand...

One off topic question......

I'm wondering abt the need at all for any kind of TV
tuner actually.... I'm seeing more and more TV shows
offered as streaming video on the Net itself.

Do you think it still necessary for a tuner in your
mind?
 
On that TV tuner card above...... is it HDTV or just
standard def TV capable?
Click to expand...

Good question! I noticed ATSC, but didn't look into it further. According
to the web site, it is specifically for HDTV time-shifting use.
http://www.kworld.com.tw/product_overview.aspx?P_ID=47#3

Also.... I just ordered this antenna and should have it
today...see link

Was it overkill for good digital reception you think?

http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB2_Indoor_antenna.html
Click to expand...


It depends. I have a digital TV, and find that normal rabbit ears (about 8
bucks at Wally World) work quite well. But, I don't know about reception
where you live.
It says it "can" be used indoors as well as outdoors.

Also..... have any thoughts on good wifi external
antenna .... maybe even one that is mounted outside?
Click to expand...

Why would you need this, exactly? Wifi is usually an internal network. You
aren't stealing bandwidth from your neighbors, are ya? :) -Dave
 
Also.... what am I going to use for sound output for TV
watching? Just a reg computer speaker system? Or
cheap hoe theater speaker system?
Click to expand...

I'd suggest you use a reg computer speaker system and send the cheap hoe to
me.

No seriously. For TV use, Get Altec Lansing brand computer speakers. No
other brand. You can get cheap speakers for a computer, but if it's gonna
be the TV also, go for Altec Lansing, as they will sound better when you
turn them UP. Surround sound is up to you (optional), but stay with Altec
Lansing. -Dave
 
One off topic question......

I'm wondering abt the need at all for any kind of TV
tuner actually.... I'm seeing more and more TV shows
offered as streaming video on the Net itself.

Do you think it still necessary for a tuner in your
mind?
Click to expand...

Depends. Are all your favorite shows available streaming on the Net? Do
you have serious bandwidth that someone else is paying for? :)

Once you start messing around with time-shifting, this question will be
moot. Once you go the DVR route, you can't go back. Whether you realize it
or not, you are actually building a DVR. A low-end DVR, but it should still
work quite well. -Dave
 
Dave said:
Why would you need this, exactly? Wifi is usually an internal network. You
aren't stealing bandwidth from your neighbors, are ya? :) -Dave
Click to expand...

I may be moving soon to a place next to a friend who
does have wifi and share the cost with him
 
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