I’ve never built my own PC, though looked forward to it for many yyeeaarrss.
I came across this article the other day on ComputerShopper.com

Their total bill came to $242.46 (after a $20 bundle discount and a $15 mail-in rebate).

So can I just share below what I am considering? I want to make absolute certain everything is compatible
This is just a budget PC, no gaming, mostly internet surfing, web development, scripting, minimal stuff. Preferred 2GB RAM so I can safely run VMWARE+Ubuntu

I’ll use the same processor as the article, but a different motherboard, so I can get some bundle pricing.
(all TinyUrl links are to NewEgg.com)

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3400+ 2.2GHz (http://tinyurl.com/26gkx6 ) = $35.99
Mobo: BIOSTAR GEFORCE 6100-M9 Socket 939 (http://tinyurl.com/3yg284) = $59.99
($20 discount for bundle @ $75.98)
<< max RAM = 4GB >>

RAMx2: Crucial Ballistix 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM (http://tinyurl.com/3bhwng) = $72.49
(after $40 mail-in rebate = $32.49 x 2 = $64.98)

Hard drive: Western Digital 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 160GB (http://tinyurl.com/2tokk5) = $48.99

Question about CD/DVD reader/writer: can I just use my old ones?
Lookig at device manager and front of tower it says:
DVDRW/R IDE 16x / CD-ReWritable
GoldStar CD-ROM CRD-8482B

CPU cooler: COOLER MASTER DK8-8ID2A-0L-GP 80mm Rifle CPU Cooler (http://tinyurl.com/yu5cz4) = $4.99
case: Foxconn Black/ Silver Steel MicroATX Mini Tower 300W PSU (http://tinyurl.com/25d3c3) = $39.50

Looks like my total, if i can use my old CDROM and DVD burner, plus with the $20 CPU+MOBO bundle and $40 RAM mail-in rebate = $234.41
<< i know the rebates and bundle pricing end soon, but I’m just getting an estimate for a budget PC. >>

If I can’t use my old devices, then I can do with 1GB RAM for $32.49 and get an affordable device, but I need DVDRW for data backups (I’m pretty OCD about backing stuff up, haha. no movies, no music).

Oh yah, I figure I can use my old monitor, keyboard & mouse.
Maybe get a decent graphics card later, plus a nice 20” LCD monitor, wireless optical keyboard+mouse, and a bluetooth gizmo to tinker with my new smartphone.

You placed this question in a place with a lot of Macoholics. I’d go and look at Tom’s hardware guide.

Btw, I used to build systems myself, but found it easier to go for a preinstalled system that is really tested. Dell currently sells their PC’s at last without the trial crap (phew) on AMD and even with Ubuntu. But it won’t get you below 329 dollar.

I’ve used lot’s of monitors but found Dell the best bargain if you’re concerned with consistent colors.

But don’t let me spoil your fun of making your own PC! Hope some people can be of good advice.

Dells are good for “disposable” usage, e.g., buy it, use it, throw it away after a few years. Building your own is much more fun, arguably cheaper, and generally better quality.  My machine cost less than £1500 when I built it, and at the time something with comparable power on the dell website would have cost well over £2000 - probably made with cheaper non-branded parts.

The only question I can see would be to make sure the mobo can run PC3200 RAM which it does.

I’m not real sure what else to worry about. everything you’re looking at is doable. it has a 300w power supply built into the case and i think that’s enough. especially since you’re not cramming it full of other hardware.

I can’t imagine why that wouldn’t work as a great little machine.

AS for bluetooth, you could always do what I did. I picked up a Logitech MX5000 mouse keyboard combo. It’s bluetooth. So it will work with any other bluetooth unit i have. including my smartphone.

Also, if you get a 20 inch LCD just get one that has USB ports. trust me. it brings up the ports nice and high next to the machine so your bluetooth stuff is a strong connection.  I hasve this monitor and it has 4 USB ports and a 9 in 2 card reader which is great

@JT Thompson
While that is an amaaaazing monitor and keyboard/mouse combo, [tear drop]hahahaaa :( , my wife would kill me for going $500 over budget[/tear drop].

The reason my budget is SO LOW is cause that’s all I managed to save. We are expecting our first child be born any day now.

ohh. I misunderstood. I thought you were just looking to get a cheap PC but you mentioned the 20 inch monitor so I assumed you were looking for higher end on that part.

Regardless, you’re still WAY ok with the machine you described.

So, after a month of contemplating and sourcing the right parts ... I broke down and bought a Gateway laptop, model MT3421.
bahahahaa ...

Thanks to everyone for their interests, remarks and help with my computer build.
Overall, I determined that mobility was/is a little more important to me than a powerful desktop. Now I just need to buy me a new copy of XP Pro, since Vista is such a horror to deal with on a daily basis. But that’s for another thread, another time.