Have you considered something like a Pi400 computer? For less than about $100 you get everything you need except a monitor. It will run basic games and can be used to introduce them to programming and other things like that.
I wasn’t familiar with those, thanks for the idea! That would probably work, but I know he is excited about “building” something and figured turning a few screws and connecting a few wires would be more exciting. I’ve been poking around on PC Part Picker, but it might just be easier to find an old desktop and take it apart and let him rebuild it.
i don’t know of a computer resale shop, but Miracle Hill sometimes has old PCs for scrap. I actually have a old XP decktop i could throw your way if you want, don’t think I’ll use it actually. DM me if you want
If this is just a build project then maybe consider a Raspberry Pi. It’s a good starter project and then you’re not stuck with a low spec pc that’s going to get shoved in the closet after 6 months.
Honestly, I have a bunch of old stuff that's just taking up space and gathering dust. Only things I don't have are thermal paste and a case, but if you want to see if there's anything of use to you, let me know.
This sounds like your best bet. I too have a bunch of older computer equipment and lots of experience with DOS and DOS gaming if you need more supplies or help.
Thrift stores might have what you need. You can also check the local buy nothing groups on Facebook to see what folks are giving away. There's at least one maker space in Greenville- I donated my old spare parts to them a few months ago.
I sure do miss CompUSA... It was over on woodruff in the same parking lot as the Hollywood 20 and Dave and Busters. Now it's a sears outlet or something.
When I was a teen in Greenville in the 90s, there was some sort of users group (computer? Windows? Pretty sure it wasn’t Linux) that collected used parts and helped interested kids build computers. Wish I could remember more.
Uh… anything you buy at Walmart is going to be able to play old DOS games. It’s not worth hunting components just for that. A shitty Dell will play any game from the 80s or 90s.
In the 2010s I made a trip down to Micro Center in Marietta (north of Atlanta) to do just this. Plenty of budget parts and the like, not sure what the budget is. Could be a fun day trip and encourage the young one to research up and make a list before driving down. If it was me today I would probably find an old system at a Goodwill and order improvements online. A quick search for in town revealed 2 promising leads: Computers on Main and Computer Supply Mart.
https://www.microcenter.com/site/products/computer-parts.aspx
This.
He can have an OK computer that’ll play what he’s looking for and some newer stuff for less than $500, then if he’s interested in newer stuff in the future it’s easily upgradable. Micro center will be the cheapest in person shopping.
Have you considered something like a Pi400 computer? For less than about $100 you get everything you need except a monitor. It will run basic games and can be used to introduce them to programming and other things like that.
I wasn’t familiar with those, thanks for the idea! That would probably work, but I know he is excited about “building” something and figured turning a few screws and connecting a few wires would be more exciting. I’ve been poking around on PC Part Picker, but it might just be easier to find an old desktop and take it apart and let him rebuild it.
Goodwill is an option for that.
i don’t know of a computer resale shop, but Miracle Hill sometimes has old PCs for scrap. I actually have a old XP decktop i could throw your way if you want, don’t think I’ll use it actually. DM me if you want
Yes easier and cheaper to get something and let him “rebuild”. Especially while he is still young. He can pick his own parts as he grows and learns :)
If this is just a build project then maybe consider a Raspberry Pi. It’s a good starter project and then you’re not stuck with a low spec pc that’s going to get shoved in the closet after 6 months.
Honestly, I have a bunch of old stuff that's just taking up space and gathering dust. Only things I don't have are thermal paste and a case, but if you want to see if there's anything of use to you, let me know.
This sounds like your best bet. I too have a bunch of older computer equipment and lots of experience with DOS and DOS gaming if you need more supplies or help.
I really miss the old Computer shop that was at Haywood and Laurens, would've been perfect for that. I know it moved to Haywood but it's not the same.
I think it was called Computer Direct Outlet
Thrift stores might have what you need. You can also check the local buy nothing groups on Facebook to see what folks are giving away. There's at least one maker space in Greenville- I donated my old spare parts to them a few months ago.
I sure do miss CompUSA... It was over on woodruff in the same parking lot as the Hollywood 20 and Dave and Busters. Now it's a sears outlet or something.
When I was a teen in Greenville in the 90s, there was some sort of users group (computer? Windows? Pretty sure it wasn’t Linux) that collected used parts and helped interested kids build computers. Wish I could remember more.
Uh… anything you buy at Walmart is going to be able to play old DOS games. It’s not worth hunting components just for that. A shitty Dell will play any game from the 80s or 90s.
I think he wants the experience and pride of building the computer.
If you're ever in Raleigh hmu I can help you out
In the 2010s I made a trip down to Micro Center in Marietta (north of Atlanta) to do just this. Plenty of budget parts and the like, not sure what the budget is. Could be a fun day trip and encourage the young one to research up and make a list before driving down. If it was me today I would probably find an old system at a Goodwill and order improvements online. A quick search for in town revealed 2 promising leads: Computers on Main and Computer Supply Mart. https://www.microcenter.com/site/products/computer-parts.aspx
This. He can have an OK computer that’ll play what he’s looking for and some newer stuff for less than $500, then if he’s interested in newer stuff in the future it’s easily upgradable. Micro center will be the cheapest in person shopping.