Low budget CPU with integrated graphics

ytsejam93

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Jun 28, 2014
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Hi there. I am trying to assemble a computer, and I'm searching for a low-end cpu with integrated graphics that's able to run Ubuntu Server flawlessly. Since it will run in text mode for most of the time, I don't need any discrete GPU.
Notice that it's the first time I assemble a PC, and the main purpose of this is to better understand how hardware works rather than obtaining a performant system, so I wouldn't go much over $60 for the whole thing (cpu + cooling). I think that even a single-core CPU would be enough.
Any suggestions?

Thank you!
 
Solution
The parts I chose are not particularly powerful. Here is even cheaper. Yes it is a quad core, but it is not a very strong one. The whole system doesn't even use 100w. :lol: Even my old Phenom II X2 560, that I have lying around, would be faster.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD 3850 1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($36.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock AM1H-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard ($58.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.70 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Thermaltake VL520B1N2U Mini ITX Tower Case...

logainofhades

Titan
Moderator
It doesn't really sound like your requirements are very high. I would go with a mini-itx build and get this, if that is the case. You could possibly go even lower on the CPU. Not sure what your performance requirements are though.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor ($60.74 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock AM1H-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard ($58.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Thermaltake VL520B1N2U Mini ITX Tower Case w/220W Power Supply ($72.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $341.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 

ytsejam93

Reputable
Jun 28, 2014
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4,510


Thank you for your reply. The parts you listed have way higher specifications than my requirements. As I said above, I only need a low budget system on which I can run Ubuntu Server for development and networking purposes, nothing more than this.
 

logainofhades

Titan
Moderator
The parts I chose are not particularly powerful. Here is even cheaper. Yes it is a quad core, but it is not a very strong one. The whole system doesn't even use 100w. :lol: Even my old Phenom II X2 560, that I have lying around, would be faster.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD 3850 1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($36.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock AM1H-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard ($58.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.70 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Thermaltake VL520B1N2U Mini ITX Tower Case w/220W Power Supply ($72.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $281.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 
Solution

ytsejam93

Reputable
Jun 28, 2014
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This AMD 3850 seems alright, but the motherboard is still too expansive. Any ideas?
 

logainofhades

Titan
Moderator
Cheapest board available. You might want to look around and see what you can find on craigslist. Do you happen to live near a Microcenter?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD 3850 1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($36.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI AM1I Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard ($35.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.70 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Thermaltake VL520B1N2U Mini ITX Tower Case w/220W Power Supply ($72.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $258.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 

ytsejam93

Reputable
Jun 28, 2014
5
0
4,510


Nope. Unfortunately, I live in Italy. I found both CPU and motherboard new on Amazon.it, though. If I could find a deal for some used stuff on ebay, that would be even better.