Barest Minimum CPU for First Time User

[scott123]

I'm doing a build for a friend with a tight budget who's never used a PC in his life. Needless to say, he's not going to be doing anything advanced like video encoding, photo retouching or gaming. At the most I expect he'll surf, do emails and maybe a word doc or two.

What's the lowest you'd go?

 

[superstition]

e2140

 

[LOUISSSSS]

AMD X2 4000+ - $56

 

[scott123]

Originally posted by: superstition
e2140

He needs a dual core processor for surfing, email and word processing? Do you really think so?

 

[LOUISSSSS]

no, but they don't sell single core cpu's anymore, unless u buy used...

 

[n7]

Celeron E1200.

OC to 3 GHz if so desired

$55.

 

[Jax Omen]

Yeah, basically any CPU is more than adequate for WinXP under light use.

 

[happy medium]

celeron 420 for 42.00$ shipped will get the job done.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150275


motherboard;built in nvidia graphics 43.00$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813185110

ram:25$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820144151

case: coolmaster 73.00$ shipped


http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119068



western digital 160 gig harddrive 50$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371005

Asus dvd /cd burner 35.00$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827135163


350.00$ system.. Just add windows and monitor :thumbsup:

 

[21stHermit]

Originally posted by: happy medium
350.00$ system.. Just add windows and monitor :thumbsup:

You jest! :shocked:

Far better to get a budget HP, Dell, Acer with Windows and sometimes a monitor.
In June `07, I got a basic Compaq with Vista from BB for $200 +Tax & S&H.

Here's a PC + 20" LCD for $429 as an example. I'm sure with a little looking the OP can do better.

 

[SpeedEng66]

just look on craigslist ppl usually getting rid of old p3/4 pc for free

thats more than enough for basic stuff

my main rig is a p3 1ghz laptop

if you are close to NYC i will give him/her a basic pc for free

 

[SpeedEng66]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
no, but they don't sell single core cpu's anymore, unless u buy used...

?? huh ??

they are still around "single core"

 

[superstition]

Originally posted by: scott123

Originally posted by: superstition
e2140

He needs a dual core processor for surfing, email and word processing? Do you really think so?

Are you considering the lifespan of the machine vs. the cost of the chip? It doesn't appear so.

 

[superstition]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
AMD X2 4000+ - $56

Is it's performance per watt superior to the e2140? How much heat does it generate?

I got my e2140 months ago for $60 at MicroCenter. I'm running it a 3 GHz.

 

[SpeedEng66]

Originally posted by: superstition

Originally posted by: scott123

Originally posted by: superstition
e2140

He needs a dual core processor for surfing, email and word processing? Do you really think so?

Are you considering the lifespan of the machine vs. the cost of the chip? It doesn't appear so.

well considering xp is going to be supported for a good while
and all op needs is a basic ie box
going dual is nice but overkill for such a simple task

I still have/use a p1-233 96mb 1gb hd laptop runing DSL linux in my kitchen for basic recipes files and looking up recipes online

you really dont need the newest/best stuff out there just for the internet

 

[superstition]

The e2140 is cheap and will last longer than a single core. Single core is obsolete tech. If you really want to pinch pennies and buy old tech, get a used machine. I set my niece up with a Dell Pentium 4 2.4 GHz that was to be disposed of. I added a Radeon 2400, a space wifi card, some spare DDR ram, and a spare IDE hard drive. She now has a machine she can play the Sims 2 on as well as surf the Net. My other niece has a fanless 400 MHz G3 iMac that she can play the Sims 1 on, surf the web ("airport" wifi card from Ebay) and watch DVDs with. So, yes, old tech still can be useful. But, we're talking about building a new system here.

I started on the Net with a 33 MHz processor. Is anyone here going to suggest one? Why not? Aren't we still using Netscape 1.1N?

 

[SpeedEng66]

Originally posted by: superstition
The e2140 is cheap and will last longer than a single core. Single core is obsolete tech. If you really want to pinch pennies and buy old tech, get a used machine.

I started on the Net with a 33 MHz processor. Is anyone here going to suggest one? Why not? Aren't we still using Netscape 1.1N?

33 mhz

ohh im soo old lol
dont get me started

heh

thats why I wrote to op to look at CL for free systems no pennies to pinch

 

[CurseTheSky]

Originally posted by: superstition
The e2140 is cheap and will last longer than a single core. Single core is obsolete tech. If you really want to pinch pennies and buy old tech, get a used machine.

I started on the Net with a 33 MHz processor. Is anyone here going to suggest one? Why not? Aren't we still using Netscape 1.1N?

My feelings as well.

You can save a couple bucks by going with a single core, but unless you're buying used, how much are you really saving? $10-15 tops?

