build a pc

[linuxlewis]

Hello
I am toying with the idea of building my own pc. My intent is to do this as a learning experience and as a way to get a good, decently fast (something in the 500-800 MHz range would be fast enough) pc that is optimized for linux but will probably be dual booted with windows, for which I apologize. I would appreciate some suggestions about how to go about this- what parts and where to get them, how much I should expect to spend, a good book or other reference for a newbie, warnings, general advice.
Thanks,
SW

[fancypiper]

I just ust happen to have this article, Cheap Linux Box (http://www.ls.net/CheapBox.html) on a computer 17 miles from here as the crow flies.

[sarah31]

well i recently replaced my motherboard, cpu fan, memory, and power supply for about $700 canadian so half that price for us prices and you have a decent fast box.

My specs:

Soyo Dragon Lite
512 DDR333 RAM
XP 1800+
Dr. Thermal Fan
Top Power 370W power supply
Maxtor 40GB 5400rpm HDD

This would likely come in under $700 down there.

EDIT: oh and a Geforce2 MX400 64 MB

[Arcane_Disciple]

Take a look on ebay. You can get some cheap parts on there. I just picked up a 1.0 Duron Processor, Mobo and case for 125. Granted its not name brand or top of the line, but on a student budget it really did the job.

[jdctx]

I would build a computer with the least amount of intergrated components. As in one without sound, modem and video built into the mother board. Especially on without a built in modem

As pointed out already ebay is a good source to find parts.

You will not have a problem running Windows on a pc built for Linux. The reverse is rarely true. So in the end building a pc for Linux is always best.

[Saptech]

Be sure to check out Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com) for some good cheap prices online, and they ship ASAP.

I built my latest box using parts from them. Good prices.

Shuttle AK31A mobo
AMD XP-1700

Those are the main parts I got from Newegg.com!

[fancypiper]

Always check pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com/) and Computer Geeks (http://www.compgeeks.com/) for prices as well.

[Timothy L. Miller]

For the most part, if you stick to MAJOR hardware components, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. If you're looking for specific suggestions, a SB Live! 5.1 can be had for aound $40-$50, a GeForce4 MX 420 for around $100, a Maxtor 80 GB for around $80-$90, a good 32/10/40 CDRW about $55, 16x DVD $40, and a motherboard/processor/ram combo using something like an Athlon XP 1500+ with 512 DDR for around $350. All of this would be supoorted in linux (depends upon the exact brand as far as CDRW), and would make for a decent system. Don't go anything less than 1 GHz anymore, processor prices are so cheap you'll only be cheating yourself.

[mdwatts]

The last pre-built pc I bought was a 386/33 way back when.

Since then I only build my own. That way I know what components I'm getting and that is has been assembled with care.

[linuxlewis]

Ok, Ive been poking around and come up with the following possible set up for my new box. I wonder if anyone could take the the time to look it over and see if anything is glaringly wrong about this.

Barebones kit with:
ECS K7S5A Mobo
AMD XP 1800+ procesor
ATX midtower case w/ 300w ps
3D onboard sound-can be disabled
2SDR sockets 2DDR sockets
ATA100 controller for hd
10/100 ethernet card
Price $150.00

40 gig Maxtor $60

256 MB DDR ram $66

SB Live 5.1 Platinum sound card $80

GeForce 4MX420 video card $65

Also I know someone with a moitor for sale for $70, but I don't know anything about them. Here are the specs:
17" Viento
Max resolution 1280x1024
.27 dot pitch
horizontal frequency 30KHz-70KHz
On-screen display digital control
Vesa DPMS power management
MPRII low radiation
plug n' play

Piece of junk? If so, why?
Thanks, SW

[fancypiper]

Sounds good to me, but I like 19" or larger monitors (old eyes, you know).

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by linuxlewis
Also I know someone with a moitor for sale for $70, but I don't know anything about them. Here are the specs:
17" Viento
Max resolution 1280x1024
.27 dot pitch
horizontal frequency 30KHz-70KHz
On-screen display digital control
Vesa DPMS power management
MPRII low radiation
plug n' play

Piece of junk? If so, why?
Thanks, SW [/B]

That dot pitch is a bit high.

Spend a little more and get a better quality monitor with a .24 or .25 dot pitch.

A good quality monitor can last you many years, so you may as well spend a little extra and get a good one.

[Sam H Bennett]

I agree with mdwatts - save your eyes and get a monitor with smaller dot pitch. ViewSonic has a 19" CRT with a .22mm for around $300. I think it is the E90. A good monitor will outlast several computers.

[linuxlewis]

Thanks all. Let the adventure begin.