to get an idea of what you'll need.
Since computer technology is constantly changing, I'll be updating this page as time goes on. My goal is to
provide a complete listing of compatible parts that will allow you to build your own bargain computer for around
a current market price of about $500 (excluding your monitor, speakers, and printer). Of course, you can always
tweak the parts list to help you keep your costs down (or upgrade components as well). However, if you do decide
to modify the list, make sure your alternate choices will be compatible with the rest of your hardware!
For more information on choosing bargain PC components, follow the Quick Links for each listed component on the left-hand
side of this page.
As of Oct 17th, 2010 here's my parts list for a $500 Bargain Computer Kit
| Component
| Where to Buy
| Description
| Comments
|
|
CPU
|
TigerDirect
$69.99
|
AMD Athlon II X2 255 Dual Core Processor - 3.00GHz, Socket AM3, 2MB Cache, 2000MHz (4000 MT/s), Retail
|
This is a retail version (i.e., shipped in a box with heatsink/fan included).
|
Motherboard
|
TigerDirect
$99.99
|
ASUS M4A78T-E Motherboard - AMD 790GX, AM3 128MB DDR2 Side-Port, ATI Hybrid, CrossFire, PCIe 2.0, DDR3 Memory USB2.0, RAID, HDMI/DVI
|
This board is a great buy and will allow you to upgrade your system later on. It has on-board audio, video, plenty of USB ports. It's also CrossFire capable!
|
|
Memory
|
TigerDirect
$79.99
|
Crucial Dual Channel 4096MB PC8500 DDR3 1066MHz Memory (2 x 2048MB)
|
This package gives you two 2GB memory chips - total 4GB. You may find the same size memory in a cheaper brand, but you DON'T want to go cheap when it comes to RAM.
|
|
Computer Case
|
TigerDirect
$89.99
|
Ultra Gladiator Black ATX Mid-Tower Case & Diablotek PHD 650W ATX Power Supply Bundle
|
There's a decent amount of expansion room here for future upgrades. The case also includes two chassis fans, a 650-watt power supply, and plenty of USB ports.
|
|
Hard Drive
|
$39.99
TigerDirect
|
Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB Hard Drive - 7200, 16MB, SATA-300, OEM
|
Nice drive! Fast, quiet, and 500GB...
|
|
CD/DVD
|
TigerDirect
$26.99
|
HP HPDVD1260I Multiformat DVD/CD Writer - SATA (Retail "Boxed" Version)
|
This drive pretty much does it all. Just about every CD and DVD format is supported.
|
|
Floppy Drive/ Card Reader
|
TigerDirect
$29.99
|
Ultra Internal 3.5" Floppy Drive w/Multi Card Reader - Black
|
A floppy drive and media card reader combined. This is perfect for cases with only one 3.5" external bay.
|
|
Keyboard
|
TigerDirect
$16.99
|
Microsoft ANB-00001 Wired Keyboard 600 - USB, Black
|
A basic but functional keyboard at a bargain price.
|
|
Mouse
|
$12.99
TigerDirect
|
Microsoft Basic Optical USB Mouse
|
A basic optical USB mouse. Good quality and affordable.
|
Now, let's examine the steps I followed to choose my parts:
Step one: Choosing my processor. For my bargain PC, I've chosen to purchase an AMD Athlon II X2 255 Dual Core Processor. It's a
dual-core processor running at 3.0Ghz with 2MB of SRAM cache. It has a 2000Mhz bus speed
and includes a fan and heatsink. Be sure to purchase the RETAIL version, otherwise you'll have to purchase
your own fan and heatsink. Now that I've chosen my processor, this clears the way to choose an AMD compatible (Socket AM3) motherboard
that will support it.
Step two: Choosing my motherboard. I've chosen a quality, name-brand board that supports my processor
type and also allows me to install up to 16GB of RAM (with a 64-bit OS). My board of choice for this project: the ASUS M4A78T-E Motherboard.
This board has plenty of USB and SATA connections to support additional peripherals, and a PCI Express 2.0 slot allowing for expansion of video functionality.
The board has integrated video and audio capabilities thereby eliminating the need to purchase separate sound and graphics cards. This isn't the cheapest
board out there, but for the money, it gives you a ton of room for future upgrades.
Step three: Choosing memory. Memory prices have dropped dramatically over the past year, so this will
be extremely helpful in keeping our costs down. My choice: Crucial Dual Channel 4096MB PC8500 DDR3 1066MHz Memory (2 x 2048MB).
The memory configuration is 2x2048, meaning you get two 2GB DIMMs per package, for a total of 4GB
of RAM.
Step four: Choosing my case and power supply. I wanted a case that is easy to work with and provides adequate ventilation
to keep my computer running cool. My choice: the Ultra Gladiator Black ATX Mid-Tower Case & Diablotek PHD 650W ATX Power Supply Bundle. It includes front-panel audio
and USB ports for convenience. This particular case includes a 650 watt power supply. It provides plenty of power for my configuration and includes SATA and PCI-Express connectors.
Step five: Choosing my Hard Disk (HDD). I chose the Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB Hard Drive - 7200, 16MB, SATA-300, OEM
. Since a Retail version wasn't available, I had to ensure that I would have a SATA cable to connect the drive to my motherboard. Fortunately, I chose to purchase the
retail version of my motherboard which includes a SATA cable that I can use to connect my Hard Drive.
Step six: Choosing my CD/DVD Burner. I went with an all-purpose DVD Burner, the HP HPDVD1260I Multiformat DVD Writer - SATA.
Again, I made sure to purchase the RETAIL version which includes a SATA cable. This drive is capable of
reading and writing just about any CD or DVD format out there. The price for
this drive is extremely reasonable, and I'm considering installing two of them
to make copyng from disk-to-disk more convenient.
Step seven: Choosing my Video Card. Well, this was an easy choice since my motherboard already
has on-board video capabilities. However, you will be in a good position to upgrade your video at a later date since this mainboard
already has a PCI-Express slot
Step eight: Choosing a Floppy drive and Media Card Reader. I wanted the convenience of being able to plug meory cards from my
digital camera directly into my computer without the hassle of breaking out the cable to download photos.
This is a very cheap add-on to your bargain PC and is well worth the small cost. I chose the Ultra Internal 3.5" Floppy Drive w/Multi Card Reader.
It will install nicely into one of my cases 3.5" floppy bays. And, as an extra bonus, I get a 1.44MB floppy drive, just in case I ever need it.
Step nine: Choosing a keyboard and mouse: For my bargain PC keyboard, I chose the Microsoft Wired Keyboard 500 USB (Black).
For my mouse, I chose the Microsoft Basic Optical USB Mouse.
Don't forget to choose a monitor for your new bargain computer!
