I've been asked by a couple people recently to provide recommendations on very low-cost, modern hardware for boxing EQ. I thought it might be a nice way to get some information out there for people that might be looking to upgrade and to get the community's input. Some guidelines: Use new components. Targeting 1080P (1920x1080) resolution. Budget is $400. Suggest using PCPartPicker to create your list. If not, please provide links to the components. Click the total to see my entry $392.91 Can it go cheaper? Absolutely! Making compromises is the challenge here. I chose my components based on price/performance, also considering reliability. This machine could reliably serve the owner for several years and even support upgrades like a discrete graphics card, or additional drives. The power supply is the gem of this build, featuring fully-modular wiring so you only install the cables you need. In a small case like the Antec NX200M, every bit of extra space helps!
Zilendar, This is an interesting challenge. There isn't much wiggle room at $400, so I don't think you're going to see much variation in any $400 builds. Just to nitpick, you didn't include the cost of a MS Windows license. Retail is $100+ or roll the dice with the 3rd party keys. ( I'd love to hear from anyone who has used one of the sites ... ) Given the goal of "very low-cost" hardware for boxing EQ ... I would suggest a refurbished small form factor HP unit like : https://www.newegg.com/hp-800-g2-sf...6883450383?Item=9SIAZ8YF1U1889&quicklink=true which can be picked up for ~$200. Reduce, REUSE, Recycle.
I think as far as new parts go, Zilendar's suggestion is probably the best you can get. Nice work on that. For Windows licenses, I use CJsKeys and g2a. I've purchased somewhere around 100 licenses from these two sites over the years and never had a problem. I just go with whichever one is cheaper. CJsKeys has Win10 Pro for $11.59 right now. Great price IMO. That also includes a free upgrade to Win11 (for the moment) if your hardware supports it. Just FYI. Refurbs are an EXCELLENT way to save some cash on a computer. I refurb laptops as a small side gig. For games with a lower hardware threshold, like EQ, an older device are a fantastic value.
They're OEM keys bought in bulk. So they should work fine forever for as long as you have that motherboard. Which means they're non-transferable to new builds with a new mobo.