I am looking to build a desktop computer for under $300. I would like to be able to use a hdmi connection so I can use my tv as my screen. I only used my laptop to download music and check email.I don't play video games. I bought the windows 7 update and i have an old Dell xp recovery cd which I am not sure if I can use that to install on a blank hard drive. I checked out barebone nettop are they any good?
Computer on the cheap
- Thread starter Newbie7
- Start date
Dell recovery won't work on new harddrive.
To stay around $300, I could only suggest you using Linux.
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP + LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.435082
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074
Rosewill Blackbone Case + AMD Athlon II X2 245
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.432825
MSI 760GM-E51 + G.SKILL 2 x 2GB DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.454479
To stay around $300, I could only suggest you using Linux.
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP + LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.435082
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074
Rosewill Blackbone Case + AMD Athlon II X2 245
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.432825
MSI 760GM-E51 + G.SKILL 2 x 2GB DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.454479
fastdude
Active Member
He could get that Mobo [or a cheaper one] and 2GB of RAM, then used money saved for extras
No, that is the cheapest with HDMI. There is no point to get DDR2 RAM in now as it limit the upgradgability. While with the cheapest mobo is $40. An additional cheap video card need another $35.
While for the RAM, cheapest single stick of 2GB is $43, with combo deal which save $32, 2 x2GB RAM is actually cost $50, which is bargain.
notabasketweaver
New Member
While it's obviously up to the OP, I wouldn't be too worried about upgradability in this situation.
Given the price point and what they will be using the system for, things like having DDR3 memory over DDR2 isn't important. What's important is fulfilling all their requirements (like the HDMI) within the budget.
Given the price point and what they will be using the system for, things like having DDR3 memory over DDR2 isn't important. What's important is fulfilling all their requirements (like the HDMI) within the budget.
thanks.that is very helpful I have used linux before,but i use my computer to load music onto my ipod and linux doesnt seem to support that or its just a lot of work. My last labtop had one gig of ram and i ran windows 7 on it and it worked perfectly fine for me. I used dell recovery disc on a non dell labtop and it worked fine but it wasnt a blank harddrive. I used the offical xp install disc and used the 27 number thing from dell. I have also looked into nettop computers. i looked at one that was 200 bucks and a barebones foxconn for 170,but OS is still 100 or so bucks. I have a working harddrive and memory that would work for the barebones