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A Customer build.....

You should list the items in each link so we don't have to click on each one.

Unless you're on a tight budget, an SSD would be fantastic for general computing. Even if you are constrained, I'd find a way to weed out about $120 for an Intel X-25V or one of the OCZ Solid 2's/Vertex/Agility. The boost in random speeds can be huge for opening apps, booting, general use, etc. If you can't fit your programs on it, you can get a secondary HDD to install stuff on. The 80gb X25-M would be sufficient for most apps though, if you can find a way to make room for that.
 
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Callisto 3.1GHz - $87.99

Antec NSK 4482B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Case w/ 380W Power Supply - $79.99(after rebate)

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - $89.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) - $104.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" HDD - $99.99

$25.99 DVD/CD Burner

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - $99.99
 
The Phenom II X2 550 is not a good value. Either step it up to the Athlon II x4 630 or down to the Athlon II x2 245. For the uses you specified, I would recommend the latter.
 
I actually shaved $80 from the original build and ended up with better stuff/more features. While the person wants a simple machine, they also are interested in upgradability and longevity. Would rather do that up front instead of down the road. He also ended up getting a new 20" LCD screen as well.
 
I actually shaved $80 from the original build and ended up with better stuff/more features. While the person wants a simple machine, they also are interested in upgradability and longevity. Would rather do that up front instead of down the road. He also ended up getting a new 20" LCD screen as well.

Pardon me if I can't see how the different mobo and RAM help with the bolded? The new mobo is $10 cheaper, but the new RAM is $5 more. And you now need a discrete GPU with the new mobo!
 
I also swapped the CPU in my first post. $58.00 vs. $87.00

And I think I ended up with a $10 off promo code for another item.
 
I also swapped the CPU in my first post. $58.00 vs. $87.00

And I think I ended up with a $10 off promo code for another item.

Yes, I suggested the CPU swap, remember?

My question was, "how [does] the different mobo and RAM help?" Unless the customer is suddenly interested in gaming (which you should have mentioned), the answer is that it doesn't and just costs the customer more money for a GPU. 🙂
 
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Actually I got some recommendations from others. Swap boards because it was the same price and had more features. But, I didn't notice that it didn't have onboard video. Although this is an identical model that does. My bad on that part. :-( Gamer no, but I think he will enjoy the extra features if not now, then down the road. Also, I'm still right at the original budget he already approved of. If there is a slight increase I will eat those costs. More interested in a happy customer and customer for life. I am just starting this, and this is my 3rd build for a customer. I've only been found from word of mouth. I just need to learn more and keep up with the technology. Thanks for your help 🙂
 
Actually I got some recommendations from others. Swap boards because it was the same price and had more features. But, I didn't notice that it didn't have onboard video. Although this is an identical model that does. My bad on that part. :-( Gamer no, but I think he will enjoy the extra features if not now, then down the road. Also, I'm still right at the original budget he already approved of. If there is a slight increase I will eat those costs. More interested in a happy customer and customer for life. I am just starting this, and this is my 3rd build for a customer. I've only been found from word of mouth. I just need to learn more and keep up with the technology. Thanks for your help 🙂

He'll probably also think highly of you if you can do the build on-time and under budget. 😉

Anyway, now that you're aware of the differences, I trust that you will make the best decision for your business and your customer. The custom PC business is brutal, so best of luck to you! 🙂
 
Yes it is. Geeze. I try to explain the benefits of a custom build and people come back with, "Well I saw a $300 computer at Wal-Mart." Which in the end I guess is better for me since they'll be bringing it to me for repairs. lol. But, I still want them to understand that what I'm getting them is way better quality and better performance. Also, I usually provide support for at least a year as well as warranty the PC as well. I have only built 2 like I said, but I've had ZERO issues with both and the absolutely love their machines.
 
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