Won't be doing any gaming on this. Mostly modeling and sim programs such as matlab and some video streaming.

At low costs, such as 500 and under ( what I'm looking for) does building my own PC make a difference? I was told it doesn't.

Don't need a monitor.

Would appreciate an explanation of why you chose each part if you post a built PC

building it yourself saves you money while at the same time allowing you to get better quality stuff.

fill out the sticky questionnaire.

Budget: 500
More specific use (what games, what programs): matlab, Netflix
Planned time until purchase:asap
Do you need an Operating System?:yes, Linux preferred
Do you have any specific preferred components?:no
Do you need a sound or wireless card?: Maybe
Do you want stock cooling or do you plan on overclocking?:no
Do you need a monitor? mouse? keyboard?: No
Zip code/location? (Shipping costs) 20619


Would appreciate a comparable pre built PC so I can see the differences between built and not built

You won't necessarily get a huge bump in performance, but you will get better quality parts that will last a lot longer, and it will be more worthwhile to just upgrade that system in the future than having to buy another whole pre-built system.

This would be a bare min if you're more focused on saving the dollars: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/qZCzxG
This is right at the $500 mark, better CPU, RAM, SSD, and Case : https://pcpartpicker.com/list/CYCzxG

If you have the budget, get the second build and it will go a lot longer before needing to be upgraded.

/e

These are what you'd be looking at for pre-built systems. Poor cooling and zero expandability on most of it.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100019096%204814%20601190702%20601190703%20601294503%20600537266%20600528688%20601272822%20601272828%20601272830&LeftPriceRange=0%20500

This post was edited by zell1luk on Dec 26 2018 03:06pm