What AMD MOBO and Proc combo can you suggest?

[Roger PA]

Im on a budget build since this is my first. Please suggest a reliable AMD Processor and MOBO, around 180USD total, as much as possible the ones you have tried already. My primary use is for learning to program and experiment around with.

Thanks.

[thedotmaster]

If I were you, I'd do what I'm doing: building a low spec, low energy PC for backups/bittorrent etc.
I'm using a Via PC-1 low power motherboard (uses less energy than a lightbulb!) which set me back around £40.
http://linitx.com/viewcategory.php?catid=207

They're a FlexATX form factor - the smallest size, I believe. I panicked at first when I found FlexATX cases incredibly hard to come across, but it's okay, FlexATX motherboards also fit inside MicroATX cases.

The board comes with a processor too, by the way, which makes it very, very cheap. Don't expect to be playing crysis on it though, I plan to install text-only FreeBSD on mine (note: it's not running yet as I haven't got the cash for a power supply or hard-drive), though you might get away with XP or Ubuntu 9.04 and downwards. I'm really not sure though.

Have fun anyway, it's my first time building a PC too.

[Goatboy]

The good thing about programming is that you don't need a high-end system. Seriously, my home server is just a re-purposed desktop computer from 2000. It runs Apache as it's main service, but I made it a full LAMP and it works just fine. I also do most of my coding on it when I'm at the house and don't want to get the laptop out.

Bottom line, save yourself some money and find a junker on Craigslist. You'll have the added bonus of learning how to repair it

[Roger PA]

I'd have to thank you guys, I found 3 old pcs (Intel P4) and 2 LCD flat screens (17") for 175USD ^_^