Maybe you spent $500-1000 for your Windows desktop/laptop and don’t want to mess anything up on it. Perhaps you’ve tried some ‘Live’ Linux distros and found one you like, but don’t want to install it on your main computer. Let’s see what it will cost to build a new Linux computer…

(NOTE: I use Newegg a lot so will choose their parts and products)

1) Rosewill – Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Case with Dual Fans – FBM-01 for $19.99 (I’ve got big Antec case builds, but a small cheap case works fine).

2) Lite-On DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS124-14 – OEM for $19.99 (use the “promo code” and lower cost to $15.99).

3) Rosewill ARC Series 450W Gaming Power Supply, 80 PLUS Bronze Certified, Single +12V Rail, Intel 4th Gen CPU Ready – ARC-450 for $40.99 (I know that one works, but search around and maybe find one on sale)

(NOTE: For the most part, I’ll use components from a recent build, since search for compatible parts check is already done – always check the compatibility docs for MB, processor & memory. Also, take your time and look for sales and free shipping – they offer specials all the time, i.e. prices on components will fluctuate so take…your…time and get a better price.)

4) GIGABYTE H310M A LGA 1151 (300 Series) Intel H310 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard for $57.86 (It was cheaper when I bought it – I had a little problem w/ this MB at first, but works fine now w/ Ubuntu & W10 in a dual-boot).

5) Intel Celeron G4900 Coffee Lake Dual-Core 3.1 GHz LGA 1151 (300 Series) 54W BX80684G4900 Desktop Processor Intel UHD Graphics 610 (they’re out of stock right now, but I paid $47.99 for mine – hey, a Celeron, but is 3.1 GHz and cheap. Look around if you want bigger and faster.)

6) CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2400 (PC4 19200) Intel X99 and 100 Series Desktop Memory Model CMK16GX4M2A2400C16 for $84.99 (I paid $104.74 a few months ago so its $20 cheaper now – remember – take…your…time and watch for price drops on various components).

7) Hard drives vary in price, but Linux doesn’t require much space; personally, I like a 120-128 GB SSD for Linux, and get a 150-160 GB HDD for data and such storage. A 120-128 GB SSD can be bought for $19-25. I recently bought a Western Digital Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5″ HDD for $14.99.

I’m at around $290 for the case, DVD-ROM, power supply, MB, processor, 16GB Memory and a 120-128 GB SSD. Price can be worked with, e.g. less Memory and/or different components at better prices. Add a wireless keyboard and mouse combo for about $20 … how about a 3 Port Auto HDMI Switch Switcher Splitter Hub for $6-10 and just share the Display/Monitor instead of buying another monitor. $250-350 should do it, especially if you take…your…time!

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