i need a cheap PC, min specs Pentium 3 256MB with a decent HD OS( not important)

Other than ebay & the trading post anyone have good spots to get this type of gear from?

Try a local PC store... they're experts at creating XP terrors...

i really only need something 2nd hand as it will only be used to run 1 application & speed isn't a real issue. I had to buy some ram for a PC today & went to the local 1 % margin computer shop. It was busy & i shook my head often at the things people walked out the door with. Big Giga Wiz X Blaster shootem down Graffix Baby Laying Mother Boards Scary.

Basically all you need in your PC is:

- A Pentium 4 or better (AMD are the better option - more future-proof)
- A motherboard to match (Ideally with SATA, Gigabit ethernet, USB 2.0)
- A 128MB or higher graphics card (64MB - you're starting to get ripped off)
- 512MB RAM (Windows struggles on 256)
- Some form of XP (Academic version, maybe?)
- Minimum 80 GB HD (SATA is a faster option)

Try looking inside PC magazines such as APC, PC User or PC World. They'll tell you a lot.

Just ask the sales people what you want. (But remember, most of them get paid a comission on what type of PC they sell)

Then you're best off buying a chip such as the AMD Sempron or Intel Celeron, a cheap motherboard with integrated graphics, and a DVD-ROM drive (as well as a 80 GB HD).

What is the application you intend to use?

Again, all you need for a PC is:

- Case (and power supply)
- Monitor
- Speakers
- Hard Drive
- Optical drive (CD/DVD etc.)
- Motherboard & Processor
- Graphics card
- Floppy drive
- PCI Cards

Most motherboards include instruction on how to build your PC anyway, or there are online guides.

How decent a HDD?

I have a 933Mhz PIII 1 gig ram and a 80gig HD I can let go cheap ?
Or a 866 PIII 1 gig ram and 80 gig


Steve

new soho boxes start around $250 - i know you dont want new but just as a guide

I read a guide in the April 2006 edition of PC World on how to make a PC for under $500 (new).

And if it's just 1 application, why not try Virtual PC?

If was to build one
it's only need

Case / Power supply
Motherboard /Processor/ RAM
Grafix Card
CD reader ...Maybe DVD burner to save files. ( i have a coupe of them somewhere)

Keyboard mouse (i own)

i will switch vision with my monitor i use now.

I have seen a package in the trader for $199 includes CRT monitor so i'm sure i will pick up something under $200.

Thanks for the guidance.

No luck with virtual PC i need to use a PCI card. That doesn't have Mac drivers otherwise it'd go in the G5.

one of my favourite 2nd hand stores is buyequip, good (not fantastic but good) retail prices, excellent ebay prices. they know what they are doing and have a good range.
http://www.buyequip.net/
for new stuff its hard to beat umart online:
http://www.umart.com.au/
both of these are in Brisbane, which makes it easier for me but not for you.
green pc is also worth a look, but you will be paying a bit of a premium, because they fix em up before they sell em.
finally just lurk on ebay. I got a dell p2 dual cpu server, scsi for $1. Why do you think the seller never left feedback, I was most complimentary about him?
for almost any task a p2 will do the job. Install windows2000, the best os M$ ever made. I can provide you with a corporate copy (did i say that?). with windoze there are three rules:
more ram
keep the software about the same age as the hardware
more ram

sao

Find an old IBM Netvista or Compaq whatever mini-pc that is ex-business or ex-govt. There are many PIII ones floating around that are good for basic uses.