[codenoid]

I'm currently using a 2ghz xp computer that I've had for a few years now, and want to go with a new computer.

I have a 120gig slave hd that I can donate to a new computer.

Everything else I need new though. I only built a computer once, 850mhz amd, but I'm not familiar with all the new stuff that has come out since then.

I'm in college, I use my computer for all purposes. I want to install a linux distro on the new computer so I can get to learn it well.

I'm looking for suggestions what motherboard/cpu would be good at a reasonable price... What websites give the best deals on hardware?

I like tricky neat stuff, any new cutting edge oddball stuff I'd like to learn about also.

 

[ubernoob]

http://newegg.com

i've built more than a few computers and i've used newegg exclusively for the last two. they've always got some special on something...

i'm running ubuntu right now on an old laptop (~600mhz, 128 mb sdram) and its running well (not blazin) and it has a very user friendly gui...

i'm partial to barton cored athlon xp's and northwood cored p4's but they are a little dated now... but that just means you can get em for cheaper :banana

 

[Oni]

+1 on newegg. The other I'd recommend is .Geeks is another good site. Nearly any distro out there could handle the bulk of what you want.

 

[Hagios]

Hey, how about that. I'm wearing a newegg shirt right now. 'Nuff said.

 

[sonix]

if you are looking for a computer to run linux on, and you want a decent computer, I would install linux on your current computer, and build a nice new one for windows. I am a Gentoo junky myself, but I am not going to kid myself, the only reason for a powerful new computer, is to play games, and the only way you are going to play most games without a huge headache, is windows, the 2ghz you ahve now, is MORE than powerful enough for a linux desktop with a signifigant amount of double duty as a home server.

Edit: As an alternative, to save a bit of money, if you are just curious about linux, and want to experience it a bit, keep your current computer, and get a couple livecd distros. http://www.elivecd.org/ one of the prettiest LiveCD's available. http://www.knoppix.org/ another extremely good liveCD distro.

 

[ASCI_Blue]

You want to try linux hm..Do this: Athlon XP 2xxx+, nForce 2 motherboard (make sure it has the onboard video) now you've just taken out the hardest thing to get working. Uumm..a nice In-Win tower, don't know how you connect to the net so I'll leave that to you.

www.newegg.com is the place to go for hardware.

 

[Krazy Hawaiian]

www.pricewatch.com search engine for the absolute lowest prices on anything for comps.

 

[Alex Deez]

A tip which might be outdated, is do not get an ATI card. Get an NVidia. ATI has had terrible driver support in the past. I'm not sure if they still do, but I learned my lesson and will never buy another ATI.