Cheapest computer build for Linux.

[RitzCracker]

Whats the cheapest computer I can build, thats not crap. That will run Linux without a problem? I found some new mobo's that are 18 bucks on newegg.

 

[numark]

What sort of things are you going to run on this machine? Is it going to be a server, a general desktop machine, etc.? Is there a particular distro you plan on using? Unfortunately, the answer depends a lot on the answers to those questions. Let us know the answers and then those of us here can help you out

 

[RitzCracker]

Well its been a long time since I have messed with Linux. I really just want to use it as a desktop to learn everything all over again. I just downloaded RedHat Fedora Core but if you all can suggest something better that would be great because I heard Redhat took a turn away from home users a while back.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Are you planning on dabbling, or are you doing this to get something done? If you are dabbling, try to score a free machine. I've got several machines that people have donated to me (for the price of shipping) for use in my crack rack (for SETI & other DC projects).

 

[pkme2]

In my spare time, I've have converted PIIs into Linux machines. Just about any old rig can be converted to LINUX. See a neighborhood nerd or go to your local swap meet to pickup a vagabond computer. Ubuntu is great for a noob and is very user-friendly.

 

[Gamer X]

Grab an AM2 mobo and a sempron.

 

[RitzCracker]

Well I have parts my self. Alot of parts but alot of problems also. I have 3 harddrives, Maxtor 40gig 5200rpm, WD 80 7200RPM and a Raptor SATA 10krpm; Mobo's Winfast AMD XP , Gigabyte Nforce2 AMD XP and a SOYO P4 bored. What I dont have is a ram and the CPU's to test them out. I think the Soyo P4 bored works but the Winfast turns on and off. Oh and I have no cases and power supplies. I need a cheap way to test them out.

 

[RitzCracker]

Is there any cheap way to test this stuff out?

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: RitzCracker
Is there any cheap way to test this stuff out?

Yep. Buy some RAM and a power supply, and test it. You don't need a case to test.

 

[RitzCracker]

Dont I need a CPU? Like the First Mobo I had, the Gigabyte AMD XP, stop booting into windows.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Yes, you will need a CPU if you don't have one.

 

[RitzCracker]

Thats the problem I dont want to spend money on 3 cpu's to test each mobo. Thats alot of money for something that might not even work.