Arrow Direct, crazy cheap used computers!

[JDFan]

Had some time to test the new system out today and as listed it came with no OS installed but the case did have a COA sticker on it for Windows 7 Pro. So created an OEM Windows 7 Install disk using an image downloaded from Digital River ( Loaded it onto a usb thumbdrive and renamed the ei.cfg file ( This allows the installation of a chosen version of windows 7 with any image since this is the file that tells windows which version to install - so removing it from the iso makes the installer put up a list of versions to choose from rather than just installing the one version) -- Selected Win 7 Pro from the list and it installed perfectly. Put in the key code from the sticker during install and after the installation finished up connected to my router and ran the activation ( It would not automatically activate so had to use phone activation ) Put in the activation id displayed on the phone activation screen and it immediately verified - typed in response code and the install activated !

So for the $57 - got a 3GHZ. Core 2 duo system with 4GB of DDR3 1033Mhz. RAM and a 250GB Seagate Barracuda HDD and a 16x DVD rom player with windows 7 Pro 64 bit.    (about 1/3 the cost of the OEM license itself)

Turned out to be an even better deal than I thought it was going to be -- Only 1 small thing is the system does not keep the date\time setting if unplugged ( I think the CMOS battery is shot - so will need to replace it but it is a fairly easy swap, so not a big problem ! )

[pbj]

Can it play gauntlet legends 100%?

[JDFan]

Can it play gauntlet legends 100%?

LOL - was wondering when you'd ask (was beginning to feel left out !)) -- Question is  does the Arcade PCB play it at 100% ??

[pbj]

Jdfan pls

[HaRuMaN]

picked up a dell for like 12 shipped...   

[Deadpool]

Are these gaming computers?!

[Malenko]

Are these gaming computers?!

More likely off lease business machines.  Just add a good video and they'll be serviceable  gaming rigs.

[JDFan]

Are these gaming computers?!

More likely off lease business machines.  Just add a god video and they'll be serviceable  gaming rigs.

^THIS -- They are mostly off lease systems that were rented by a business for x number of years and then when the lease expired were sent to a third party refurbisher to repair as needed and resell -- so are a few years old but most of them make a good base for a MAME system (the older ones are usually enough to run the classic 80's and 90's games while some of the newer ones with i3, i5 or even the few i7's are more capable (but also more expensive though cheaper than retail pricing).
Figure they mainly need a graphics card added to run more of the modern games but for the price you get a decent starting point and many of them include a legal copy of windows which would cost more than the entire systems (ie. the $57 system I bought came with a product key for windows 7 Professional 64 bit which still sells for about $130 - 2 2GB DDR3 1066Mhz. RAM modules (Approx $40 retail) - A Seagate Barracuda 250GB Sata HDD (approx $25 retail) -  A core 2 Duo 3.0GHz. E8400 CPU (approx $30 retail)  - a 250W high efficiency Power supply (approx $25 retail) - USB mouse and Keyboard ( approx $10 retail ) - DVD rom player (approx $5 retail) - Etc. - so will run pretty much all of the classic 80's and 90's games as is and If I add a $40 - $50 GPU will be fine for most of the street fighter type fighting games etc. as well (though I bought the small form factor case so adding the video card requires a half height card If leaving in the case)

Mainly what you want to do is look for a ssytem at a good price and then research the specs etc. on it to ensure it fits your needs (they do not provide much info on their site so a bit of research is needed)

[Generic Eric]

picked up a dell for like 12 shipped...   

Wait, wUt?  Got a link or model number? 

[JDFan]

picked up a dell for like 12 shipped...   

Wait, wUt?  Got a link or model number?

They have a few P4s  with 40GB HDD and 1 or 2 GB Ram listed for around $30 - $35 which with the free shipping and 60% off code (TBHOLIDAY50) come to $12 - $14 ( ie. one example -- HP COMPAQ NA DC5100 2.80GHZ P4 DESKTOP 40GB 2048MB for $32.40 - 60% = $12.96 + tax (if you live in a state they charge tax) - Link http://arrowdirect.com/hp-compaq-na-dc5100-2-80ghz-p4-desktop-40gb-2048mb.html

[bradx]

wow, snatched up a couple PCs for less than $20 total with free shipping.

