so people are seriously suggesting using linux for gaming? that doesn't sound very beginner friendly.

@Linkzmax, thats my point exactly. This isn't a realistic computer build, this is a cherry picked example that falls apart upon close examination. Even if they followed it as presented by frybread it costs $378.34 + tax but nobody in their right mind would actually build this computer like this without a few modifications. You could buy the parts locally, but then you'd have to pay state tax. The parts may also be more expensive as there is retail space to pay for.

This thread is pretty ridiculous, and as Squalliam said, it's pretty much frybread preaching to the choir.

What kind of tv do you have? What kind of video/audio connections? Do you have it hooked up to a receiver?

Shipping isn't the same as the actual price even though it does add up to the total. Tax? Don't know how you've got it in the US but it ought to be no different compared to other products (a PS3 for example) you can find in online stores. Besides, it's not the same as the actual price either.

A reader? Well that's all you really need to play. If you really want a writing one, you'll be ready to pay that $3 more yourself.

No fans? It's got all it needs to function properly. I don't think I've got any case fans either and my PC runs at... 50°C? Anyway, works well and could probably even be overclocked a bit.

80GB is enough for basics and is no less than what consoles have. Besides, it was said that if you needed more it'd be pretty cheap.

That PC has everything you need. Some components might seem rather... bad, but they're still enough. Besides, it's up to you whether you want to pay so little.

I think the OP didn't say you should use old parts; I think he said you could. Well, can't remember anymore and can't bother myself with checking. I think he really put only new parts and older parts are only bonus. Of course he did assume you have a monitor or something but that's what you do when buying a console as well. Besides, you'll need a new cable with the consoles too (or with the PS3 at least) if you want to connect it to a HDTV. It's no different from that.

Case fans aren't necessary; I don't think I have any and it's still working fine. The processor is boxed, it says it pretty clearly if you follow the provided links. A convertor? Who would actually use an SDTV as their primary PC monitor? It gets pretty hard in Windows... Or Linux, I suppose. And many PC games as well. Shipping costs, I say again, are not a part of the PC's price; it's shipping, not the PC.

The PC is $350. Shipping and taxes are just some extra you'll have to pay but it's not for the PC. At this part, of course, it gets rather difficult, depending on whether you want the price of the PC or the actual costs of the PC... If it's the latter, we shouldn't speak of, excuse my much-used example, $399 PS3s either. Of course it goes for all consoles.

This is also my last post as this thread is already absurd and keeps getting wierder.

zkuq, of course shipping should count! if you buy an item locally or buy that same item online, you need to figure shipping into the online item to figure out which is the better deal. That's bargain hunting 101. You can't have it both ways: using lowegg's low prices to build a low total, but for some reason not factoring in shipping that is necessary to get those low prices. Unless newegg is paying for shipping, I'm right to factor it in, as it effects the actual final price that I am able to get that computer for. I can't believe you are actually trying to argue that "shipping isn't the same as the actual price".

For all intents and purposes, this is a $400 PC downspec'd to be cheaper than a PS3.

I think the final verdict is that the challenge was met. Is it a build anyone should seriously consider? NO. But it is a pretty good base for an awesome price/performance PC.

And depending on components and environment it's certainly feasible to run a computer without case fans. And no I'm not talking about liquid cooling either.

I had a look, and I couldn't create a chump-tastic computer for less than $400 incl shipping/tax. The lowest I managed was $365 (Incl MIR W/O shipping/tax)

That computer had:

• Athlon X2 6000+ BE
• 2GB DDR2
• 320GB HDD
• Windows Vista
• Case+PSU (80mm fan)
• HD 4670

Knock down that processor, decrease the HD size and you should hit your price.

Those are unacceptable compromises. I want to create a computer that runs well for cheap, not a cheap computer that runs badly for cheap. I can make some compromises but any system I build would be something I would be happy to use myself or its unacceptable to reccomend to others.

Ah got ya. Didnt know you were actually trying to build a pc. What is your budget?

Im actually quite versed at building for cheap. It was an example for others. (I used to have a semi-regular series on building cheap computers on vgchartz.