Need a cheap desktop computer

[james111]

My brother wants a new desktop computer and his budget around $500 (no monitor needed since he just bought one)

He'll be using it for applications like Microsoft office, SQL server, etc. He won't be playing any games on it.

Should he go with a pre build system like what Dell sells, or should I build him one?
Any recommendations for a cheap build?

 

[W.Feather]

Best bet is from dell/hp/insert generic manufactuer here

if you build it, a cheap Athlon II X2 245 system may fit into your budget with 4 gig of ram......post in the general hardware section to get yourself alot more information for build ideas

 

[Asacolips]

I've always been able to get much better configurations compared to anything a manufacturer offers in the same price ranges. I would say build one, at least if you're familiar with it.

 

[MR._PUNKINHEAD]

Go for the build-your-own. Get what you want/need.

 

[MrWizard6600]

the question here is: whats the application for his database?

 

[W.Feather]

I've always been able to get much better configurations compared to anything a manufacturer offers in the same price ranges. I would say build one, at least if you're familiar with it.

this is true at the $800 and level, at the $500 its less so, because add in cost of a windows license(~$100-150) and your left with $350-400 for parts, which can get tough to fit in for the deal that manufacturers have on their mid range

 

[Asacolips]

The Windows License can add a good deal of extra cost, but using either family packs or oem editions can help mitigate that. Most of the prebuilt options I've seen in the lower price ranges usually have a horrible processor with a ton of ram. The customer won't care when they see Celeron or Sempron in the specs, but they get ecstatic when they see that 4gb of ram in a cheap computer. I've got several configurations of pc's that ended up being about $260 before Windows, using things like an Athlon II x2 with 2-4gb of ddr3. They usually have integrated 4200 series cards, but I always give whoever the build is going to an option for picking up a better dedicated card, like the 5450.

As for the family pack option, that's sort of something that's beneficial to me when building pc's. I'll ask the relative/friend/buyer if they want to pitch for it, and then I've got 2 spare licenses for about $90 or so. Which is really beneficial if you need to build an extra htpc or server, or if you think any other friends/relatives may want you to build a pc for them.

 

[YamahaAlex37]

Best bet is from dell/hp/insert generic manufactuer here

if you build it, a cheap Athlon II X2 245 system may fit into your budget with 4 gig of ram......post in the general hardware section to get yourself alot more information for build ideas

Athlon II X2 "may" fit into a 500 dollar budget??? I damn sure hope so, I just built my uncle a X3 440 with 4GB of DDR3 for $200...

Here is an example of the initial build I had planned for him, but after price shopping I got the total cost down. Sorry if the prices changed, but different items are always going on sale, you can always find something similar.

Athlon II x4 630 2.8GHz = $84.15 (with promo FOODCOMA15)
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php...-X4-Quad-Core-Processor-630-2-8GHz-AM3-Retail
4GB DDR3 = 44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144461
AMD AM3 Motherboard = $37.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138180
Case + PSU = $27.71
http://www.directron.com/cm8319.html
DVD Drive = $15.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_mmc=BFUS-_-5-_-N82E16827151220&nm_mc=BFUS
250GB Hard Drive = $34.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148451
Total = $246

 

[IronRuler]

I have an E2200 w/ heatsink, Mobo, 160gb harddrive, dvd writer and maybe a PSU I can give you a good deal on if you are interested OP.

 

[speedfrk]

If you can use used parts, you can build him a really nice system cheap. For instance, I just built my new X6 system and have the Q6600 quad core, MB and 4GB of RAM that are just sitting in a box that I would sell cheap. Not trying to turn this into a FS thread but used is your best option if you want the most bang for the buck.

 

[sirmonkey1985]

My brother wants a new desktop computer and his budget around $500 (no monitor needed since he just bought one)

He'll be using it for applications like Microsoft office, SQL server, etc. He won't be playing any games on it.

Should he go with a pre build system like what Dell sells, or should I build him one?
Any recommendations for a cheap build?

do you have a micro center anywhere near you? because if you do take a look at their ad's. every couple weeks they have deals for AMD processors + free motherboard or $9.99 for a very decent motherboard.

and i agree with speedfrk. if you want to do this on the cheap, look for used parts in the FS/FT section of the forum. can find some nice prices on old hardware from people upgrading.