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The complete shopping list for our £150 PC
In issue 343 of Computeractive magazine we showed you how to put together a great PC for under £150. There's also a five-part video guide to accompany our feature. To help make finding the parts you need easier, we've all put together a shopping list complete with links to all the parts you need.
Below is the full shopping list of everything you need to put together your very own £150 PC. We've included the name of the part, the 'quick find' code (that can be used in the search on Dabs.com), the price and a link to the part in question. We got all of our PC parts from Dabs.com.
For full details of how to put together our £150 PC, check out issue 343 of Computeractive magazine. You can also watch our five-part video guide by clicking here.
Case: Best Value 1003BS
Quick find: 7BDQWS00, £22.98 (http://www.snipca.com/X3120)
This is a simple black desktop PC case. It is best to ensure you buy a case with the PSU (power supply unit) included, and this one includes a 500W model as well as the necessary cables, screws and so on.
Processor: AMD Sempron 140
Quick Find: 63BDWS00, £25.38 (http://www.snipca.com/X3121)
This processor runs at 2.7GHz and includes more cache memory than many other low-cost chips. It's a retail-boxed model, which is important as that means you also get the necessary heat sink and fan to keep it cool. It fits into the AM3 type of socket provided by our motherboard.
Motherboard: Asus M4N68T-M LE V2
Quick Find: 79DPWS00, £34.98 (http://www.snipca.com/X3122)
This motherboard might cost a bit, but it provides several vital parts of our PC, such as the sound and graphics, as well as linking our processor and memory. It also has the AM3 socket needed by our processor.
Memory: Crucial CT25664BA1339A
Quick Find: 7BDPWS00, £22.02 (http://www.snipca.com/X3123)
This memory chip is a DIMM - the type needed for desktop PCs - and includes 2GB of memory, which is enough for most computer tasks. It's of the DDR3 type, so it matches our motherboard and processor.
DVD Drive Sony 24x DVD-RW Sata
Quick Find: 73PLWS00, £12.99 (http://www.snipca.com/X3124)
You could fit a Blu-ray drive, but this cheaper Sony model can read and write just about any kind of DVD disc and costs just over a tenner.
Hard Disk: Samsung HD161GJ
Quick Find: 63GQWS00, £28.30 (http://www.snipca.com/X3125)
This is a 160GB hard disk. Its 3.5in case is designed to fit desktop computers and it uses a modern Sata connector. 160GB will be enough to install an operating system and plenty of programs, but you could pay a little more to get a larger 250GB model.
Total cost: £146.65
All prices and details correct at the time of writing.
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Computeractive Excel (2010) Online tutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Computeractive Word (2010) Online TutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Computeractive Powerpoint (2010) Online TutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Angry BirdsPrice: £9.99 |
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Did I miss something
Would that come with Linux or a dodgey copy of Windows 7 ultimate???
Posted by T, 21 Apr 2011
Did I miss something
Would that come with Linux or a dodgey copy of Windows 7 ultimate???
Posted by T, 21 Apr 2011
Network/Internet Connection
Hi, How would I go about finding a decent NIC or how would I go about connecting it up to the Internet
Posted by James, 25 Apr 2011
Reply to the above
Hi 'T', in response to your question the computer comes without an operating system as you're just buying the parts. You can either install a Linux OS or a legitimate copy of Windows. Full details of that are available in the full feature in issue 343 of Computeractive. 'James', in reply to your question, the motherboard has a LAN port for a wired internet connection so you just connect up an Ethernet cable.
Posted by Computeractive, 26 Apr 2011
'dodgey copy of Windows 7?'
Isn't all Windoze dodgy??!! Go for Ubuntu Linux and you'll be up and running a lot quicker and easier than if you went down the Windoze route..... In a World without Walls and Fences, why do we need WINDOWS and GATES??!
Posted by Nige., 26 Apr 2011
OPERATING SYSTEM
Which is best for this build..........32bit or 64
Posted by Paul, 26 Apr 2011
32bit or 64bit?
