Processor: Intel Celeron 466 MHz [ $129 | Specs ]
While AMD is making some waves in the high-end scene, unfortunately for its K6 series the price/performance ratio of the Celeron still can’t be beat. For the small price, you get performance not too far below an equivalently-clocked Pentium III. While Intel’s upcoming Celeron IIs, based on the Coppermine core, promise to be very appealing indeed, the best choice for today is still the Celeron 466.
Alternatives: Intel Celeron 366 or 433.

Motherboard: Abit WB6 or Iwill WS133 [ $245 | Specs ]
Those of you frequenting hardware sites will undoubtedly have noticed that there have been nothing but rave reviews on Iwill’s WS133. The WS133 combines stability, performance, and upgradeability with on-board sound and video, to make one neat, complete and efficient package. The User’s Manual is excellent as well, which can make a world of difference for a system of this type.
Alternatives: Abit WB6, Supermicro PIIISED.

RAM: 64 MB PC100 SDRAM [ $89 ]
With RAM prices still on the down-slide, it was very easy for us to agree to 64 MB of memory in our low-level PC. Just because it’s not a high-octane, tire-squealing scorcher doesn’t mean you should have to wait half an hour for Windows to boot. Instead, including a full 64MB of RAM will make a huge difference, which will hopefully help convince entry level users to stick with it, and even to upgrade more later!
Alternatives: Any PC100 memory.

Hard Disk: Any 4-5 GB IDE Disk [ $138 ]
For an entry level PC, there is simply no need for a gargantuan hard disk. Most users can easily fit everything they need into a tidy 4 or 5 GB disk. After all, if you don’t need the space, why pay for it? While most any hard disk will get the job done, we here at HardwareCentral are partial to Quantum, Western Digital, and Maxtor drives, although we do recommend you opt for whichever is cheapest--it really won’t make a great deal of difference.

Monitor: Any 15” Monitor [ $227 NEC N9503 ]
It’s important to remember that while you may not need a huge monitor you always need a crisp, and clear one. Blurred text for a few hours is about the quickest way to a migraine we can think of, and a poor CRT screen is simply not acceptable. You don’t need a huge monitor, 15” will do nicely for most, but it’s important to invest that extra $20, and obtain a monitor that won't destroy your eyes.

CD/DVD: Any IDE CD-ROM, 48-52X [ $70 ]
Again, in the interests of keeping things cheap, there’s no need to opt for anything over a 32X CD-ROM as, really, you won’t notice a difference. Most retailers will have shelf after shelf of CD-ROMs; again, while we encourage you to opt for whatever’s cheapest, we prefer units from Mitsumi or Toshiba.

Guide 1:

High End Budget

Value Budget

More Spice for your PC!

Guide 2:

High End System

Mid End System

Low End System
 
 
 

Created since Aug 1999