Building a System on the cheap
Sunday, May 2, 2004 by UBoB | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
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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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.
[Message Edited]
[Message Edited]
UBoB
Reply #2 Sunday, May 2, 2004 2:01 AM Thanks Kona. And the system is upgradeable for a year or so. That's a good feeling.
Reply #2 Sunday, May 2, 2004 2:01 AM
Thanks Kona. And the system is upgradeable for a year or so. That's a good feeling.
Essencay
Reply #3 Sunday, May 2, 2004 8:08 AM
with monitor
you are quite the bargain hunter Nice system for the price
Reply #3 Sunday, May 2, 2004 8:08 AM
| That''s Apprx. 430.00 USD |
with monitor
you are quite the bargain hunter Nice system for the price
kona0197
Reply #4 Sunday, May 2, 2004 10:43 AM
Reply #4 Sunday, May 2, 2004 10:43 AM
Not with monitor. I alraedy have a few of those around here as well. 
HelloLightX
Reply #7 Tuesday, May 4, 2004 11:00 AM
Reply #7 Tuesday, May 4, 2004 11:00 AM
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
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
DesignCaddy
Reply #8 Wednesday, May 5, 2004 3:48 PM
Reply #8 Wednesday, May 5, 2004 3:48 PM
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.
DesignCaddy
Reply #9 Wednesday, May 5, 2004 3:49 PM
Reply #9 Wednesday, May 5, 2004 3:49 PM
just remember.. do NOT start up your machine for the first time without a heatsink and fan on the damn processor.
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Reply #1 Sunday, May 2, 2004 1:49 AM
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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