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500.00 build for mother-in-law

S

spittledip

Diamond Member
Hi,

I am building a pc for my mother-in-law. She has 500.00 to spend. She is not a gamer (lol). She just wants the computer for internet and office type stuff. She wants it to last for several years. I would like to avoid onboard video. I am thinking dual core (for longevity). I assume it will probably have to be a 939 build due to price restrictions.. but what do you all think? Suggestions please.

thanks!

edit: the 500 doesnt include software or monitor
 
I highly recommend you buy her a Dell, a Mac Mini or something like that. That way, she gets a 24/7 toll-free number to call if things go wrong (and things usually do).
 
I would get an E521 with an x2 3800+ with 1gig of ram and a 160gb hard drive for 449 + tax from dell small business.
 
Originally posted by: theprodigalrebel
I highly recommend you buy her a Dell, a Mac Mini or something like that. That way, she gets a 24/7 toll-free number to call if things go wrong (and things usually do).
Click to expand...
Perfect 😉
 
dont think dualcore is necessary. get her an A64 AM2 single core that fits the bill, a nice board and a 7600GT or 7600GS. 1gig of Ram, 200gig hdd (seagate, hitachie, samsung), a 350-400W PSU from a good manufacturer like Enermax or Seasonic and that would be it.
 
Dell Dimension E521 $529

AMD Athlon? 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+
Genuine Windows® Vista? Home Premium
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 2DIMMs
250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache?
16x DVD+/-RW Drive
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Integrated Graphics GPU
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio

My Accessories
Dell USB Keyboard and Dell 2-button Scroll Mouse
56K PCI Data Fax Modem (Free, so might as well keep it)
No monitor
No speakers
No Floppy Drive Included

1Yr Ltd Warranty and At-Home Service

Vista Home Premium alone is a $100 value and will let her feel that 'new computer' vibe. Dual-Core will keep things snappy and well for a long time. 1GB is good for everyday use. I really think you can't beat this. Dell offers a "256MB NVIDIA Geforce 7300LE TurboCache" upgrade for $50 but I really don't think she will get much benefit out of it. 6150 IGP should be enough for Aero Glass, right?
 
She doesn't live in the US... Dell is more expensive where she is (believe me- they are a gyp there) and hardware is much more expensive on the whole. Also, to ship a whole computer or to bring it by plane = mega duty charges. However, PC components are duty-free. My plan was to buy the components and assemble the pc there (of course I would test-assemble here and burn in the components b4 bringing it). So, pre-built is not an option.
 
You're going to be 24-7 telephone tech support for her. Perhaps she can buy a pre built from a local store that can give her tech support.
 
I have no problem with her contacting me if she has a problem. I have done much troubleshooting over the net and over the phone for family.
 
Buy a Dell and take it apart? Still would be cheaper than buying parts alone.
Or buy used parts in the FS/FT. You don't really need dual core for internet/email no matter how bloated IE 20 might get.
 
Since this will not be a gaming rig onboard video will be fine, with the extra cash saved
you could use for more memory or an LCD monitor
 
Originally posted by: stogez
Buy a Dell and take it apart? Still would be cheaper than buying parts alone.
Or buy used parts in the FS/FT. You don't really need dual core for internet/email no matter how bloated IE 20 might get.
Click to expand...

ROFL... hahaha... will that work? I wonder... anyhow, yah, dell is your best option if stogez idea will work, hehe. otherwise, do you have a fry's near you? They have a combo for an ecs board and the e4300 for $150. add a cheap vidcard ($30), some ram ($80 for 1gb), a hdd ($45), a FAR case, a FAR psu, and a dvd burner ($30). If you need links or want better quality parts, let me know.
 
Let's see..
so far I have come up with:

Athlon 4200 x2 AM2 OEM- 124$
GIGABYTE GH-PDU21-SC Ball CPU Cooler- 23$
ABIT NF-M2 nView Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 89$
G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 F2-6400CL5S-1GBNQ -102$ or
OCZ 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 - 114$
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB sata3g/s- 70


I am still looking for a decent psu. I also have to find a dvd drive, but i figure a 29.00 nec 3500 something is out there somewhere. Case: i am gonna get that FAR Ultra case 😉

I appreciate all the votes for Dell, but I think that their quality has gone down the crapper in the last couple years. I also like to know what components are going into a machine.

edit: I will be going over budget with shipping, but the 500 wasn't fixed
 
ASUS P1-AH2 $166.99
LG 18X DVD R/W CD RW Combo Drive $29.99
Maxtor DiamondMax 10 250GB HD $69.99
Kingston 1GB DDR667 85.49
AMD Athlon X2 3800+ AM2 $135.00

Total: $487.46
 
I don't have time to post links right now but here are my suggestions;

Athenatech MATX case with 350W PS.
Asus MATX motherboard for Socket AM2. There are two with onboard video and DVI ports at Newegg. Both those boards have PCI-E slots for the future. (She won't need them)
Sempron AM2 Retail. There is absolutely no need for an aftermarket cooler.
XP > 512MB
Vista > 1GB
80GB HD or larger if within a few dollars of price. She will never fill an 80GB.
DVD burner. Prices are so close on burner vs not, might just as well.
Money left will get a Hanns 19" LCD w/DVI and onboard speakers.

My $.02.

 
Originally posted by: spittledip
Let's see..
so far I have come up with:

Athlon 4200 x2 AM2 OEM- 124$
GIGABYTE GH-PDU21-SC Ball CPU Cooler- 23$
ABIT NF-M2 nView Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 89$
G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 F2-6400CL5S-1GBNQ -102$ or
OCZ 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 - 114$
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB sata3g/s- 70


I am still looking for a decent psu. I also have to find a dvd drive, but i figure a 29.00 nec 3500 something is out there somewhere. Case: i am gonna get that FAR Ultra case 😉

I appreciate all the votes for Dell, but I think that their quality has gone down the crapper in the last couple years. I also like to know what components are going into a machine.

edit: I will be going over budget with shipping, but the 500 wasn't fixed
Click to expand...

as for the memory check out too: Corsair Value Select.
Cooler: the Gigabyte is an older model and i guess that an Scythe Mine Rev. B would be less noisy.
PSU: Silverstone Element ST40EF, Seasonic, Enermax Liberty, BeQuiet! straight power would be my recommendations.
Case: Sharkoon Rebel9 Economic or Coolermaster Centurion 5
 
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