Help Building a System

[grimesharrison6]

I'd like to build a computer that runs Linux Ubuntu 10.1 for $200 to $220. I need it to work with Google Documents, Email, and Internet.

 

[tlmck]

Processor - $39.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103888
Motherboard - $49.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128529
Ram - $10.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139640
Hard drive - $69.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075
DVD Drive - $16.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151244
Case/PSU - $34.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154079

$222.94

If you shop around, you might find better deals like on Amazon, but you have the basic specs here. Will run Ubuntu all day very well. Graphics are built into the motherboard.

 

[grimesharrison6]

Thanks!

 

[grimesharrison6]

I do have one more question. Do you think I'll save money building a computer rather than buying one?

 

[davidjuk]

I'd like to build a computer that runs Linux Ubuntu 10.1 for $200 to $220. I need it to work with Google Documents, Email, and Internet.

Interesting.

I priced up a system for Ubuntu the other day for a friend. On a low spec machine, I couldn't match one for sale from one of the biggest UK retailers.

Maybe you should buy an unused desktop with a broken HD or virused-out to death. You never know, you might get lucky and buy one with a windows disk and do a dual boot. I did one last year for £80 ($120?).......

 

[tlmck]

I do have one more question. Do you think I'll save money building a computer rather than buying one?

It depends on where you shop. I know some local stores around here used to sell Ubuntu desktops for about $200 but I guess they were not popular enough. Low end computers these days sell for around $300 unless you catch a sale for say $249 or something.

One problem with buying also is that you will be paying for a copy of Windows that you do not need, and it will be a copy that you cannot sell, what they call OEM. You could always install Ubuntu along side Windows, or even inside Windows using the WUBI installer.

You might find a deal on a used desktop, but you never know how long it will last. Whatever you get, just make sure it has at least 2gb ram. Ubuntu is no longer as lightweight as it used to be. Plus, any computer with integrated graphics is going to steal some of the ram for that.

 

[davidjuk]

One problem with buying also is that you will be paying for a copy of Windows that you do not need, and it will be a copy that you cannot sell, what they call OEM. You could always install Ubuntu along side Windows, or even inside Windows using the WUBI installer.

Can you not buy simple PCs with No O/S. I don't buy pre-installed for me or anyone else.

 

[grimesharrison6]

Best answer selected by grimesharrison6.