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08-02-2006, 02:38 PM
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#1 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
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low end first build recommended components
I have 3 daughters, 8-9th grade (use birth control!). They need something just for school work, internet, IM, whatever, no gaming or only low end if they do but I want them to be reliable. I want to build 3 identical systems for each of them. Is it possible to match the the $300 range total for low end stuff on the market? Will need boxes and everything except perhaps mouse, keyboards, and speakers. Has anyone put together such as system that they can recommend components for me. These will be my first (second, and third) build.
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08-02-2006, 02:58 PM
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#2 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 56
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A crappy Intel processor, 256-512MB RAM, A 64MB Video Card, and a low-end motherboard should do the job.
However, for the sake of you and your kids it would be nice to get a better motherboard. It's alot easier for installation (no messing around with jumpers) and it would give your kids an opportunity to upgrade (If their intrest in computers grow). The only problem that you have are buying them Monitors. Ebay or newegg is your best bet. |
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08-02-2006, 03:28 PM
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#3 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
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I do have several monitors. Does anyone recommend a low end better motherboard they have put into a low end system?
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08-02-2006, 03:54 PM
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#4 |
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Kickin' it
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Location: USA
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$300 is nearly impossible to do a build with. Windows XP alone costs $90. I would highly recommend the entry-level Dell systems for your situation. They will be perfect for office and internet work.
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08-02-2006, 04:26 PM
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#5 |
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Member (11 bit)
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Location: Boston, MA
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$300 is still hard, but actually, with the AMD price drops $400 a system isn't that difficult to do. I speced this out to build a NAS with, but would work as a basic system as well. It's microATX so the motherboard isn't quite as upgradible as a full size board would be, but it's not bad. This also assumes a linux install and not windows to begin with. That may or may not be a major issue. You will have to think about it.
Motherboard: ASUS A8N-VM CSM Socket 939 GeForce 6150 Micro ATX Motherboard – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131570 $78.99 Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 CPU - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103537 $77.00 RAM: OCZ Premier Series DDR 400 (PC 3200) 512MB Memory – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146846 $46.49 Video Card: N/A Power Supply: XClio 450BL ATX 450W Power Supply - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189003 $43.99 CASE: Foxconn 3GTLM436-C4002N Black/Silver Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Case – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153028 $33.99 Hard Drives: Maxtor DiamondMax-10 200GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache IDE ATA133 HD - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144187 $69.99 Optical Drive: NEC DVD-RW Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152058 $30.99 O.S.: Unbuntu Linux www.ubuntu.com/ $0.00 TOTAL SYSTEM: $381.44
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Laptop HP DM4t / i5-560M / 14.1 WXGA Widescreen / 1GB Radeon Mobility 6370 / 4GB RAM / 320 GB 7200rpm HD / DVD-RW / 802.11n & BT wireless First Build Abit IC7-G Max II Motherboard / 2.8C 800mhz P4 / 1024 DDR 3200 (2x 512 in Duel Channel) / Saphire Radeon 9800 Pro 128 / Samsung 120 GB SATA HD / Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM / NEC DVD-RW Last edited by Staren; 08-02-2006 at 04:28 PM. |
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08-02-2006, 04:28 PM
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#6 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
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I have bought my share of entry level emachines, dell and the like and components are so bad I have to replace something twice a year. When I am lucky the first one is still on warrently. Of course with Dell you can pay for the service plan but that pretty much eliminates the low cost. I am hoping I can build a low end white box that is reliable or at least that I can replace components myself. Maybe I can get a Windows XP that I can load on all three machines.
The system you put together, Staren looks good to me. I have a new hardrive I bought for a dying toshiba laptop that didnt solve the problem. Are these universal enough I can probably use it? I also have an extra 1gb RAM I bought for an emachine that died. Is this useable? Last edited by vbackus; 08-02-2006 at 04:35 PM. |
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08-02-2006, 04:46 PM
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#7 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
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the free OS system. Does that run microsoft office or if not then I would look for other compatable software for that OS? Sorry if this is a naive question.
