cheap pc upgrades

[craig6661]

can anyone tell me a cheap pc, to buy as standard
but you can make into a pc beast with the right upgrades?
looking to buy a cheap one,. and over time add the parts to it?

 

[Kgury]

Why not just build one from scratch?

 

[Legodude522]

What is your budget? That is the biggest question.

 

[craig6661]

as ihave no idea how to build one from the ground up tbh
and, im looking to spend bout £200 - £300, maybe £400 at a push.

 

[Indigo]

Unfortunately, at that price point, it's very hard to get something with a lot of upgrade potential that you don't build yourself.

The things you want, in any potential PC:

Standard ATX case. Don't buy a "miniITX" or "MicroATX" - the MicroATX is OK as long as the rest of this is good as well.

Expansion Slots: Minimum of one PCI Express x16 slot. PCI Express 2.x preferred over 1.x, but both are fine

Memory Slots: Minimum of two, which usually isn't a problem. 4 if you can at all help it

CPU: Even if it's not a screamer, make sure you can drop one in later, that is. (Minimum AMD: Socket AM3 or AM3+(AM3b), Intel: Socket 1155 (NOT 1156)

Hard Drive, CDRW/DVDRW - doesn't matter too much, they're pretty universal

Power Supply - If it's a MicroITX case, they limit you pretty badly here. Don't even consider the system if you can't "size" the power supply with it being at least 5 inches across in it's cavity. Reference photos online of an ATX power supply to see what i mean.

 

[craig6661]

yeah iknow that price isnt huge..
but as time goes by ill spend more on it to keep it / make it better more up to date
and, i kinda understand what some of that stuff means.. but not alot :L
but thanks for yout reply,

 

[Indigo]

Feel free to ask any clarifying points. I know folks on this forum are all "OEM IS EBIL! BUILD YER OWN!" but sometimes, it just makes more sense for someone to buy prebuilt as money allows. No worries.

 

[craig6661]

if I brought a Dell Optiplex GX270, does that have the power to run wireless keyboard + mouse?
+ wireless internet?

 

[Indigo]

The power, yes, long term, nil. It's only worth $80, and even then... upgrading would be worthless.

 

[craig6661]

but one with a 1TB harddrive.. for round $80 isnt bad?
if it can do wireless stuff?
+maybe in the future get a better processor and fans?

Dell Optiplex GX270 + Cooler Master MegaFlow 200 Blue LED 200mm Case Fan
would this work? mainly cos, itll look cool?
anyone know any lights you can get hold of for it?