[Trav1s]

This would be a great linux box for $140 plus HD and memory of your choice. I am so tempted...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856164027&nm_mc=BAC-Criteo&cm_mmc=BAC-Criteo-_-Barebone+Systems+-+Mini+/+Booksize-_-GIGABYTE-_-56164027

 

[Trav1s]

Whoever thought the largest part of a desktop would be the monitor..........

And this is one of the larger compact units.

 

[Trav1s]

I have worked hard to resist purchasing one of these and am surprised it is still out there for that price.

My approach would be as follows:

Hard drive - Kingston 120 GB SSD - $45

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107&ignorebbr=1

16 Gb 1.35 volt Crucial Ram - $63

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107&ignorebbr=1

I think DDR3 is as cheap as it will get. DDR4 is out so it is a matter of time before DDR3 becomes unobtanium.

Install your favorite Linux distro and enjoy.

 

[Trav1s]

That boils down to a machine that will last a long time with the SSD and 16GB of ram. Cut the ram down to 8 GB and you save another $30.