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08-02-2006, 05:05 PM
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#8 |
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Staff
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Doncaster, UK
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Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131588 Processor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819104241 Case & PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129150 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145479 DVD Burner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106019 HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148148 That lot comes to $311 plus shipping. It's not that different than Staren's build, but I've gone for a slightly older socket and cut costs in other areas (whilst still maintaining quality), to allow you to afford XP. Whilst Ubuntu Linux is good, I wouldn't say it was the right operating system for your daughters. Linux does require some re-learning and using completely different programs. XP: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16837102059 .....and you just nosed over $400  FK
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-FK- "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw, The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow, In Flanders fields." - John McCrae, May 1915 |
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08-02-2006, 05:08 PM
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#9 |
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Member (11 bit)
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Linux can not run Windows programs wthout some kind of emulator, but there are Linux versions of all the major types of programs, most of which are free like the OS itself. For Microsoft Office, you would use a program called OpenOffice (there is also a Windows verson of this program that I actually like better then the true Office suite). For Photoshop, there is a program called GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation Program), ect, ect. You will have to keep in mind that if you want to go with route, that Windows based games and programs will not work on Linux. And while there are Linux versions of most kinds of programs, you will not get that exact brand. Would come into play with games and the like.
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08-02-2006, 05:13 PM
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#10 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
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Linux
If I use the Linux free software and prepare word files, powerpoint, etc, can I save files in a format that can be read by a windows program?
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08-02-2006, 05:33 PM
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#11 |
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Member (11 bit)
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Here we go. This is about as good of a deal as you are going to get while still keeping Windows and still using quality brands. I swapped the RAM and DVD drive from my list into FKs because they are just a few dollars cheaper but still the same quality. It is a bit older tech and you will want to swap out the motherboard, processor, and power supply if you ever need to do a major upgrade for whatever reason, but this will keep your girls going the near future anyway, and it's sure easy to upgrade then a prebuilt.
ASUS K8N-VM Socket 754 GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131588 $62.99 AMD Sempron 64 3000+ Socket 754 Processor – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819104241 $62.00 Antec Solution SLK1650B Steel ATX Mini Tower 350W Power Supply – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129150 $74.99 OCZ Premier Series 512MB DDR 400 (PC 3200) System Memory – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146846 $46.49 NEC Black DVD Burner - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152058 $30.99 Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA II HD – OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148148 $49.99 Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2 – OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16837102059 $89.99 Total: $417.44 |
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08-02-2006, 05:35 PM
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#12 | |
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Member (11 bit)
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Boston, MA
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Quote:
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08-02-2006, 05:47 PM
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#13 |
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9mm wins.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Behind my Glock 34.
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Here is my current Economic System I build for some of my clients. Its a pretty fast system that can handle what most people use computers for. Its built from quality mainstream components, can take on most of the current systems in its class, and leaves some room for future upgrades. You can tailor it to suit your needs. You can probably downgrade the HDD, DVD writer, and find a nice case that includes a good PSU if you want to save even more money.
****************************** BIOSTAR TForce6100-939 Socket 939 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138264 $69.99 AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103537 $75.00 Kingston ValueRAM 512MB (2 x 256MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820141413 $52.99 Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 SATA NCQ 3Gb/s ST3160812AS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148105 $62.99 LITE-ON Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache ATAPI/E-IDE 16X DVD±R DVD Burner W/ LightScribe and 5X DVD-RAM Write - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106019 $32.99 COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119068 $44.99 Thermaltake TR2 W0070 ATX 430W Power Supply 115/230 V – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153023 $39.99 TOTAL: $378.94 Last edited by minsonngo; 08-02-2006 at 06:31 PM. |
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08-02-2006, 06:06 PM
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#14 |
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Member (10 bit)
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 560
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MSI PM8M-V Socket 478 VIA P4M800 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail -$42.99
Intel Celeron D 310 Prescott 533MHz FSB Socket 478 Processor Model BX80546RE2130C - Retail -$44.49 G.SKILL 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered System Memory Model F1-3200PHU1-512NR - Retail -$43.99 Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $42.99 ASUS TM-210 Black 0.6mm SECC MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case 300W Power Supply - Retail -$53.99 SONY CD Burner Black IDE Model CRX230EE/B2 W/O SW - OEM - $17.99 Total with shipping on Newegg : $271.02 That system will be great for common tasks. All components I use in my builds, except for the Asus case/PSU. You may want to go with an Antec combo on that, but you'd still be in the $300 threshold. Ubuntu is easy to use and free, and that's enough horsepower and space for any 8th grader... unless they are a gamer. Integrated graphics, audio, and network interface. Last edited by RazorDX; 08-02-2006 at 06:09 PM. |
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08-02-2006, 06:18 PM
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#15 |
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Member (11 bit)
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No offence RazorDX, but I just wouldn't go with that. The motherboard is a VIA chipset, and the CPU is a Prescott core. I would be a little worred about stability, and none of these cases we are listing are really great cooling. They would be just fine for normal processors, but I'd rather not do a budget system with a Prescott just to be safe. That 300w PSU isn't going to be all that upgradible either I wouldn't think, just not enough head room for me. You just don't want to go that cheap. Something is bound to be a problem.