[HaRuMaN]

picked up a dell for like 12 shipped...   

Wait, wUt?  Got a link or model number?

DELL DIMENSION 3000 2.80GHZ P4 TOWER 80GB 2048MB

Subtotal    $29.70
Shipping & Handling    $0.00
Discount (TBHOLIDAY50)    -$17.82
Tax    $0.93
Grand Total    $12.81

[BadMouth]

I just ordered a 3.2Ghz P4 with 1GB for $16.79. 

I'm reworking my nephew's cab now that he's a bit older and my sister is ok with him beating people up on screen (simpsons, tmnt).
The 600mhz P3 that's in there now was probably going to severely limit the game selection, even with using an older version of MAME (have .79 on there now).
Definitely worth $17  to not have to deal with it.  I'll just throw v.106 on there and be done.

How fast is their shipping?  I'd like to have this done in time to deliver when I visit for Christmas.

[JDFan]

How fast is their shipping?  I'd like to have this done in time to deliver when I visit for Christmas.

They usually ship same day or next and use Fedex Ground so about 2 - 3 business days once shipped depending on how close you are to where it is shipped from. ( my last order I placed on Wednesday and it arrived Saturday (schedule said monday but it arrived early ) - You'll probably have it Thursday or Friday !

[knave]

I couldn't resist getting a beater Laptop...i5, with 8 gigs ram...under $200, got it in two days and it is nice...If it had a GPU it could replace my main laptop. As long as I'm home I can stream games from my desktop (which I also bought for under $200 from Arrow) ...earlier in this thread I mentioned throwing a GPU in it. (I haven't tried gauntlet Legends )

"Hello, my name is knave and I'm an addict...
I used to collect parts but now I collect working machines." 

Funny Tidbit...Mrs. knave rolled her eyes when I showed it to her...but then needed to check something online while I was using it yesterday...she hasn't put it down since, :LOL

[Deadpool]

Are these gaming computers?!

More likely off lease business machines.  Just add a god video and they'll be serviceable  gaming rigs.

^THIS -- They are mostly off lease systems that were rented by a business for x number of years and then when the lease expired were sent to a third party refurbisher to repair as needed and resell -- so are a few years old but most of them make a good base for a MAME system (the older ones are usually enough to run the classic 80's and 90's games while some of the newer ones with i3, i5 or even the few i7's are more capable (but also more expensive though cheaper than retail pricing).
Figure they mainly need a graphics card added to run more of the modern games but for the price you get a decent starting point and many of them include a legal copy of windows which would cost more than the entire systems (ie. the $57 system I bought came with a product key for windows 7 Professional 64 bit which still sells for about $130 - 2 2GB DDR3 1066Mhz. RAM modules (Approx $40 retail) - A Seagate Barracuda 250GB Sata HDD (approx $25 retail) -  A core 2 Duo 3.0GHz. E8400 CPU (approx $30 retail)  - a 250W high efficiency Power supply (approx $25 retail) - USB mouse and Keyboard ( approx $10 retail ) - DVD rom player (approx $5 retail) - Etc. - so will run pretty much all of the classic 80's and 90's games as is and If I add a $40 - $50 GPU will be fine for most of the street fighter type fighting games etc. as well (though I bought the small form factor case so adding the video card requires a half height card If leaving in the case)

Mainly what you want to do is look for a ssytem at a good price and then research the specs etc. on it to ensure it fits your needs (they do not provide much info on their site so a bit of research is needed)

I figured it would possibly play the 80's and 90's games but didnt know so much about its ability to play games such as W.O.W.  Or if I need a faster operating system.