I run a single core Pentium 4 2.8GHz at work. It's not bad for what I do (web design, programming, very minor graphics) but it's HORRIBLE when the virus scan kicks in, or if I have 6-10 windows open with a few other things going on at the same time. IMO, if you're saving money by going with a single core, save some more money at the same time by going with 512 or 256MB of RAM as well.

Get a low power dual core, 1GB of RAM, 250-300w RELIABLE power supply, mATX motherboard with integrated graphics, 80-160GB hard drive, a single DVD-ROM drive, and a decent SFF case. That's not including a monior (19" LCDs are cheap), mouse, keyboard, speakers, and software.

If the costs seem too high, look to Dell, HP, etc. They're low-priced PCs are actually very good deals.

 

[Denithor]

Yeah, no reason to build an overclocked beast for this user.

Dell/HP/etc offer some great deals with monitors included, check around the hot deals forum for the latest.

Otherwise look on eBay/Craigslist/etc for a good used one for very little cost.

Another possibility is Goodwill, believe it or not. Here in Charlotte they have a computer outlet that sells used PCs complete with Windows/monitor/keyboard/mouse for like $200 that would be great for a starter system.

 

[superstition]

2 GB of DDR-2 is the sweet spot now, not 1 GB when it's two 512MB sticks. 1 GB is now old tech. As for PSUs, I suggest this one at minimum:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817151035. You can get a dual layer DVD-RW combo drive for peanuts. I remember getting one at Microcenter for like $36 several years ago.

Value isn't just about price tag, it's about what you're getting for the money.

 

[superstition]

Another possibility is Goodwill, believe it or not. Here in Charlotte they have a computer outlet that sells used PCs complete with Windows/monitor/keyboard/mouse for like $200 that would be great for a starter system.

It depends on the store. There is one in Hamilton Ohio that is completely and utterly worthless. It has a fake Atari 2600 system (a nostalgic "built in games" version) for $60 right now. That's just the tip of the iceberg. The place tries to sell pure junk and never has anything worth a second look.

 

[nonameo]

Buy a used computer at a garage sale. That will do.

 

[CSMR]

Intel D201GLY2
http://www.intel.com/products/...ard/D201GLY2/index.htm

 

[Drsignguy]

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky

Originally posted by: superstition
The e2140 is cheap and will last longer than a single core. Single core is obsolete tech. If you really want to pinch pennies and buy old tech, get a used machine.

I started on the Net with a 33 MHz processor. Is anyone here going to suggest one? Why not? Aren't we still using Netscape 1.1N?

My feelings as well.

You can save a couple bucks by going with a single core, but unless you're buying used, how much are you really saving? $10-15 tops?

I run a single core Pentium 4 2.8GHz at work. It's not bad for what I do (web design, programming, very minor graphics) but it's HORRIBLE when the virus scan kicks in, or if I have 6-10 windows open with a few other things going on at the same time. IMO, if you're saving money by going with a single core, save some more money at the same time by going with 512 or 256MB of RAM as well.

Get a low power dual core, 1GB of RAM, 250-300w RELIABLE power supply, mATX motherboard with integrated graphics, 80-160GB hard drive, a single DVD-ROM drive, and a decent SFF case. That's not including a monior (19" LCDs are cheap), mouse, keyboard, speakers, and software.

If the costs seem too high, look to Dell, HP, etc. They're low-priced PCs are actually very good deals.

This is IMO correct and exactally why you should'nt buy any singlecore platform. I agree with many in here that single core is very old school and by spending a few greenbacks more, you get better performance, and better reliability. Plus you have the option to upgrade this platform much easier and spend less money in the near future. That PC thats in a garage sale was someone else's old outdated computer, and using the dough to buy a newer one. So, go Dell or build!

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: superstition
Value isn't just about price tag, it's about what you're getting for the money.

So what happens if someone can't afford that price tag regardless of what they're getting?

My aunt still uses a socket 370 system (I think Celeron 900). It was scraping the bottom of the barrel back then, but it still handles web pages and email just fine. I think even if you compare a single core Celeron or Sempron to... let's say a quadcore... both single and quadcore will be browsing web pages and checking emails just fine five years from now. By then, neither will be upgradable (through using new parts).

 

[HOOfan 1]

Originally posted by: happy medium
celeron 420 for 42.00$ shipped will get the job done.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150275


motherboard;built in nvidia graphics 43.00$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813185110

ram:25$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820144151

case: coolmaster 73.00$ shipped


http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119068



western digital 160 gig harddrive 50$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371005

Asus dvd /cd burner 35.00$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827135163


350.00$ system.. Just add windows and monitor :thumbsup:

how is he going to power that? Bicycle generator?