Need a Cheap Build Reccomendation

[Phatzilla]

Guys my father needs a new computer because his is SERIOUSLY outdated and slooooow (Think P3 650, 256 ram, etc LOL).

All he does is use E-bay Gmail and like microsoft office, so we definitely dont require a video editing powerhouse or anything, just something that can run smoothly and not hitch on running multiple internet explorer windows.

We dont need a Monitor, keyboard,mouse,harddrive.


Basically i'd also like it not to exceed 400-500$

I'm just sort of out of the loop, thats why i ask. I look forward to your builds!

 

[Eureka]

For that kind of usage, just go onto Dell's outlet and look for any of the cheaper options. You can probably find a strong C2D with 4gb of ram refurbished for around $300.

 

[DaveSimmons]

You can get a brand new desktop with 1-year warranty and legal copy of Windows from Dell, HP, Compaq, etc. for $300-400.

Or a laptop for $400-500.

 

[TheStu]

I'm with the rest of these cats (and candycanes) just go for a pre-built OEM. Less hassle for you, less hassle for him, and a unified warranty to boot.

 

[Phatzilla]

Alright perfect, thanks guys.

 

[Blain]

You can chop that budget in half by snagging a P4 3-3.2GHz refurbished Dell off ebay.

 

[batuchka]

http://i137.photobucket.com/al...q205/batuchka/GCFC.jpg
Poor choice of hardware in Dells, HPs, etc with propriety parts and locked BIOS no no for me. Once u DIY u never go back hehe

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: batuchka
http://i137.photobucket.com/al...q205/batuchka/GCFC.jpg
Poor choice of hardware in Dells, HPs, etc with propriety parts and locked BIOS no no for me. Once u DIY u never go back hehe

Except when you reach the point that your time is more valuable to you. Time involved with research, building, installation of the OS and software and (possible but less likely nowadays) troubleshooting and all of that is time that could have been spent doing other things.

Especially with regards to family members, I almost always recommend that they get an OEM. Unified warranty, more than enough power for what they are going to be using it for and less hassle for me with family tech calls.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: TheStu

Originally posted by: batuchka
http://i137.photobucket.com/al...q205/batuchka/GCFC.jpg
Poor choice of hardware in Dells, HPs, etc with propriety parts and locked BIOS no no for me. Once u DIY u never go back hehe

Except when you reach the point that your time is more valuable to you. Time involved with research, building, installation of the OS and software and (possible but less likely nowadays) troubleshooting and all of that is time that could have been spent doing other things.

Especially with regards to family members, I almost always recommend that they get an OEM. Unified warranty, more than enough power for what they are going to be using it for and less hassle for me with family tech calls.

Exactly. No reason why you shouldn't go OEM, especially for that pricepoint. You can get pretty good deals, with the warranty and have it all prepackaged and shipped. Proprietary hardware blows when it comes to customization, but how often do you expect your dad or uncle to go wildly overclocking his system when he's still struggling with his email?

Not to mention, the build up there is $433 without an OS... which by itself can cost a good $80 or more. (Well, there are ways to reduce that cost, but we're not going to talk about that here).

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

OS price shouldn't be a problem. Ubuntu does fine for basic use.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: WaitingForNehalem
OS price shouldn't be a problem. Ubuntu does fine for basic use.

Ubuntu is fine if you're willing to take the time to set it up and to teach the person how to use it. And it has many little quirks that need to be ironed out. (I still can't figure out how to properly change mouse sensitivity in ubuntu, the mouse settings don't do quite what they say). And one thing that really bothers me is their font rendering, for some reason it just seems 'scratchier' compared to Windows or Mac, even after playing around with the aliasing settings.

Not to say Ubuntu isn't a fine system anyway.

But whatever tool gets the job done. I just wouldn't assume that Ubuntu is right for everybody.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: batuchka
Poor choice of hardware in Dells, HPs, etc with propriety parts and locked BIOS no no for me. Once u DIY u never go back hehe

pretty much all the normal desktop Dells I've seen that were made in the last few years have used pretty standard parts. I had a Dell Vostro 200 that used a standard Foxconn micro ATX motherboard and chassis with a standard ATX power supply. Of course the drives and memory were standard stuff too. The CPU fan/heatsink was even a socket 775 bolt-thru type like how we enthusiasts like. I even overclocked it using a BSEL mod. :Q

Got it for around $450 or so and that was including a dual core CPU shipping, tax, Windows XP Home (at the time it was available) and a 20" widescreen LCD. That was also brand new, not even from Dell Outlet.

 

[cparker]

Just go to the main AT page and look at the latest "budget" system builders guides. Pick up an AMD el cheapo system set of components (motherboard with great integrated graphics, for 70 bucks or so, 45 watt cpu for $40-50, 2gb ram for 25 or so. Then a case/ps for 50-60. Total under 200 dollars. Then get windows 7 rc1 and you are good for a year or so with free OS. Or you could get an upgrade retail version of Vista basic for 50 dollars (check amazon.com under the "partners" sellers). And, yes, you can run 64 bit versions of vista basic (or windows 7) on the pc.

I did that recently for a grandad in my family, using vista 64 basic. A clean, lean, state of the art machine. Works flawlessly. Took a few hours to build and set up, but then no headaches afterwards. Worked for me, anyway.

 

[Eureka]

Actually, there's a newegg combo deal on a full system for $300 before rebates... check that out. That includes a 1TB drive too.