If going the Ubuntu route then the 64bit version is avail at the link below. For info - although it says AMD64bit it can be used on Intel 64bit processors also. The current version is 10.10 but 11.04 comes out tomorrow. http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
Posted by Nige, 27 Apr 2011
build your self
i have just finished the build a p/c yourself the cost turned out to be £147.00 i had my own windows xp of which i installed with no trouble. Comments = the small square 12volt mains connector for the motherboard can be pushed in the wrong way around so make sure the clip matches the clip tab on the connector Now the instructions in the mag; for the connection of the pwr LED are wrong, the positive should go on the top left pin and the whie ground onto the second from the left on the row of four pins, if they are connected where the magazine says put them the front blue power button led will not light up.
Posted by Trev Lewis, 01 May 2011
Upgrade of the £150 computer build.
What would be a suitable upgrade to a duel core processor either compatible with this motherboard (or also upgraded)and matching the suggested memory
Posted by Nigel Marchant., 09 May 2011
Power LED Connections
I can confirm from the Asus Motherboard Guide that the power LED connections in the Computer Active magazine are not correct. The (+) connection (green wire) should be on pin 1 and the (-)connection(white wire) should be on pin 2. That is when counting from left to right on the top row. Thank you Trev Lewis for pointing this out.
Posted by Syd Gage, 14 May 2011
Can I use my old CRT monitor?
I have a 10 year old CRT monitor; a Mitsubishi Diamond Plus 91 VGA. The RGB video input is a 0.7v p-p/ 1.0v p-p Analogue signal. The signal input connector mounted on the rear of the monitor is a DB9-15P Female connector. Could you please tell me if I will be able to use this monitor with the £150 PC. I would like to use it as it gives an excellent display better than my modern ViewSonic monitor. Thank you. Vincent.
Posted by Vincent Kingston, 15 May 2011
Reply to Vincent Kingston
You can use any standard monitor with this computer, be it CRT or LCD. The connector you describe is commonly known as a 'VGA socket' and can be used with most modern computers including this one.
Posted by Computeractive, 16 May 2011
Wifi capability
You can get this PC to connect wirelessly to the internet by simply plugging a USB Wifi dongle into one of the rear USB ports. I'm using Linux Mint 10 64 bit and had no problems reading Hotmail and surfing. This addition can be done for £5 to £10
Posted by Michael Pozzi, 16 May 2011
Pc Build
Followed videos - connected to monitor - powered up okay but nothing on monitor!?!? Any idea why?
Posted by Patrick Casciani, 16 May 2011
Thank you
I Thank you for your prompt reply to my question regarding my CRT monitor.
Posted by Vincent Kingston, 16 May 2011
Motherboard DVD
I'm very pleasantly surprised with this PC - I paid about £10 extra and got a 1TB Samsung hard drive. One thing, probably obvious but maybe worth mentioning is that after installing Windows XP (SP3)I had to run the motherboard DVD in order to set up the LAN connection before I could connect up to a router and also to set up the graphics properly. I've still got a teething problem with the output to the monitor - the image is sometimes about half an inch smaller all round than it should be. I can only get it to settle if I jiggle backwards and forwards with the resolution setting. Can anyone help?
Posted by Andrew Stevens, 18 May 2011
Memory discontinued
The DABS site for the £150 PC memory says it is discontinued. Could you please recommend an alternative supplier or product
Posted by Vincent Kingston, 20 May 2011
no display on any of my monitors or tv ?
my monitors do not display any thing,i have tried 3 monitor and my tv, what should i do .
Posted by matthew lazarus, 21 May 2011
Component Supply Build your own computer
Your article recommends "Crucial CT 25664BA1339A" memory. DAB has discontinued this item. Can to advise availability of same elsewhere please?
Posted by Will hart, 29 May 2011
Comments to Nigel Marchant & Will Hart
I upgraded the processor to an Athlon II X2 250 3.0GHz. For memory I substituted 2GB, 240-pin DIMM, DDR3 PC3-10600 by Crucial IIRC. Built mine yesterday, it's up and running. Have installed an existing copy of Win XP but have yet to install the service packs. When I have done this and have succuessfully connected to the 'net then I will officially transfer the copy of Win XP form my old PC to the new one. Cost including upgraded processor was £154.29 inc. delivery. Thank you ComputerActive! p.s. Dabs.com are ambiguous (I think) with their description of the case; it appears not to have a power supply.. but it does. I ordered a PSU as well in error so I'll need to organise a return.
