mobo for low budget build

[sakya]

I'm lookin to build a pretty basic system for my Dad that is relatively cheap and im having problems deciding on the mobo I need. I just need a board that can do the basic things and not all the fancy stuff since this computer will only be used to surf the net and listen to music, but needs to be somewhat future-proof since it will be used for quite a few years and will need upgrades. I plan on using a dual-core processor, 2g of memory, graphics arent really needed so onboard would work but not necessary. Any opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

 

[polarbear6]

iam not a pro in this line but if u tell me what dual core u will be using may be i can suggest anything
iam like using intel core 2 duo e8400 (3.0 ghz) and it works great wid p35 based board but the board it self cost me more 200 $ and the processor also costed me $200
if going for an intel based pc and u need onboard graphics look for chipsets which have a g before there chipset name like g33 based chipset board the g there mean graphics
where as p35 based or any p based boards are mainstream boards and which have x before them are xtreme versions u knw they are only used by gamers and overclockers

 

[QuixoticOne]

$75 for motherboard AND CPU; not terribly expandable, and nowhere near the speed of a modern high end Core2 duo
CPU, but let's face it, for media playback, internet use, light office applications, you very rarely need anything faster than
this or with more memory / peripherals.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121342

Otherwise I'm sorry to say (really) that it is SELDOM economical to try to build a truly low budget PC from individual
components purchased retail. Look at some of the hot deals (on that forum here at AT and on other sites like fatwallet)
on Dell Desktops, low end laptops, et. al. Often you get a whole PC, motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard disc, DVD drive,
AND OPERATING SYSTEM for $200 to $400.

Sure you can buy a CPU for $50 and a motherboard for $50 and RAM for $30 and a case+PSU for $20-$40 and
a hard disc for $30, and a DVD drive for $20, but that is already $50+$50+$30+$30+$30+$20 = $210
and you don't even have an operating system. So where are you going to get even an OEM / Upgrade copy of
Windows XP or Vista Home Basic for less than $20-$50 dollars?

So that bumps it to around $240 plus or minus maybe $30 dollars depending on the deals you get, you've still got a
system that is decent, will do the job, but is basically low end and isn't much any better in price than just getting one of the
mass produced laptops or desktops when they're on clearance sale or holiday sale or whatever.

Now there are definitely some truly junky lowest of the low end PCs I wouldn't buy even for $100-$199, some
of the notorious eMachines / Walmart specials / etc. come to mind. And even moreso there are some laptops that
aren't worth buying at ANY price even free. Just because they'll break on you and customer service is a nightmare
and the expansion capabilities are horrible with some hidden gotchas and they don't always give you the OS CD to
reinstall from etc. etc. etc. So at least if you build it yourself from scratch you know what you're going to get.

But for cost savings alone, I'd say it pays to shop around on buying a reputable quality mid-range PC than building
one, especially if you're not patient / skilled with PC building. At the least it'll take you an hour or two of your time
putting it together, installing, testing, etc. where you could have saved that time if you got one of the premade specials.

Now if you're willing to buy a used computer or used parts or whatever then you can probably save some money over
the deal of the month Dell / HP / Compaq / Gateway / Acer / whatever type of PC / Laptop.

If you want to save some money you could consider using LINUX on it instead of Windows, it's free and for internet
use, email, office apps, and playing music with a couple of freely downloadable programs, it works for basic needs.

Granted I've seen (rarely) legit. copies of Windows Vista Home Basic OEM or similar for like $20-$40, so I guess
that's not too bad if it is useful to you, but again, you'll get the OS included with most pre-made systems at a lower cost
than you can usually buy it for a custom built PC.

 

[chuckm]

Could you please define relatively cheap?

 

[monovillage]

Usually one of the G31/33/35 series for Intel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...17&bop=And&Order=PRICE
But as Quix said you can usually get that type of system, either a refurbished one or a deal from a big box store that saves money and has warranty included.

 

[o1die]

I found my compaq pc for $199 at Fry's anniversary sale. I would check the $299 specials (one if currently on fatwallet) for dell, compaq, etc. Building your own makes no sense for simple tasks. I've been building my own for 15 years, but even I can't build one for $199 with vista included, so I gave in and bought it. Plus your dad won't bug you everytime there's a problem. Believe me, I've been there.

 

[sakya]

Thanks for all the advice everybody! I went down to Aaron's today and checked out their refurbished computers and found a pretty decent dell for $200 so we are prolly gonna go with that. Thanks again!