Last edited by Staren; 08-02-2006 at 06:23 PM. |
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08-02-2006, 06:27 PM
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#16 |
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Staff
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Staren, I agree with our combined efforts you most recently posted
NEC Burners are top quality (have one myself), but the OEM versions don't come with software, whereas Lite-ons come with Nero.FK |
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08-02-2006, 06:50 PM
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#17 |
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V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
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My two favorite builds were from staren and freakitchen. Either would fill your needs very nicely.
Those celly's are great bang/buck, but I just think that in this case those a64's would easily outperform them.
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“We must not let ourselves get driven off course, no matter what happens we must stick to our natural game” -Zenedine Zidane |
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08-02-2006, 06:56 PM
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#18 |
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Member (11 bit)
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I just never really worry about software anymore. Too up on the open scource community I guess. There are too many good open scource / freeware programs out there to stress over the major brands. For example: Flash CD & DVD Burner http://www.xtort.net/multimedia/dvdburners.php
Nero may be a little cleaner looking, but the Nero suite is just getting to be such a big collection of programs that you just don't need. By the way, I love this site: http://www.xtort.net/complete-freeware-collection.php Last edited by Staren; 08-02-2006 at 07:06 PM. |
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08-02-2006, 06:57 PM
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#19 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
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All your responses has been great! thanks. I noticed newegg has this box on sale for 59.99. NZXT Apollo BLACK NP Black Secc Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case. Given the open blue light side the kids would be thrilled but trying to keep the cost down I want to know if it has problems. Any comments?
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08-02-2006, 06:59 PM
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#20 |
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Member (10 bit)
Join Date: May 2005
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NZXT make some quality cases. They are an enthusiast company like Thermaltake or Lian Li... okay maybe not Lian Li, but they are quality.
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08-02-2006, 07:00 PM
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#21 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
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Is there a such thing as a white box laptop that can be built??
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08-02-2006, 07:00 PM
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#22 |
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Staff
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Gotta link to that? If it comes with a power supply, I wouldn't be comfortable using it - we have little details on their quality.
At any rate, for a system working to such a tight budget, I wouldn't be looking to upgrade the case. If you can afford to spend more, do so on the components. FK |
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08-02-2006, 07:03 PM
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#23 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
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no power supply in it. here is the link. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119068. VB
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08-02-2006, 07:03 PM
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#24 |
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V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
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Yes there is. Just buy a barebone laptop case. And put in the parts accordingly. Much simpler then building a pc. But not all that cost effective when you think of the customer support youll get with a prebuilt pc. In this area, right now its better to go with a prebuilt one. I actually had thought of doing this a little while back and had written downa few links for getting your parts and barebone's. Ill see if I can find any of them.
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08-02-2006, 07:05 PM
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#25 |
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Staff
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If you want to get a case from a different manufacturer, then that's fine, but be sure to choose a quality power supply like this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104901 FK |
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08-02-2006, 07:10 PM
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#26 | |
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V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Houston, T.E.X.A.S
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Quote:
I also second the fortron 350W. |
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08-02-2006, 07:17 PM
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#27 |
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Member (11 bit)
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Location: Boston, MA
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If you'd like to reseach whitebox notebooks, check out the boards at www.notebookforums.com Those guys know a lot more about custom laptops and anything else you want to know about notebooks.
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08-02-2006, 07:41 PM
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#28 |
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Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
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can I cannabolize hard drives and CD drives from dead prebuilts? or are they incompatible?
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08-02-2006, 07:50 PM
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#29 | |
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Member (11 bit)
Premium Member
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Quote:
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08-02-2006, 07:59 PM
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#30 |
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9mm wins.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Behind my Glock 34.
Posts: 4,544
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Here is a link to a good website you can purchase Barebone Laptop/Notebooks systems.
http://www.directron.com/nbbarebone.html |
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