Is this a good budget computer?

[Zelos689]

Okay, my Grandpa's current Computer is around six years old I'd say (some ancient Dell, from when they used white cases) and is starting to die on him. So, knowing how I've been researching computers for the last month or so (by now I know exactly how to build one, and am saving money for my own) he asked if I could build one for him. All he needs it for is word processing and internet (currently dial-up) and doesn't game at all. He can re-use his old monitor, keyboard, and speakers, but his mouse needs replaced. Everything else he currently has is junk.

I know that if he just bought some Dell, he'd get a slightly worse performing system with some extra software and a new monitor and all, but most of that software would be junk anyways requiring a reformat to get rid of and he's perfectly fine with his current monitor, speakers, and keyboard.

So, I want to know if these parts are all fine and well for him.

-CODEGEN Silver ATX Mid-Tower Case, Model "C-6209-C9-38C-W" -RETAIL
-MSI "661FM-L" SiS661FX Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU -RETAIL
-E-POWER "Tagan" Series 380W Power Supply, Model "TG-380" -RETAIL
-Intel Celeron 2.4 GHz 400MHz FSB, 128K Cache - Retail
-Kingmax 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - OEM
-Alps Silver 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model DF354H168F, OEM
-Maxtor 40GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model 6E040L0, OEM Drive only
-Zonet V.92 56K PCI Data/Fax Modem, Model ZFM5620-CF - Retail
-Microsoft Optical Wheel Mouse Version 1.1a PS/2 /USB -OEM
-Lite-On Beige 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive, Model SOHC-5235K BEIGE, OEM
-Masscool 80mm DC Case fan, Model "FD08025S1M4"
-Microsoft Windows XP HOME Edition With Service Pack 2 -OEM

TOTAL: $495.50 + Shipping

He already has a copy of Works Suite or something, so he can use that for word processing, or OpenOffice if it doesn't work for some reason.

The case was Anandtech's best rated value case in their recent lineup, Tagan's are supposedly good, Celeron's are okay for what he does (and I hear Prescotts run hot, how do Celeron Prescotts run?), 512MB are perfect for him, a floppy drive just in case, he's living on a 10GB hard drive right now so 40 is perfect, he needs a new optical mouse, he doesn?t need a DVD burner so a combo drive is fine, an extra intake fan for the case wouldn't hurt, and he only needs the basic Home edition of XP.

I'm hesitant on the Motherboard, however. Integrated graphics are perfect (plus I would like him to have an AGP slot for future upgrades, just in case), but I'm not so sure about the particular board. Any thoughts on it or any better ideas for around the same price? Also, the modem, I have no ideas on good dial-up modems, but does this one seem good? If not, what are some other good alternatives for around the same price?

 

[Zelos689]

Bump, I really need advice on the motherboard, or a good alternative for it.

 

[imported_bushman]

since it's for word processing and simploe stuff what you've picked out should be more than adequate for the task. If he were using broadband and like to watch NASCAR or something streamed I might reconsider. considering new sata2 (sas) and other new technologies on the horizon, igp should be fine. If money is gonna be an issue then take this last bit of advice lightly. good luck!

 

[fintheman]

Check out fatwallet.com There is a nice deal on a system with better specs than that for about 500 bucks with a 17" LCD

 

[shoRunner]

celeron 2.4 <crap. get a athlon, a sempron, prescott celeron's, or even a p3 would be better. the old northwood celeron's suck. some would suggest a seagate hd instead of the maxtor (i would be one of those ppl).

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-131-509&depa=0
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-104-211&depa=0
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-148-013&depa=0


.02

 

[halfadder]

Buy him a new Dell... if he has problems he can call them for help.

Every now and then Dell has a $499 PC + 15" LCD special.

But even Dell's normal prices are pretty good -- go check them out.

If his monitor is ok, consider a Mac Mini, that's what I gave my grandpa to replace his Pentium II system. Even with the stock 256 MB of RAM it's running great and he's finally using (the bundled) Quicken for the first time. I don't have to worry about viruses or spyware for at least awhile.

 

[John]

You'd be better off telling grandpa to buy another cheap Dell. Otherwise he'll be calling you for tech support when the hardware fails, or he has a random software issue.

 

[amol]

Dude, get him a DELL!!!

 

[erifneerg]

that's exaclty what i was thing... dell normally has some great dell and the free 15 lcd is really nice

 

[imported_Computer MAn]

Originally posted by: Amol
Dude, get him a DELL!!!

 

[kamaboko]

Originally posted by: John
You'd be better off telling grandpa to buy another cheap Dell. Otherwise he'll be calling you for tech support when the hardware fails, or he has a random software issue.

yes, this is true. i built a computer for my g-ma. i've been tech support for the past three fricken years