Cheapest Pc's...

Tarron_D · 24th November 2002, 18:55

Does anyone know of the best deal on a computer these days? I've been looking alot but i want to find the lowest price with the best speed, graphics, and sound.(RAM too.) I know thats what makes it expensive but what do you think is the best deal? My budget is anywhere under 1800 bucks, the lower the better...

MetallichicA · 24th November 2002, 19:16

www.dell.com, wait until techbargains.com says that they have free shipping, or free printer, or $150 off, etc., then go reap the benefits!

Depending on what you get, you shouldn't have to spend more than around $1500.

Or you could try the route I'm going now, and build it! And spend wayyyyyyyyyy less than you would to buy one from one company!

jyvasaa · 24th November 2002, 19:31

what she said. building it also allows you to make it more customised, eg. say you don't want to give a cent to microsoft by buying a computer with windows pre-installed. instead, you could build your own comp and install linux or beos or whatever you want. it may seem elusive at first to build one, but there are people and sites around to help you.

of course, if you don't need stuff like an internet connection or 3d gaming abilities, you can always opt to get a older comp with windows 3.1 or some version of dos. maybe you could even buy some old hardware for low prices (particularly, you may want a case) and save more money.

if you intend this new comp to replace your old one, you can possibly save even more money by scrapping its parts. this is good if you don't need a faster processor and your old comp's processor is fairly new, because then you can also scrap the ram so you don't have to buy as much. if you don't feel like reinstalling your old progs you can take your hard drive.

one last thought... if you intend to replace it and can't scrap any parts (or the parts you do scrap still leave your old one functional), you should donate it to a school, family, or relative that can use it. if there is nobody who needs it, a handful of computer manufacturers will allow to recycle your comp so its materials can be reused. i know most of the big companies have recycling programs, and off the top of my head i can mention hp and ibm, but i don't know the pros and cons of each one.

InvisableMan · 24th November 2002, 19:34

take the time to read a few books on how to build pc's, do some research and go ask nerds on the scoop to build a good pc. the time taken is worth the money you will save 100-fold

Atmo · 24th November 2002, 19:51

Build it yourself....

For $1800us heres what i'd buy (prices are aus$).

P4 2.4 (533) $398
Asus P4S8X Raid $275
512mb samsung pc2700 $299
2xWD 80gb caviar se (8mb cache)$260 each
128mb leadtek gf4 ti4400 vivo $409
Liteon 48/48/24 cdrw $120
Liteon 16x dvd $75
Creative audigy se $145
Topower 420 watt psu $199
MS internet keyboard $39
MS intellimouse optical $60
Philips 19" 109b (flat, 1600x1200@75hz) $499

Total: $3058 (or around $1500 or so us) leaving some left over for a case, some speakers etc.

Run the drives raid0 and it'll fly.

Tarron_D · 24th November 2002, 19:53

Yeah but these new video and sound cards cost a bundle, and then having to buy a new processor and motherboard and all the needed components. I found great deal at Dell for 1400 bucks, with 200 mail in rebate to make 1t 1200 bucks. I think building my own computer would cost that right? So i could go either way? My only problem really is convincing my dad to buy it, i need a new computer, but he just doesn't want to hear it. Right now i have a 700MHZ processor with a tnt 2 video card and a sblive value. In a nutshell, its a piece of shit, and it was 1900 bucks.

Tarron_D · 24th November 2002, 19:54

Oh, and regardless of how much help i'll get from a website, i'll just end up breaking something, which would just piss my parents off more.

Atmo · 24th November 2002, 19:58

If you buy all the hardware at once, most stores will assemble it free of charge...Only takes someone who knows what theyre doing about 30mins.

InvisableMan · 24th November 2002, 22:01

Quote:

Originally posted by Atmo
Only takes someone who knows what theyre doing about 30mins.

then i must be a god since it would only take me 5 mins tops

Atmo · 24th November 2002, 22:55

Quote:

Originally posted by InvisableMan

then i must be a god since it would only take me 5 mins tops

How??

Assuming the case has the standoffs already in the correct place, youre using a hsf with the goo already applied, and the cables dont need tidying up, it would take a minimum of a minute to drop in the cpu and clamp on the hsf, another minute to insert the ram, and put the mobo in the case, at least 2 minutes to do up the screws, plug in the power connector and hook up the cpu fan, another couple of minutes to remove the drive bay covers, insert the drives and screw them in.

Then a few minutes more to remove the pci/agp slot covers, drop in the cards and screw them in, another couple of minutes to hook up the floppy/ide cables and power connectors, and another minute or two connecting the hdd/power leds, power and reset switches, front usb ports etc and putting the case back together.

Going by that, it would take at me least 10 minutes to build it, and thats not including powering it up and setting bios options.

Tarron_D · 25th November 2002, 01:15

WELL now i know i can't put it together myself!

Thanks anyways, but the simpler the better, and dell makes it simple.

(But dell is the cheapest right?)

MetallichicA · 25th November 2002, 01:50

Dell is the cheapest QUALITY place to get a computer.

