Cheap as possible first build

[MRobb]

I am wanting to try my first build. I'm only looking to spend $300 for now. What would be some componet suggestions for such a small budget. I really appreciate any help.

 

[b1gapl]

Welcome to Tech-Forums, MRobb!!

And *applauds* on trying to do your first build.

I'm assuming this is only for the tower? No need for monitor, mouse, etc.

 

[MRobb]

Yes, just the tower.

 

[b1gapl]

I don't know how strict your budget is, but this list comes down to $324.43...and that does not include shipping charges, although alot of the items were free shipping.

I can trim it down further.


Case - COOLER MASTER ELITE 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
w/ Scythe Slipstream 120mm (for the front of the case)
Processor - AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor
Motherboard - MSI 785GTM-E45 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Memory - G.SKILL (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
Power supply - Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC 430W
Hard drive - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache
Optical drive - HP 24X Multiformat DVD Burner Black SATA Model 1270i LightScribe Support



With these replacing the memory, hard drive, and optical, the total comes down to $292.93:


Memory - G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 F2-6400PHU1-1GBNR
Hard drive - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD800AAJS 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache
Optical drive - Sony Optiarc Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DDU1678A

 

[MRobb]

Thanks for the help! This computer would mainly be used for surfing and homework by my kids. Whould it be able to run any games at all? I'm considering a gaming rig in a few months if this build goes well(and I save up some cash). One more newbie question. Would I be able to use the same operating system disk(XP) on two different builds. Like I said, I'm a newbie. Thanks again for all the help!

 

[b1gapl]

It can run games, but very low end and non-demanding games. What kind of games are you intending to play on this build? And if you are considering on upgrading this build for gaming later on, I suggest stretching the budget a wee-bit more for a higher power supply...so it can be future proofed for adding in a graphic card.

Like I said before, I don't know how strict your budget is.

And no, you cannot use the same OS disc for two different computers. It's illegal. One OS disc = one license for one computer only.

 

[MRobb]

I'm looking forward to playing the new Starwars: The Old Republic mmorpg when it comes out. I want to build a seperate gaming pc because I have three boys that will be on the first pc. Is there any way I could go cheaper on the first build so I can put more in the gaming pc later. After Christmas, I want to spend between 500 and 700 on a gaming pc. As far as the operating system, what would you suggest. I've seen XP under $100 at Newegg. I definatley want the first build to be on a budget so I learn without messing up expensive componets(also I think it would be awesome to say I built that). Thanks again for your quick and awesome responses!!

 

[b1gapl]

OK, I managed to cut it down to $258.93 without calculated shipping charges:


Case - COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Processor - Intel Celeron E1500 2.2GHz 512KB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
Motherboard - BIOSTAR G31E-M7 LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Power supply - Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC 430W
Memory - G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 F2-6400PHU1-1GBNR
Hard drive - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD800AAJS 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache
Optical drive - Sony Optiarc Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DDU1678A


They sell XP for $89.99 with free shipping:

Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders - OEM

 

[MRobb]

Hate to bother you with a million questions. My wife and I were discussing the two pc thing and she suggested a compromise and build one computer around $450. Can I build a decent gamer on this budget?

 

[b1gapl]

No worries. It's my job here to answer questions.

And you sure can. So with this list as a decent gaming build, the total is $444.43 without shipping charges of course:


Case - COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP
Processor - AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor
Motherboard - MSI 785GTM-E45 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Memory - G.SKILL (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
Power supply - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC
Graphic card - HIS H485FM512H Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0
Hard drive - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache
Optical drive - HP 24X Multiformat DVD Burner Black SATA Model 1270i LightScribe Support


Oh, don't forget the OS.