[yotsuya]

Just ordered a Lenovo 3Ghz Core2Duo mini form factor that was rated Excellent by PC World for a project I'm working on for $64 shipped. Thanks for the reminder! 

[yotsuya]

Just ordered a Lenovo 3Ghz Core2Duo mini form factor that was rated Excellent by PC World for a project I'm working on for $64 shipped. Thanks for the reminder! 

Oh, and it plays Gauntlet Legends 97.98343232343242354423423958029850424234²%

[pbj]

Just ordered a Lenovo 3Ghz Core2Duo mini form factor that was rated Excellent by PC World for a project I'm working on for $64 shipped. Thanks for the reminder! 

Oh, and it plays Gauntlet Legends 97.98343232343242354423423958029850424234²%

That sucks.  Can you get a refund?

[yotsuya]

Just ordered a Lenovo 3Ghz Core2Duo mini form factor that was rated Excellent by PC World for a project I'm working on for $64 shipped. Thanks for the reminder! 

Oh, and it plays Gauntlet Legends 97.98343232343242354423423958029850424234²%

That sucks.  Can you get a refund?

I don't play Gauntlet Legends, so...

[pbj]

Nah,  but, seriously.  You're getting 97.9% full speed?

[yotsuya]

Nah,  but, seriously.  You're getting 97.9% full speed?

I dunno. I just ordered it.

I promise you I will test it with GL when I get it. 

[JDFan]

Nah,  but, seriously.  You're getting 97.9% full speed?

I dunno. I just ordered it.

I promise you I will test it with GL when I get it. 

When you get it let me know if it includes a COA for the OS ( of the 184 Core2duo systems they have only 5 say they have an OS) -- I've noticed most of the systems they have now are saying no OS but these systems all used to have windows on them so am wondering if Microsoft no longer lets them install win 7 since they discontinued win 7 sales, so Arrow is saying no OS included since they have no more win 7 licenses but most of them have the original COA still 

[yotsuya]

Nah,  but, seriously.  You're getting 97.9% full speed?

I dunno. I just ordered it.

I promise you I will test it with GL when I get it. 

When you get it let me know if it includes a COA for the OS ( of the 184 Core2duo systems they have only 5 say they have an OS) -- I've noticed most of the systems they have now are saying no OS but these systems all used to have windows on them so am wondering if Microsoft no longer lets them install win 7 since they discontinued win 7 sales, so Arrow is saying no OS included since they have no more win 7 licenses but most of them have the original COA still 

Sure thing.

I thought it was a great price for a full C2D. I got a few of the DC7900s, but I hate the power brick.

[knave]

When you get it let me know if it includes a COA for the OS ( of the 184 Core2duo systems they have only 5 say they have an OS) -- I've noticed most of the systems they have now are saying no OS but these systems all used to have windows on them so am wondering if Microsoft no longer lets them install win 7 since they discontinued win 7 sales, so Arrow is saying no OS included since they have no more win 7 licenses but most of them have the original COA still 

They most likely will have the original COA...Both of the systems I've ordered were labled "with OS" and came with a new COA for windows 7 pro that was for refurbished PCs, They also have the original OEM COA on there. but there was a note to use the new one...I would assume that 95% of the OEM COAs will still work since most businesses are using an enterprise licenses and can't be bothered with one-of activations.

[JDFan]

They most likely will have the original COA...Both of the systems I've ordered were labled "with OS" and came with a new COA for windows 7 pro that was for refurbished PCs, They also have the original OEM COA on there. but there was a note to use the new one...I would assume that 95% of the OEM COAs will still work since most businesses are using an enterprise licenses and can't be bothered with one-of activations.

Was thinking the same thing - I've never had one that didn't activate (in fact I've actually used both the old and new codes on 2 different systems at times after buying a refurb.) - the only time the original COA's would have been used is if they reformatted\reinstalled prior to returning off lease but since the systems are still the original MOBOs the COA license is usually still valid and will reactivate leaving the refurb license activateable on a new system also !! 

