Build/buy cheap computer (no idea where to start)

[creeper]

Looking to build or buy inexpensive computer for home office. Bare bones system. Only needs to run internet to connect remotely to office, and receive large amounts of data all day.

Requirements:
-internet (at blazing fast warp speed)
-bit of storage space to save data
-prefer to use windows 7

I have no idea where to begin. Looking for super cheap under $500.

[KRyn]

What is your budget?

[Hakkola]

Why a video card that does 2048x1152 and a monitor that is only 1080?

[creeper]

$550 or lower. If I can't get a used computer, or build one for cheaper, I'll order this:

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX42399

[Hakkola]

Use pcpartpicker then get memex to match the prices if you still want to use them.

[Hakkola]

This is better for around the same price: Add more ram if you need. I could probably get the price down some more.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.00 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($53.27 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.50 @ DirectCanada)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-222BB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Memory Express)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $568.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-18 12:13 EDT-0400)

[revelations]

For this purpose I would build myself as follows:

board / cpu (used)
120bg SSD (new)
6 GB RAM (new)
lower end video card (used)
W7 pro
case and PSU (used)

[Seth1968]

Originally posted by creeper
Looking to build or buy inexpensive computer for home office. Bare bones system. Only needs to run internet to connect remotely to office, and receive large amounts of data all day.

Requirements:
-internet (at blazing fast warp speed)
-bit of storage space to save data
-prefer to use windows 7

I have no idea where to begin. Looking for super cheap under $500.

- Large amounts of data will normally require a standard hard drive and not an SSD.

- Internet speed has nothing to do with a properly running computer.

- It's unlikely you'll find Window's 7 computers in boxed stores. However, despite what you may have been told/read, Window's 8 is better than Window's 7 in all aspects, but you might not like the user interface (which I'll get to).

Most big box store will carry what you need for less than $500.00. Get an Asus or Lenovo with W8, then install Classic Shell for a more familiar Windows look.

[spike98]

Originally posted by Seth1968
then install Classic Shell for a more familiar Windows look.

The 8.1 update coming soon will bring back some of the similar functionality of Windows 7 as well.

[Seth1968]

Originally posted by spike98


The 8.1 update coming soon will bring back some of the similar functionality of Windows 7 as well.

I've already got it installed.

The only relevant feature for most end users is the option to boot to desktop mode.

The "Start Menu" button is there, but it brings you to Metro mode. So with 8.1, MS just gave you an easier way to access hell for those that don't want smart phone/ pad shit on their desktop.

Right click on the bottom left corner for more familiar options.

[UndrgroundRider]

Not sure how cheap you're willing to go, but MemEx has a bunch of refurb Core2duo 2.9ghz lenovo machines /w windows 7 for $189.