Usually when I am tasked with providing someone with a new computer I prefer to buy a prebuilt machine from one of the many manufactures that offer them. On this occasion though, I decided to build the computer from scratch. The task; to build a computer for a standard home user for under $700.
I wanted to build something that was unique and had some charachter. My thoughts drifted to a Shuttle barebone that I had seen a few years back. A quick internet search brought me to Shuttle’s website. They offered prebuilt machines and barebone systems. After browsing their selection of barebone systems, I was reasured that the Shuttle barebone would provide me with style of system I was looking for.
The next task was to decide which Shuttle barebone I would use. The choice needed to be inexpensive yet have the correct features. I settled on the Shuttle SG31G2. This barebone has an LGA775 socket, and includes an Intel GMA 3100 256bit 3D engine with a powerful 400MHz core.
Next, to stay within my budget, I chose an Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200. It is not the fastest chip on the maket, but it will have plenty of power for the standard home user. I also picked out 4GB of Kingston 240-Pin DDR2 800, a 640GB Western Digital Caviar Green hard drive, a Samsung DVD Burner, a Rosewill internal card reader, and a Logitech LX310 keyboard and mouse combination. Finally, I grabbed a copy of Windows Vista x64 to put on the machine.
Below is the cost summary:
- Shuttle SG31G2-$ 200
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200- $170
- 4GB Kingston DDR2 800- $41
- Western Digital Caviar Green 640GB- $70
- Samsung DVD Burner- $26
- Rosewill Internal Card Reader- $17
- Microsoft Windows Vista x64- $100
- Logitech LX310 Keyboard & Mouse- $48
- Total- $672
After shipping, the total was almost exacty $700.
I salivated and blogged about the speed of shipping while I waited with baited breath for my parts to arrive in the mail.
Next time… the build process.
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