$200 Build for Mon

[bpatters69]

Hello Folks,

I just need a quick sanity check. Can you check out the build below and let me know if these components should work together? If you have any suggestions\changes, please offer those as well. This is a PC that I am building for my mom and she is a very basic user. I plan to install Windows XP home. She browses the Internet and uses MS Word. I am trying to keep the cost at or near $200.

Many thanks

Western Digital Caviar SE WD800AAJS 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?item=N82E16822136195

Intel Celeron E1200 1.6GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E1200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?item=N82E16819116064

Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2N5/1G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?item=N82E16820134114

GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?item=N82E16813128357

LOGISYS Computer CS305BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Enhanced SOHO Computer Case 480W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?item=N82E16811148046

 

[Denithor]

e5200 (2.5GHz, 2MB cache) $73
Asus G31 $50
Crucial 2x1GB DDR2-667 $23
WD 250GB $40

Notes:
-Much (much much much) faster CPU for $23 extra.
-Cheaper motherboard, plus free shipping (save about $10).
-You don't want to run a system today with only 1GB memory (extra $11).
-Three times the capacity HDD for the same price ($40 free shipping vs $34 + shipping).

Comment:
One idea - drop these parts into your personal box & give her your innards. If you do this, switch the memory to 4GB (G.Skill kit for $45) and you'll have a winner on your hands.


EDIT: Do you need a DVDRW for this build?

 

[bpatters69]

Many thanks. Like your thinking. For whatever reason, I may end up keeping the Gigabyte Mobo. Don't know why but I have an Asus in my machine and it has been ok but their support is kind of crummy. Also the Gigabyte manual is much better written. My reasoning sounds kind of silly but the less fuss the better.

I have an extra DVDRW.

 

[Denithor]

Well, the Asus is about $10 cheaper based on cost & shipping but that's your call. I've had several boards from both makers & been happier with Asus (X38 & P45) than with Gigabyte (965P-DS3). (Performance much better with Asus & Abit boards than Gigabyte, in my experience.)

If you're into overclocking the e5200 could reach higher speeds than your current e6600 while running lower temps. Personally I would probably update the BIOS on your current motherboard (2801 and later supports e5200) and keep that for yourself. Drop in the e5200 & OC to >3GHz (easily done, probably with stock voltage).

Get yourself the 4GB DDR2 kit ($45) and a WD6401AALS Caviar Black drive ($80). Copy your current HDD onto the Caviar intact (use WD lifeguard tools - set up as new boot drive). Then give your mother the G31 motherboard, your current 250GB HDD and 2GB DDR2 and build in that cheapo case. Might look around a bit though, I've seen cases with PSUs sold for $25-30 shipped.

All told you're probably looking at $80 above the parts list you developed and both you and your mother will be happier with this setup.