This might help a lot of people make a nice system for sub $500. Throw in your bargains, toss in where you can get things... and lets see the best system for $500. remember... make sure the seller gives decent warranty if it's expensive.

Monitors - NCSU Surplus. Very nice 20" monitors from $1-$30 each. I got lucky with a couple SUN's a while back for $1 each. Still clear and crisp. Weight 50lbs though :/

Mobo/Proc's... don't know the best bang for the buck

Cases... (sub $30 w/power supply)

Harddrives (250gb for $80).

Video (Dunno best bang for this price limitation)

lets see what ya got?

2/7/2006 7:38:53 PM

Very good topic, I may be lookin at building one for the parents soon so I would like to hear opinions as well.

2/7/2006 8:04:28 PM

dell for 300
6800 for 200

add memory when you can afford it?

2/7/2006 8:17:36 PM

Here's one of my recent newegg.com builds:

1 APEX PC-115 Beige Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 350W Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16811154017 $24.00
1 TUL AX480A7-F Socket 754 ATI XPRESS 200P ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813190002 $45.00
1 ASUS EAX300SE/TD/128M Radeon X300SE 128MB DDR PCI Express x16 Low Profile Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814121537
For Asus Tech Support, Please Call 502-995-0883 or http://helpdesk.asus.com/ $55.99
1 AMD Sempron 64 2600+ Palermo 800MHz FSB Socket 754 Processor Model SDA2600BXBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819104249
For Retail AMD processor, please call 408 749-3060 for service after first 30 days. For OEM AMD processor, we will service for 30 days only. Please verify the Processor matches your order Prior To installation. IMPORTANT: Always pack your CPU well for return. We will refuse your RMA if we received it as DAMAGED! $66.00
1 CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model VS1GBKIT400 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145440 $78.99
1 ALPS Beige 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16821103301 $7.99
1 Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6B100M0 100GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822144049
This item is serviced by the Maxtor, Please call 800 262 9867 for service. Web: http://www.maxtor.com. $54.99
1 KEYBOARD-2000 KB-118W/PS2 Beige PS/2 Wired Standard Keyboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16823131115 $4.25
1 DCT Factory 03M-OPT-BCLI 2-Tone 3 Buttons 1x Wheel PS/2 Optical Mouse - Retail
Item #: N82E16826147001 $4.06
1 Logitech S-100 BLK 5 Watts RMS 2.0 Speaker - OEM
Item #: N82E16836121125 $7.00
1 VISON V1721B Black 17" 12ms LCD Monitor - Retail
Item #: N82E16824161025 $187.99
1 NEC Beige IDE DVD Burner Model ND-3550A - OEM
Item #: N82E16827152059 $38.99

2/7/2006 8:22:07 PM

buy a used one from classifieds
that'll probably be your best best at getting a good deal

2/8/2006 1:39:03 AM

build a mac!

-ZiP!-

2/8/2006 8:21:07 AM

Personally I'd spend a little more on a sturdy case/decent PSU and go with a used CRT monitor, rather than scraping for a low-end LCD and getting a cheap, crappy case with a questionable PSU. But that's just me. Also, if you're not doing a gaming build, I think you don't need any more video card than a 6600. Heck, BF2 is perfectly happy on my 6600GT.

2/8/2006 1:14:33 PM