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~450 computer for sister

I'd go for a quieter hard drive if possible (such as an upgrade to a samsung spinpoint)
if she could swing about 150 more, a mac mini would be an ideal machine from the noise and bundled app side (but with monitor, printer, mouse, and keyboard would not be within your budget)

are you sure you want to give her linux? that might tie you in as the perpetual support technician for the machine, as unless she's fairly computer savvy, linux might be too steep of a learning curve for her...
 
Do you already have an OS?
Either way, I think you'd be much better off buying a pre-built.
For example:
? AMD Sempron? 3100+
? 512 MB RAM
? 17? flat-screen CRT
? JBL Platinum 2.0 speakers
? Double-layer DVD+/-R/RW
? 160GB hard drive
? 9-in-1 memory card reader
Includes Mouse/KB/Windows XP/other software.
$450 with free shipping from Circuit City. They run even better deals than that if you just watch for them.

 
Originally posted by: Budmantom
For $500(AR) you can buy a Dell 4700 2.8ghz system with a 17 inch Ultrasharp? 1704FPT (lcd).



Tom
Click to expand...

Not all a bad option in this case.

If you do decide to build, try to get a nicer keyboard and mouse - these are the 2 devices constantly in direct contact and good hardware will go a long way.
 
Originally posted by: Ike0069
Do you already have an OS?
Either way, I think you'd be much better off buying a pre-built.
For example:
? AMD Sempron? 3100+
? 512 MB RAM
? 17? flat-screen CRT
? JBL Platinum 2.0 speakers
? Double-layer DVD+/-R/RW
? 160GB hard drive
? 9-in-1 memory card reader
Includes Mouse/KB/Windows XP/other software.
$450 with free shipping from Circuit City. They run even better deals than that if you just watch for them.
Click to expand...

wow. awesome deal. 3100+ sempron is not bad at all, on die mem controller... if this offer still going grab it !!
 
And the Envision 17" monitor is way cheap at CompUSA this week.
I would get the DFI KM400-MLV Via based mobo instead. Save some $$s and more stable plus it will work much better with a lower powered PSU because it has the P4-12V connector which the Biostar lacks. Full price $47. shipped. Newegg also has some "refurbs" at only $35. shipped.
. And the Link Depot 350ss PSU would be more than plenty (actually a rebadged TTGI/SuperFLower) while being sufficiently quiet (rubber mount it for more quietude).
. I also agree on bumping her up the scale on a kbd/mse - these are two of the most important things that apply to user satisfaction. If she is open to new things and doesn't do freehand drawing etc. with a mouse, take her to a big-box store that has one (I think Staples usually does) and let her try a Logitech Marble Mouse.
. I'd never go back to a regular mouse after using a Logitech Marble series trackball (I don't know what I'll do if my original Trackman Marble FX ever goes TU)...
.bh.
 
I'm really hoping to build another computer... I've always heard pre-built uses bad quality parts?

Will the pre-built's be quiet?
 
Originally posted by: insolence
I'm really hoping to build another computer... I've always heard pre-built uses bad quality parts?

Will the pre-built's be quiet?
Click to expand...
You get what you pay for, but it will come with a warranty. Pre-builts are made to work as is which means they won't take well to OC'ing. But for the price you more performance than you can build.
As for the noise, never heard a loud one as they usually don't have many system/case fans to make a lot of noise.

 
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