Was just wondering if the refurbishers could no longer offer the refurb licenses for win 7 since MS had stopped retail sales thus they were selling the rest of the systems as NO OS (which seems to be the case since only 5 of the 200 or so systems Arrow currently has in stock mention coming with an OS.)

[JDFan]

Looks like the other sale codes expired -- received an E-mail with a new code for Dell products for 50% off (and the free shipping is still going) For those that missed the other codes --

SAVE a full 50% off all DELL Products at ArrowDirect. Use coupon code DELL50 at checkout to save big on all DELL Laptops, PCs, and monitors!

Shop all DELL laptops here.
Save big on a DELL desktop PC here.
Check out our monitor selection.

Supplies are limited! The "DELL50" 50% Off Coupon is available to retail customers only through Sunday 12/14/14,

[roknrol]

When you get it let me know if it includes a COA for the OS ( of the 184 Core2duo systems they have only 5 say they have an OS) -- I've noticed most of the systems they have now are saying no OS but these systems all used to have windows on them so am wondering if Microsoft no longer lets them install win 7 since they discontinued win 7 sales, so Arrow is saying no OS included since they have no more win 7 licenses but most of them have the original COA still 

Newegg is still offering and advertising Windows 7 Pro OEM licenses ... was wondering the same thing.

[BadMouth]

They didn't bill my credit card for the sales tax shown on the invoice, so $16 for a 3.2Ghz P4 with 1GB ram and 40GB hard drive delivered to my door.
Much to my surprise they included a new in the box mouse and a like new keyboard.

[yotsuya]

I was kind of bummed by mine. From the photos, I was expecting it to have a builtin power supply, but the one I got needs a power brick that it didn't come with.

[JDFan]

I was kind of bummed by mine. From the photos, I was expecting it to have a builtin power supply, but the one I got needs a power brick that it didn't come with.

Yeah you have to watch the Ultra Small Form Factor units and some of the monitors that use external AC adapters rather than internal power supplies -- I had the same thing happen with a 2001FP monitor If you look at the details for the systems it will usually list if it comes with the AC adapter. Luckily I found a used adapter on EBAY for $7 for my monitor but even that does add to the overall cost. 

Looks like the Lenovo USFF systems use a 19V 6.3Amp adapter so this $10 unit should work (a bit expensive but it is new) http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-120W-19v-6-15A-AC-Adapter-Power-Supply-charger-for-Sony-VAIO-VGP-AC19V45-/140879114726?pt=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item20cd0cb1e6

[yotsuya]

Just ordered. If it works, I'm gonna kiss you on the mouth.

[pbj]

Just ordered. If it works, I'm gonna kiss you on the mouth.

[Silly pic removed.  Not really appropriate.  Let's keep this G please and save everyone from rolling their eyes.  Sheesh.]

[yotsuya]

Just ordered. If it works, I'm gonna kiss you on the mouth.

[Silly pic removed.  Not really appropriate.  Let's keep this G please and save everyone from rolling their eyes.  Sheesh.]

FWIW, I appreciated the pic, PBJ, but I love Community and Donald Glover, so... 

[yotsuya]

I was kind of bummed by mine. From the photos, I was expecting it to have a builtin power supply, but the one I got needs a power brick that it didn't come with.

Yeah you have to watch the Ultra Small Form Factor units and some of the monitors that use external AC adapters rather than internal power supplies -- I had the same thing happen with a 2001FP monitor If you look at the details for the systems it will usually list if it comes with the AC adapter. Luckily I found a used adapter on EBAY for $7 for my monitor but even that does add to the overall cost. 

Looks like the Lenovo USFF systems use a 19V 6.3Amp adapter so this $10 unit should work (a bit expensive but it is new) http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-120W-19v-6-15A-AC-Adapter-Power-Supply-charger-for-Sony-VAIO-VGP-AC19V45-/140879114726?pt=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item20cd0cb1e6

Just got this. The power supply tips are not compatible. No kisses for you.

