Best price for XP?

Buy an OEM version. You'll have to get some hardware (buy something cheap like a mouse or something). That makes you "elligible" to get the OEM version of Windows XP Home. You can pick that up for $88 or so. http://www.newegg.com has it for that price.

 

if you're a UT student, you could get it for $5 like me.

 

Oh, forgot to see your other stuff there. Good case and hard drive? Well, I'd recommend the following products:

Dynapower Hermes case with 300 Watt power supply. It's $39.95, and is super easy to work in. There are better cases around, but for the money, this is my pick. I've built several computers in this case. You can get it at <a href="http://www.axiontech.com">Axion</a> here in Houston.

For the hard drive, go with Maxtor or Seagate. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT go with IBM -- their 60gxp and 75gxp line of hard drives had a very high failure rate. The 120gxp wasn't as bad, but I wouldn't trust it. I had a 60 gig 60gxp die on me. Western Digital makes good drives, but I have been VERY unimpressed with their stuff over the past year. All the computers that the school built last year had WD hard drives, and I RMA-ed at least 10 to 12 of them. I have one in my home computer that sometimes makes the dreaded clicking, but it's still running. Maxtors used to be so-so on quality, but they recently acquired Quantum which was arguably the very best in the business. Quantum's quality has carried over to Maxtor, and Maxtor's latest offerings are FABULOUS. But my personal favorite is Seagate's Barracuda IV. I have 4 of them here, and just built 60 computers at work with them. The quality of this drive is as top-notch as ANY part in my computer(s). The Maxtor and Seagates use fluid-bearing technology which is a new spindle technology that enables quieter, more reliable drives. Either one of those would be great, but I'm a Seagate fan myself. The best price for it is at the online site http://www.newegg.com . I've bought LOTS of stuff from them, and they do a great job.

When I buy computer parts, I shop three stores:

<a href="http://www.newegg.com">NewEgg</a>
<a href="http://www.axiontech.com">Axion</a>, which is in Houston. I buy a lot from them too.
<a href="http://www.puicorp.com">PowerUp</a>, which is also in Houston. Powerup is usually the highest price of the three, but they have the best service, IMO. Sometimes their price is quite a bit better than the competition, but not usually. The sales reps there are always very helpful though, and can steer you in a good direction if you are uncertain about something.

If you have any more questions, just let me know!

 

If you're looking for copies of Windows XP OEM, go to either 9software.com or directdeals.com. I've used directdeals several times with no problems. I haven't used 9software, but know others who have and they seem to be ok with them.

In addition to Vengeance's recommendetions, in Houston go to directron.com. I often order stuff from them online and just pick it up when I drop into Houston.

I've also had really good success and service with newegg.com. They're not in Houston, but if I want a computer part, it's where I go first before any other shop on da 'Net.

Regarding hard drives, Vengeance nailed it on the IBM hard drives. I only buy Maxtors now. If you're the average user, I doubt you'd care about anything other than "too much noise". A 5400 RPM drive is probably good enough for your needs.

Also, avoid Fry's when you can... I only use them in an emergency. Something tacky about selling re-packaged/used equipment. A lot of people swear even some of the stuff labeled "new" is probably used, though I can't really confirm it...

 

Directron is a good place, I almost included it in my list. But BEWARE -- DO NOT do like other stores and go in and ask for what you want. They want it to be ordered via the website, and then you can come pick it up later. If you don't, it's something like 20% more. I didn't realize this the first time I went, and they didn't tell me about it until they figured up the bill. It left a sour taste in my mouth, and I've only purchased one other thing from them. I'm also a little peeved at an incident a year ago (or so) where they spammed the <a href="http://www.hardforum.com">[H]ard|OCP message board</a>.

But they do have a wide range of stuff, and they have a fairly good reputation on the net.

 

What? You want me to come over and type the URL in for you?

Depends on which version you want - pro or home. You should be able to get the home version for around $80 online. Directdeals sells for around $90 I think. There are other places that sell it cheaper online. You could also try flEaBay and possibly get it even cheaper, but there's no telling what you're getting.