Really cheap system

[userofcomputer]

I'm looking at this really cheap system as a third desktop for my parents. It's not for gaming, it will mainly be used for office work, and some image and photo editing.

Quick spec:
P4 506 2.66 GHZ
512MB RAM
GeForce 6600
200GB HDD
DVD+-R/RW
Logitech keyboard, optical mouse and speakers, all budget.
Budget case.

Only thing that worries me is the CPU...
The price isn't comparable as I'm in Sweden, but it costs about as much as a 7800GTX.
What do you think?


Detailed spec:

Intel P4 506. 2.66GHz, 533MHz FSB, 1MB cache.
MSI 649 Neo-V. SiS 649 and 945L chipset.
Club3D GeForce N6600. PCIe, 256MB.
Kingston Valueram. 512MB DDR400 PC3200 CL3. (Will add another one)
Maxtor DiamondMax 10. 200GB 8MB 7200rpm ATA/133.
Samsung SH-W162C. DVD+-R/RW, Double Layer.
Logitech Optical Wheel Mouse. Wired, PS/2.
Logitech Deluxe Keyboard. Wired, PS/2.
Logitech S-100. Speakers, 1.36W each.
Computer Cable WT-HF08GB. Miditower, 350W PSU.

 

[EagleEye]

If it comes with an OS, that looks pretty good. I would upgrade the RAM b4 I upgraded the CPU though. If they are doing a lot of editing, buy another 512 MB of ram.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Why not go with an AMD Sempron. AMD's have more value anyways than any Intel counterpart. If just office work and photo editing, why not spring for the S754 MOBO with the nvidia 6100 or 6150 chipset and a good sempron or A64 newcastle?

 

[bendixG15]

By my standards, that is not a "cheap" computer...
looks fine to me for office work and occasional video editing.

I would let them use it for a while anf get their input before any upgrading.

 

[userofcomputer]

Then what's your standards?

 

[pukemon]

I have to say concur in saying that's not really a "budget/cheapie" machine and is a respectable configuration for home use - but otherwise, the components look to be quality so go for it!

Basically what most people think of "budget/cheapie" machinem it usually would have integrated graphics and a Celeron or Sempron chip.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

That would definately do a good job for what you're listing as what it's going to be used for. It's even overkill.

As for if it's worth it, I guess since prices are all different that's something you'd have to decide. How much would it cost to put one together from parts with similar specs?

 

[Bassyhead]

A budget computer to me would be a Sempron or an XP, integrated video, a hard drive about half that size and no DVD reader if burning isn't required.

 

[grant2]

Why do you have a geforce 6600 video card? If it won't be used for gaming.

 

[dexvx]

You might want to consider dumping the Geforce 6600 (office work?) and going with an integrated solution with a PCI-E x16 slot, something like a 915G/945G chipset (rumor of an integrated ATI X700 is coming soon). Then when Vista makes its debut you can decide whether or not you want to spend money to give it the fluffed up look.

 

[zagood]

Originally posted by: dexvx
You might want to consider dumping the Geforce 6600 (office work?) and going with an integrated solution with a PCI-E x16 slot, something like a 915G/945G chipset (rumor of an integrated ATI X700 is coming soon). Then when Vista makes its debut you can decide whether or not you want to spend money to give it the fluffed up look.

I agree.

That system will be great for them, and more RAM will def. help with applications like photoshop.

-z

 

[Viditor]

Try the new 6100 Nforce boards with a Sempron. The integrated video is a GF6100, and the boards sell for ~$60-70 in the US...that's ~US$160 for the motherboard, video, and CPU (Sempron 3100+).