[JDFan]

I was kind of bummed by mine. From the photos, I was expecting it to have a builtin power supply, but the one I got needs a power brick that it didn't come with.

Yeah you have to watch the Ultra Small Form Factor units and some of the monitors that use external AC adapters rather than internal power supplies -- I had the same thing happen with a 2001FP monitor If you look at the details for the systems it will usually list if it comes with the AC adapter. Luckily I found a used adapter on EBAY for $7 for my monitor but even that does add to the overall cost. 

Looks like the Lenovo USFF systems use a 19V 6.3Amp adapter so this $10 unit should work (a bit expensive but it is new) http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-120W-19v-6-15A-AC-Adapter-Power-Supply-charger-for-Sony-VAIO-VGP-AC19V45-/140879114726?pt=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item20cd0cb1e6

Just got this. The power supply tips are not compatible. No kisses for you.

    Well that sucks ! -- What type of tip does it use ?  Perhaps a little bit of a modification could get it working -  Figure with it being only 19V output shouldn't be too much power going through to splice the wiring together inside the case or add a different type of connector if you remove the end of the cable (figure it's only 2 wires that need to connect and the adapter is the correct Voltage )

[yotsuya]

I was kind of bummed by mine. From the photos, I was expecting it to have a builtin power supply, but the one I got needs a power brick that it didn't come with.

Yeah you have to watch the Ultra Small Form Factor units and some of the monitors that use external AC adapters rather than internal power supplies -- I had the same thing happen with a 2001FP monitor If you look at the details for the systems it will usually list if it comes with the AC adapter. Luckily I found a used adapter on EBAY for $7 for my monitor but even that does add to the overall cost. 

Looks like the Lenovo USFF systems use a 19V 6.3Amp adapter so this $10 unit should work (a bit expensive but it is new) http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-120W-19v-6-15A-AC-Adapter-Power-Supply-charger-for-Sony-VAIO-VGP-AC19V45-/140879114726?pt=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item20cd0cb1e6

Just got this. The power supply tips are not compatible. No kisses for you.

    Well that sucks ! -- What type of tip does it use ?  Perhaps a little bit of a modification could get it working -  Figure with it being only 19V output shouldn't be too much power going through to splice the wiring together inside the case or add a different type of connector if you remove the end of the cable (figure it's only 2 wires that need to connect and the adapter is the correct Voltage )

The one on the case has that fat pin in the middle, the one on the PS I got has a very thin pin in the center.

[JDFan]

I've got an inline connector that might work - also have both male and female connectors if you want to splice them in for use if it isn't the right size. If you want them send me an address by PM and I'll get them in the mail (figure they're just sitting in the junk drawer collecting dust so are yours if you want them.)

[yotsuya]

I've got an inline connector that might work - also have both male and female connectors if you want to splice them in for use if it isn't the right size. If you want them send me an address by PM and I'll get them in the mail (figure they're just sitting in the junk drawer collecting dust so are yours if you want them.)

I got some stuff like that too, bro. Thanks! We'll get this working! 

[DaOld Man]

Just got my second PC from arrow direct, a Dell 3000.
Unlike the first one, this one was not in pristine condition.
It looked like it had been dropped. A top corner of the front plastic cover was cracked and the cd rom tray would not open.
Removed front cover and had a time getting the side cover off. Found the corner of the cd rom broken, probably why the tray wont open.
It looks like the case may be warped because I could not insert another cd rom in the space below the installed one. (Very tight, they usually slide in with very little resistance.)
Inside was pretty dusty, with a couple of big dust bunnies.
Vacuumed it out, removed and tossed the modem PCI card (does anyone really use dial up anymore?)
Currently have a good cd rom laying on top of the case and installing win XP.
It booted ok, and everything else appears to be working, so this is a keeper, but probably a de-caser.
The case must have been dropped during packing, because the box it came in wasn't damaged, and it was packed pretty good in the box.
But for 17 bucks including shipping (dell50 code), I cant complain too much.