Computer Deals?

[Phobia]

My PC died last week. I'm in the market for something new. I'm not a gamer, so I don't need anything special. Looking to spend $4-500 - don't need monitor, kb, mouse, NIC, modem, or burner. I do want 512 MB RAM and 40+ GB HD. Everything else is flexible.

I nearly pulled the trigger on a refurb dell until shipping came to $99.

There's a big computer show in town this weekend. I'm not opposed to putting something together myself, but I've been out of the business so long, I don't know what parts are reputable any longer.

So, I guess I have 2 questions:
1. Does anybody know of any online prefab computer specials in my price range?
2. If you were building a 'puter, what budget MB/case, RAM, processor, HD, CD/DVD would you put in it?

[Vegas_Dave]

http://www.pcclub.com/systems_configurator.cfm?type=Combo&bomid=UPG00000

This is using AMD's new Sempron chip. the particular model is based on their Athlon XP core and is a GREAT budget chip.

add 512MB RAM
add 80GB (w/8MB buffer)
add CD-RW

total system: $343.96

Just load windows and plug it in.

plus, you can probably get this same setup for a little less by parting it out at newegg.com

depends on budget. the new Athlon 64 is freaking awesome. I am using it with winXP pro and it is faster then Any P4 that I have used (I use athlon64 2800+ running at 1.8ghz and have compared all the way to P4 3.2ghz with HT).

Also, I am testing WinXP 64 bit and it is even Quicker!

[Saulbadguy]

I like these little babies.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=56-101-208&depa=0

[Miles]

You may want to check out the forums at fatwallet. They are usually some good deals of Dell's if you hunt around. I just took a quick look and found this one. It only has 256mb of ram but you could easily add some more.

http://www.fatwallet.com/

http://www.fatwallet.com/t/18/386027/

Dell SC420
2.8GHz 1MB Cache
800MHz FSB
256MB
40GB SATA
Free Shipping
$413
$100 Rebate
$0 Free Shipping
----
$313 AR

[Hammock Parties]

If you want to build it yourself you can't go wrong with parts from newegg.com.

I'd get you a DVD burner too if you don't have one. I got one recently and there is nothing like watching Chiefs games on DVD.

[Skip Towne]

Due to your advancing age and diminished brain capacity might I suggest Webtv?

[Hammock Parties]

Due to your advancing age and diminished brain capacity might I suggest Webtv?

Hahahahaha.

[Pants]

How did your comp break, is it possible to just replace some parts? That way you can make it even better yet save on parts like the case, power supply, ram, etc.

[Skip Towne]

Hahahahaha.
Glad you liked it. BTW I repped you back like I always do. You hit me with a whopping 21 points.

[Saulbadguy]

WebTV..in its glorious 640x480 resolution and fuzzy lettering.

[Hammock Parties]

Glad you liked it. BTW I repped you back like I always do. You hit me with a whopping 21 points.

How does the rep system work? I have about 1600 rep points...yet only contribute 21 to someone when I rep them?

[Phobia]

How did your comp break, is it possible to just replace some parts? That way you can make it even better yet save on parts like the case, power supply, ram, etc.

Yeah, it's probably possible. But that PC was 3+ years old and it's time to upgrade anyway. I've been told that it is the HD, but it's acting very odd for a HD failutre.

[bishop_74]

I have found some good deals at www.pricewatch.com

[Pants]

Yeah, it's probably possible. But that PC was 3+ years old and it's time to upgrade anyway. I've been told that it is the HD, but it's acting very odd for a HD failutre.

Can you give us the specs? If you are not a gamer, you souldn't be spending much money at all.

Oh and a site I like more than newegg is www.pricewatch.com, it's really good, as it is much easier to compare prices and find what you need.

[Pants]

I have found some good deals at www.pricewatch.com

DAMN YOU!!!!

[Skip Towne]

How does the rep system work? I have about 1600 rep points...yet only contribute 21 to someone when I rep them?
I think it is a combination of your rep points + your post count. How many points did you gain when I repped you? I have more than 20,000 rep points and more than 19,000 posts.

[Hammock Parties]

I think it is a combination of your rep points + your post count. How many points did you gain when I repped you? I have more than 20,000 rep points and more than 19,000 posts.

About 200.

[COchief]

I just bought a dell two weeks ago w/ a 3gz pentium, 40 gig HD, 512 ram, including monitor and keyboard at my door for <600. I would highly recommend them. You can also check their website for bargain bin refurbs if you really want to save $$$.

[BigRedChief]

go to the show this weekend before deciding. I've found some fantastic deals out there before.

[Flustrated]

I am on my 3rd computer in about 10 years and I gotta tell ya, I'd never go Dell or Gateway again. Sure it's nice if ya have software problems to call a tech line. But if you have a hardware malfunction ya spend 40 bucks a pop shipping it back to them to have it fixed. If you add hardware without buying it from them (like a new G-force video card) they void your warranty. My newest computer came from our local Best Buy. Love the thought of just throwing it in the car and taking it up to get fixed if anything would ever happen to it. not to mention I got a 3 year warranty on it so if anything ever happs in 3 years I pay $0.00. after 3 years this 1 will be out dated anyway....

[Phobia]

I have found some good deals at www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com)

Heh heh. I'm guessing you may have gotten that site from me here. I've been using that site since it was a one page operation with about 30 items available for purchase. Back then, a 4 MB SIMM cost $200 new. :D

[BigRedChief]

IIRC, 1point for every month on the planet, 1 point for every 1000 of rep and another one which I forgot

[Phobia]

1 point for every thousand posts, IIRC.