...come to think of it, I can't think of any other REAL quality computers. You can get some decent stuff, but for the price, the service, and the quality, my opinion is that you can't top Dell.

By the way, if I can build a computer, so can you. So can anyone for that matter

And you'll save mucho moolah that way, which means you can build it WAY bigger than what you'd get for the same price from a big company.

pixiefied · 25th November 2002, 02:37

you get a "special" buy here

but i wouldnt recommend it...remember,you get what you pay for.

Nofx Guy · 25th November 2002, 02:47

How about buying a computer from Millenium Network Solutions. We will include free shipping aswell as software and games. And yours truelly will build it and make sure its up to spec!!

Bizznatch · 25th November 2002, 03:00

you can get or build your own 600mhz machine for about $300 nowadays

Jay · 25th November 2002, 03:37

if not that there is always wal-mart.

pixiefied · 25th November 2002, 04:12

thats what i said kxrm...look

s0be · 25th November 2002, 04:19

The last complete system I bought(had) was a tandy 2500sx (386-33mhz). Everything since then has been custom built by me.

But from my experiences, tandy does a good job. you should go buy a tandy.

/*
S0Be
*/

binary hero · 25th November 2002, 09:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Tarron Dashle
Right now i have a 700MHZ processor with a tnt 2 video card and a sblive value. In a nutshell, its a piece of shit, and it was 1900 bucks.

new mobo+cpu (even if it is a cheap duron) will cost about $200, then a graphics card ($200 again for a good one), and some flashy soundcard with the rest

Dynamik · 25th November 2002, 10:06

dirkdeftly · 25th November 2002, 16:10

Well, Compaqs and Gateways are cheap pieces of shit...MacOS kicks ass, except you can't run Winamp on it cos the Nullsoft people are nazis...Dell's probably the best PC, no questions asked.

24th November 2002, 18:55	#1
Tarron_D Major Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Bensenville, Illinois. (Chicago Suburb.) Posts: 501	Cheapest Pc's... Does anyone know of the best deal on a computer these days? I've been looking alot but i want to find the lowest price with the best speed, graphics, and sound.(RAM too.) I know thats what makes it expensive but what do you think is the best deal? My budget is anywhere under 1800 bucks, the lower the better... "If everything I didn't give a shit about died, the only thing that would be left would be me, my dick, and maybe some pizza!" -Two (Visit www.ranting-gryphon.com, it rocks.)

24th November 2002, 19:31	#3
jyvasaa Major Dude Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: suomi Posts: 967	what she said. building it also allows you to make it more customised, eg. say you don't want to give a cent to microsoft by buying a computer with windows pre-installed. instead, you could build your own comp and install linux or beos or whatever you want. it may seem elusive at first to build one, but there are people and sites around to help you. of course, if you don't need stuff like an internet connection or 3d gaming abilities, you can always opt to get a older comp with windows 3.1 or some version of dos. maybe you could even buy some old hardware for low prices (particularly, you may want a case) and save more money. if you intend this new comp to replace your old one, you can possibly save even more money by scrapping its parts. this is good if you don't need a faster processor and your old comp's processor is fairly new, because then you can also scrap the ram so you don't have to buy as much. if you don't feel like reinstalling your old progs you can take your hard drive. one last thought... if you intend to replace it and can't scrap any parts (or the parts you do scrap still leave your old one functional), you should donate it to a school, family, or relative that can use it. if there is nobody who needs it, a handful of computer manufacturers will allow to recycle your comp so its materials can be reused. i know most of the big companies have recycling programs, and off the top of my head i can mention hp and ibm, but i don't know the pros and cons of each one. jyvasaa

24th November 2002, 19:51	#5
Atmo The Freak (Forum King) Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 9,400	Build it yourself.... For $1800us heres what i'd buy (prices are aus$). P4 2.4 (533) $398 Asus P4S8X Raid $275 512mb samsung pc2700 $299 2xWD 80gb caviar se (8mb cache)$260 each 128mb leadtek gf4 ti4400 vivo $409 Liteon 48/48/24 cdrw $120 Liteon 16x dvd $75 Creative audigy se $145 Topower 420 watt psu $199 MS internet keyboard $39 MS intellimouse optical $60 Philips 19" 109b (flat, 1600x1200@75hz) $499 Total: $3058 (or around $1500 or so us) leaving some left over for a case, some speakers etc. Run the drives raid0 and it'll fly. :Psykotech:

24th November 2002, 19:53	#6
Tarron_D Major Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Bensenville, Illinois. (Chicago Suburb.) Posts: 501	Yeah but these new video and sound cards cost a bundle, and then having to buy a new processor and motherboard and all the needed components. I found great deal at Dell for 1400 bucks, with 200 mail in rebate to make 1t 1200 bucks. I think building my own computer would cost that right? So i could go either way? My only problem really is convincing my dad to buy it, i need a new computer, but he just doesn't want to hear it. Right now i have a 700MHZ processor with a tnt 2 video card and a sblive value. In a nutshell, its a piece of shit, and it was 1900 bucks. "If everything I didn't give a shit about died, the only thing that would be left would be me, my dick, and maybe some pizza!" -Two (Visit www.ranting-gryphon.com, it rocks.)

