Building a computer

I would consider buying a barebone systems and build them as needed.  As far as hardware stick to well know brands(Intel, ASUS and so on).  Just make sure you have enough RAM and the processor is fast enough to handle the kind of work you want the PC to do.  

What do you mean by 'Barebone Systems"?  

Do you have certain parts you recommend that are cheap?  Can you provide links?  

Thanks,

Barebones systems are preconfigured to an extent, generally including a case, power supply, motherboard, processor, and RAM. Sometimes they will also include a hard drive and optical drive but for the most part they are reasonably stripped down machines which are easy to upgrade and inexpensive due to the fact that they are no frills systems.

Now this doesn't exactly mesh with your idea of doing rebuilds, so can you provide some specifics about what you're currently working with? Depending on what you're currently using it might be viable to upgrade specific components (Memory and Processors) that will increase performance.

Well, I was actually thinking about starting from scratch.  All of our computers are around 4 years old and I just think it's time to do an overhaul of our machines.  most of our computers are running something like a gig of ram, 1.6 Ghz proc.  40-80 gig HD...

Is that enough specifics?

www.newegg.com

mistyped it in the earlier comment

That's great.

Just to be sure.  How can you tell that the Processor and Motherboard fit?  (if that makes sense)

Also,

What about USB connectors? are those included in the case?  will the MB support that?

The motherboard will accept a 775 pin processor and the processor is for a socket 775 so they are compatible :)

It says there's 4 USB + 4 more onboard connectors so 8 total.  

wonderful.

For future reference, is there a way I could piece all of this together?  TIps and tricks I mean?  

Thanks,

Not all socket 775 cpus will work in a socket 775 motherboard.  Aside from the physical connection, the BIOS and chipset must support the cpu; for example, most older socket 775 motherboards won't support 45nm Core2 Duo cpus.  Fortunately, the motherboard manufacturers (and newegg's technical specs) tell you which cpus they support.

I would avoid the microATX form factor unless you have a need for a very compact case.  They tend to have fewer expansion slots and features.

For an example of the parts that go into a $500 gaming pc, see http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-pc-marathon,review-31400.html.  You can get an idea of what some good quality components are for a low price.

For hints on building, see
http://www.mysuperpc.com/
http://www.waterwheel.com/Build_A_PC/build_PC.htm

Thanks Callandor,

Looking at the specs provided above, would you think that they are sufficient for a work computer for users mainly using office 2003 and a Commerce program?

More than sufficient - gaming requirements are usually more demanding on the hardware than office applications.  You can go with the stock Intel cooler and a cheaper video card as a tradeoff for 2GB of RAM.

The computer I put together would run Office and most business apps with ease.  I picked the components taking into account cost and features, you don't need a gaming machine to run business apps.

Chuckyh.

I think you're right.  Thank you for taking the time to do that.  I really appreciate it.

laustandphound, since this is for an office I would personally not build new systems. I would go check out Dell and their Vostro line of computers:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/vostrodt?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
I say this because Dell will support these systems. If a part fails you can easily get a replacement part the next day usually. The most important thing is to save money while keeping the office going. Can you afford to have a system down for a week while you ship and return parts?
I do build my own computers, but I always recommend purchasing computers over building for an office environment.
 Good luck on your project.

I would also be thinking about the OS that is going on the machines... You'll have you nice new computers but nothing to run on them (like XP)

Your looking at $150 for an OEM licence of windows XP.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2571830&Sku=M17-7503

Nicolausj

Thank you, but I do have XP.  I thought I covered that in the question, if not I apologize. :)  

Thank you for you help and input.

I tend to suggest Dell computers but only because they are cheap - I find the support to be expensive.  It costs you lots of time to get simple problems fixed.  

If you are doing 10 machines then you should buy all the same parts so you just need to buy an extra PSU, MB, Set of ram, and HD. Then you have your own hot spare parts ready to go.

I would suggest something reliable but for your budget lower power and this will run cooler which makes it tend to last longer.

Here is a nice cheap combo under $150
E5200 and Intel Motherboard
 add your choice of 1Gb RAM and a WD 16Gb HD $75
seasonci PSU $45
CD/dvd buy new for $25
$295

You could splurge and put in 2 gigis of ram for an extra $20

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121323
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010170147%201052307858%201052408147&name=DDR2%20533%20(PC2%204200)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151055

Thank You!