Cheap Desktop

Zavian

I've set up a small work area in my basement and want to buy or build a new computer to put down there. I'm just looking for a work horse really, to do some writing and edit audio (So something with decent ram and processor, wifi card, integrated graphics chip). My budget is pretty small, $200. Would e-machines or similiar budget desktop be a good route to go? If not, any suggestions for where to get a barebones kit and components? Also, perhaps an older generation mac might be a good route to go instead?

blincoln

I think you're going to have trouble getting a new system for $200, especially if you are including a monitor in that price. The cheapest I can find one is $289 at New Egg.

If I were in your position, I would look for something used, particularly something that is really cheap because it needs parts. For example, I got a P4 system free from work because it had been stripped of the hard drive and RAM. It will cost me about $150 in parts to make it work, but it will be a decent media PC for that price.