24th November 2002, 19:54	#7
Tarron_D Major Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Bensenville, Illinois. (Chicago Suburb.) Posts: 501	Oh, and regardless of how much help i'll get from a website, i'll just end up breaking something, which would just piss my parents off more. "If everything I didn't give a shit about died, the only thing that would be left would be me, my dick, and maybe some pizza!" -Two (Visit www.ranting-gryphon.com, it rocks.)

24th November 2002, 19:16	#2
MetallichicA Forum Queen Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 2,425	www.dell.com, wait until techbargains.com says that they have free shipping, or free printer, or $150 off, etc., then go reap the benefits! Depending on what you get, you shouldn't have to spend more than around $1500. Or you could try the route I'm going now, and build it! And spend wayyyyyyyyyy less than you would to buy one from one company!

24th November 2002, 19:34	#4
InvisableMan Ninja Master! (Forum King) Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Hotel California Posts: 4,333	take the time to read a few books on how to build pc's, do some research and go ask nerds on the scoop to build a good pc. the time taken is worth the money you will save 100-fold

24th November 2002, 19:58	#8
Atmo The Freak (Forum King) Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 9,400	If you buy all the hardware at once, most stores will assemble it free of charge...Only takes someone who knows what theyre doing about 30mins. :Psykotech:

25th November 2002, 01:15	#11
Tarron_D Major Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Bensenville, Illinois. (Chicago Suburb.) Posts: 501	WELL now i know i can't put it together myself! Thanks anyways, but the simpler the better, and dell makes it simple. (But dell is the cheapest right?) "If everything I didn't give a shit about died, the only thing that would be left would be me, my dick, and maybe some pizza!" -Two (Visit www.ranting-gryphon.com, it rocks.)

25th November 2002, 01:50	#12
MetallichicA Forum Queen Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 2,425	Dell is the cheapest QUALITY place to get a computer. ...come to think of it, I can't think of any other REAL quality computers. You can get some decent stuff, but for the price, the service, and the quality, my opinion is that you can't top Dell. By the way, if I can build a computer, so can you. So can anyone for that matter And you'll save mucho moolah that way, which means you can build it WAY bigger than what you'd get for the same price from a big company.

25th November 2002, 02:37	#13
pixiefied Mother Trucker Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: in the forest Posts: 3,520	you get a "special" buy here but i wouldnt recommend it...remember,you get what you pay for. "Well, got to love you and leave you, need to go get into the shower and rub my hard naked body all over with soapy bubbles, I'll be back later to carry on playing.... It'll take you some time to get over the image of me naked in the shower......mind you don't masturbate to hard thinking about it...." - Mr.Jones

25th November 2002, 02:47	#14
Nofx Guy Major Dude Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: under a rock Posts: 998	How about buying a computer from Millenium Network Solutions. We will include free shipping aswell as software and games. And yours truelly will build it and make sure its up to spec!! www.audioflo.ath.cx All music, All the Time

25th November 2002, 03:00	#15
Bizznatch Forum King Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,180	you can get or build your own 600mhz machine for about $300 nowadays

25th November 2002, 03:37	#16
Jay Moderator Alumni Join Date: May 2000 Location: Next Door Posts: 8,942	if not that there is always wal-mart. -Jay \| Radio Toolbox.com

25th November 2002, 04:12	#17
pixiefied Mother Trucker Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: in the forest Posts: 3,520	thats what i said kxrm...look "Well, got to love you and leave you, need to go get into the shower and rub my hard naked body all over with soapy bubbles, I'll be back later to carry on playing.... It'll take you some time to get over the image of me naked in the shower......mind you don't masturbate to hard thinking about it...." - Mr.Jones

25th November 2002, 04:19	#18
s0be Major Dude Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: melbourne Posts: First Posts: 1,313	The last complete system I bought(had) was a tandy 2500sx (386-33mhz). Everything since then has been custom built by me. But from my experiences, tandy does a good job. you should go buy a tandy. /* S0Be */ And On that day, the Lords of the land said unto their Master Architect, "The temple you have made to the gods of Wasabi and Maki has brought us no great prosperity" and they sent out him into the lands. As he traveled to a far off land, he found he wasn't traveling alone, but that he had gained companions, and when they found their new land, they started work on a new temple, one that would be OPEN to all who wanted to worship. from The Book of Wasabi C 12 Vs 09 (pg 2003)

25th November 2002, 10:06	#20
Dynamik Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: da G funk era Posts: 173

25th November 2002, 16:10	#21
dirkdeftly Forum King Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Cydonia, Mars Posts: 2,651	Well, Compaqs and Gateways are cheap pieces of shit...MacOS kicks ass, except you can't run Winamp on it cos the Nullsoft people are nazis...Dell's probably the best PC, no questions asked. "guilt is the cause of more disauders than history's most obscene marorders" --E. E. Cummings

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