Posted by Derek Rumble, 11 Jun 2011
No feed to monitor
Hi. I have been waiting for a reply to Mathews thrend as I also cannot get anything on the monitor. Any help gratefully received. Thanks
Posted by John Dolby, 12 Jun 2011
PSU Question
I am planning to build the pc mentioned. I have now ordered most of the parts. What I now need to know is whether or not the PSU has an available cable to power a card reader. If so would it just be a case of plug-in-and-done? If not what would be a suitable solution to adding a cable - for powering a card reader.
Posted by Matthew O'Keeffe, 02 Jul 2011
curious on the board, would a Geforce
curious on doing this because my old dell server bust the other day and i need a new workstation or desktop pc but i was curious with the board you suggested for the build would a graphic card like the GeForce 8400GS Graphics Card 512MB PCI geforce card work perfect with this build? Ive got the hard drives and memory and sound card and other parts to boot but just curious on that card before i take the plunge Thanks
Posted by aj hamilton , 04 Jul 2011
PSU IS RUBBISH
i set about to build two of these PCs the first case PSU faild,power surges.the second one was OK,the third faild the same as the first.66% fail rate.not good.other components OK.Have you heard of the same problem from other readers ?
Posted by GEORGE TOLL , 13 Jul 2011
Will it run 64bit?
would this be able to run 64bit if it cant what would be the best processor for it to be able to run 64bit?
Posted by James, 22 Jul 2011
in built wifi
how would i be able to get in built wifi into it?
Posted by James Fair, 22 Jul 2011
Can't BOOT from BOOTABLE USB stick
I have built the £150 PC, it works OK except that I cannot boot properly from a bootable USB stick. I have been in contact with ASUS by email for about the last 2 weeks, I have carried out all their instructions but I still have the same problem. I think the motherboard has a design problem. I should be most grateful if James Temperton could recommend an alternative motherboard that is known to boot correctly from a bootable USB stick. I would be prepared to pay considerably more than the £35 that I paid for the current motherboard. I have several USB bootable sticks containing Linux distros that all boot ok from another PC, but none of them will boot properly from the £150 PC.
Posted by vincent kingston, 18 Aug 2011
Response to Mr. Kingston
Would it be possible for you to try booting from a version of Linux on a CD? As for alternative motherboards, you'll need one with an AM3 socket in order for it to be compatible with the processor.
Posted by James Temperton - Computeractive, 22 Aug 2011
Response to James Temperton
I thank you for your help with my booting problem. I have provisionally selected the ASUS motherboard M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 to replace the one in my £150 PC. I have asked ASUS to assure me that it will boot my USB2 sticks properly, but I am not holding my breath that they will give me a straight answer. If it will not boot it will be a much more expensive experiment than my previous attempt. I should be grateful for any comments you might have concerning this alternative motherboard.
Posted by Vincent Kingston, 26 Aug 2011
No display on monitor
I built my computer soon after the article first appeared in computer active mag.I did everything correct only to find that I cannot get a display on the monitor.I returned the mother board and memory but still with no display.I have got so frustrated with it and every so often unpack it and try something else but to no avail.Can anybody help me with advice as to the possible cause please so that I can get it to work.
Posted by Clive Jeffery, 03 Nov 2011
Response to Clive Jeffery
Hi Clive, Sorry to hear you've been having problems getting your PC to work. Unfortunately, it is hard to advise you on what to do without being able to see the PC. All I can say is make sure that everything is connected correctly and that you've followed the instructions exactly. Of course, it could be that something is broken; do you know that the monitor works and the cable you are using to connect it works also? One final thing; when you turn the PC on does it actually turn on - ie: is the problem just the monitor not displaying anything?
Posted by James - Computeractive, 04 Nov 2011
No display on monitor
Hi James Thank you for your reply to my problem thats bugged me for so long. The computer switches on and the blue light comes on.The cd/dvd tray works perfectly and you can hear it start up when disc.inserted the only thing is there is no display on monitor using the cable from my existing working computer. I am now thinking of buying a cheap graphics card and trying that out.??
Posted by Clive Jeffery, 11 Nov 2011
Help!
The PC isn't letting me go into the boot menu. I've tried using the PS/2 keyboard slot too, still no avail. It's so annoying! Yesterday, it responded to the boot F8 key and went into the boot menu, except the picture was severely damaged, with all types of colours on the screen, whilst the keyboard stops working. I've wired everything according to instructions! Help!
Posted by Jon, 12 Feb 2012