advice on computer build

[bakedbean]

I would like to build a computer for home use, record keeping, internet, making cd and the like, not into gaming. I have been reading for quite a while and most of what I find is on the newer products, would like some suggestion on what to use to build a good stable system. thanks

 

[Swampster]

Boy, that's a general question if ever I heard one!

Lets try a logical starting place . . . how much money do you want to spend to accomplish these tasks, and what outside of the tower do you want this dollar figure to include. From there, we can fill in the particulars with a project that you can actually afford to accomplish.

Another relative area is if this is your first computer building project, if you have any experience doing major upgrades, and lastly if you have any experience in diagnosing problems with a newly built system.

None of these questions are ment to discourage you, but merely to allow us to suggest a configuration that is within your current level of experience and not a budget breaker.

 

[bakedbean]

I would like to be in the range of 400 to 500 dollars. As you could tell by my question this is my first build project, I have replaced a hard drive, added a cdrw, installed a vidio card, added memory. I guess what I am asking is about building a good stable pc. My compaq is getting slow and I don't want to buy another factory computer. I have 512 of 133 mem I would like to reuse if that is practical. thanks for the reply and I will try to answer any question as best I can. Where I work there is a guy that does a lot of computer work but doesn't know what to use to build on.

 

[KenGr]

I would suggest starting with a AMD powered option based on the nForce 420 chipset (or the equivalent nForce2, if it's available yet). You get audio, video, LAN, etc all built in which saves a lot of cost and configuration problems. The nVidea built-in video is adequate for DVD playback, unlike others. Just add an Athlon 1800+ (or better), 2 x 256MB DDR (to use the twin bank memory architecture), a big 7200 rpm hard drive, a DVD player, a CD recorder and your are in good shape. With nice case and a good power supply (Antec or Enermax) you'll be around $500.

You'll have to add the operating system and a monitor on top of this. You can find components to go cheaper but you'll have a lot less value.

 

[dethman]

based on what you're asking for, i would just wait for a nice dell system to go on sale as they usually do. you'll get the added benefit of an operating system and an office suite plus a warranty that covers your whole system. building a system is not the money saver it used to be. it's more for enthusiasts who know what they really WANT in their computer system.