Unfortunately a decade old motherboard of DDR3 era Desktop in my family died, and needs to be rebuilt or replaced, on a budget of “as little as possible”.
I got disused a 2x8gig kit of laptop DDr4 3200 and a SATA SSD, that I think could be used to to cut costs dramatically. I also have a Zen 1 1600 AM4 processer, but not supported in 5XX chispets. I’ve got disused cases and power supplies too. Basically I need a motherboard , some form of GPU, or barebones system.
So here is my ideas
1st, buy a bare bones system to put the existing SSD and RAM into, I really like the AYANEO AM01 mini since it has space for both a SATA and NVME storage and the processor looks great. I like it so much that I’m capping the cost of the project to to not exceed the cost of the AM01. But I’m open for suggestions for a barebones system.
2nd buy a (probably used/refurbished) motherboard compatible with a Zen 1 cpu, a GPU (RX6400? Intel? ), and 260pin to 288 pin adapters for the RAM. If anyone has first hand experience with ddr4 260 pin to 288 pin adapters? I’d like to hear about it. I’m think this path could become a money pit, and even low end GPU are getting scalped now.
3rd, buy a motherboard with an embedded processor/gpu. This would solve the GPU/CPU problem, I just don’t want a pentium/celercon/N nas/router board.
I would talk to the family member that used/ will use this computer, almost anything will be better but their needs could also be best served by an ipad/ android tablet, a new phone, or more likely a laptop, or possibly a stationary PC of some sort like you are looking at (don’t rule out used/ refurbished all in one desktops built into a screen).
I would look into used office PCs that can be had for cheep.
Especially if you buy without the RAM and add the kit you mentioned.
If you can swing linux, there are a bunch of DDR4 systems, intel 7 series and prior that won’t run windows anymore, but will run linux just fine for an internet box.
I would say it kinda depends on what the users needs are.
If it´s just for regular usage browsing, emailing and office type light workloads?
Than a system from the DDR3 era would still suit them pretty well.
Especially if you install Linux on it than there is still plenty of life left in it generally.
In that case depending on what actual part that has failed you might be able find a replacement on the used market and get the said system up and running again.
But if not than you might still be able to find some AM4 parts on the used market.
DDR4 is also kinda expensive but still way cheaper than the current DDR5.
And the am4 cpu´s and motherboards are kinda affordable right now.
Especially if you look on the used market ssd and case can be re-used.
And if the psu is still working and a quality unit you will likely be fine re-using that as well.
thanks for the replies, I’m just gonna answer most of the questions in this reply.
As for the old system? Long story short, I trouble shot it long enough to declare the motherboard’s dead.
The budget is “as little as possible” for something to pay bills on,.
As for the GPU, I’m not really dead set on anything but low power and getting mainstream driver support, the RX6400 was just something I was floating. Just want low power, mainstream driver support, and modern features.
I’ll look around at some of the used office desktops, any suggestions on resellers?
If you just want “as cheap as possible” then yes, refurbished PC. However!
There is a path onto the AM5 platform - and from there you can simply slot in upgrades as market/budget allows. Now. Since RAM is the current pain point:
Not gonna lie. That RAM is really… Yeech. And the CPU is the cheapest AM5 possible. But this gets you started on the AM5 train and then you can upgrade in a year or two.
Value wise, I would probably go $50 higher for an 8500G, but RAM… Right now $265 for a decent 2x8 kit? Yeeeeech. Not really worth it.
The rest of the computer you already have. This is pricier right now… But could very well save money in the long run.
II don’t think that CPU has functioning integrated graphics, and the GPU in the old system as been on legacy support since 2018. So I’d need to add a GPU to that list.
Now… Going any further than that, and you are looking at an Intel Arc A380+9600X as best bang for buck. I would spec a full system like this right now. I understand this is way above your budget. So if you have a decent PSU… Use that. If you already got a good SSD… Use that. Can your PC cooler be reused? Use that. Mix and match to fit your budget, but this is what a brand new system would cost you. I hope it gives a little guidance at least!
Long story short, the cost of things has become major issue for me and especially my extended family member who needs their computer fixed. An Ayano AM01 barebones mini system has an 5825U APU and had DDR4 sodimm slots (sorry not allowed to post a link) iss about $320 (on amazon) and it does everything I need, so if the cost of motherboard/cpu/gpu exceeds $320, I’ll just get the AM01 instead.
I agree that the most recent architecture is the best path over all. But I’ve already got anexisting SATA SSD (upgraded in 2025 when prices were down) AND this existing kit of DDR4 on my shelf
Yeah. I totally get where you are coming from. If the budget is $350 or less then it is $350 or less.
But unless we explore the DIY we dont know the reference right? And its also “Ok $320 is the baseline. What does another $50 buy me?”
Imo it is worth exploring the option. That does not mean the AM5 is the right call here. AM5 is the right call if you want the option to just slot in a better CPU or more RAM in 4 years when pricing return to sane levels.
It is a terrible choice if you are just gonna let the PC sit there and replace all of it in 10 years time.
I will assume that you can flip that R5 1600 for $30. This will make your budget $350, a nice round number. You’re not saying if this system will be used for anything like gaming, but from your posts it seems to me that performance is not that important.
Getting a CPU with integrated graphics is a good idea. Ryzen 5 5500GT/5600GT are still available (between $150-$200). You can buy a new AM4 board with A520 or B550 chipset for $100 or so. 520’s cost generally less than $100. Check their features before buying of course. So for around $275 you have your processor, cooler, graphics and mainboard settled. You can now use adapters to use your so-dimms with the new board. They generally work, but that’s not a guarantee.If they don’t work, you should still have around $100 plus what you can get for the so-dimms. You should be able to get a 2x8 DDR4 kit for that if it comes to that.
You can get a lower priced CPU like 3200G/3400G/4300G or tray parts (no cooler included), however I’d rather get a 5600 GT. It’s not amazing but is a 6c/12t CPU with 16 MB L3 cache.
Yes and you’ve said they were so-dimms (laptop type dimms). That’s why I wrote that if the adapters don’t work, you will still have a budget left to get 288-pin DDR4 dimms.
Good luck with your project
And its also “Ok $320 is the baseline. What does another $50 buy me?”
