Budget barebones system for kids - need advice

[Edge1]

Hello,
Just finished my own build a month or so ago, and passed my old Dell to my kids. Well, that machine is near death and extremely limited (max 512MB RAM, proprietary 180w PSU, low profile vid card, for example), so I'd like to assemble a system that will perform well with today's applications. My kids are girls, and mostly interested in creative writing in Word, perhaps graphics programs (?), and relatively modest games.

Thinking any adequate barebones system would do...Tigerdirect seems to have a nice inventory...don't care if AMD or Intel, although it would seem that going with an AM2 or LGA 775 socket would be wise. Still not sure about that and could certainly be convinced otherwise.

That said - here are a few that caught my eye because they come pretty well stocked:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...em-details.asp?EdpNo=2984884&CatId=333

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...m-details.asp?EdpNo=2954262&CatId=2415

Are there better barebones systems that are reasonably priced? Are there better places to buy? Should I skip barebones and just go from the ground up?

Any input greatly appreciated:thumbsup:.

 

[Tarrant64]

Hiya, the Intel build looks like a fair deal considering it has 250gb hard drive space and the AMD doesn't look like it comes with any(that or I didn't look hard enough). I would suggest maybe 1gb of RAM, shouldn't cost too much for an extra 512 of DDR2 memory.

What are you going to do for OS? Already have one you own or will you be pruchasing, and if so will it be Vista?

If your total price reaches closer to $500, it might be worth it to purchase direct from manufacturer as you will have warranty and all that included. However, the barebones setup does look just fine if it's for your kids.


By the way, nice setup you have for yourself. Close tot he same specs as me. Not too much, and not too little.

 

[Edge1]

Originally posted by: Tarrant64
What are you going to do for OS? Already have one you own or will you be purchasing, and if so will it be Vista?

If your total price reaches closer to $500, it might be worth it to purchase direct from manufacturer as you will have warranty and all that included. However, the barebones setup does look just fine if it's for your kids.

Thanks Tarrant64. Going to use XP pro, but have to get a copy. Price is probably going to push at least $400, more like $500 with RAM and a possible video card. Already have an IDE HDD, so maybe I'll keep looking around. I assembled a few parts over at the Egg, using an Asus barebones base, and I'm around $400, but the PSU is only 250w.

By the way, nice setup you have for yourself. Close tot he same specs as me. Not too much, and not too little.

Hey thanks so much - right back at ya there. That's exactly right - not too much, not too little:thumbsup:.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

TigerDirect doesn't have the best reputation for customer service but, if you've had a good experience with them, go for it. My only experience with them is that they were slow to ship.

 

[Tarrant64]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
TigerDirect doesn't have the best reputation for customer service but, if you've had a good experience with them, go for it. My only experience with them is that they were slow to ship.

Yes, slow to ship, and poor customer service. Cross you fingers! I have had a run in before.

Haha, not too bad, but there is always a complaint somewhere. I however, do find them very reliable when it comes to finding cheap barebones.

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: Edge1
Should I skip barebones and just go from the ground up?

thats what i would do. at least you'd be able to pick your own parts, instead of getting stuck with something generic and of unknown quality/reliability

 

[imported_OrSin]

If your going as high as $400. Might as well look at some of the pre build geeksgeeks systems.

They got some good deals and I doubt your girls will need a dedicated video card.
On board video is ok even with Vista.

I see you priced the Asus barebones. I would aviod that if you can. I got one and had nothing but trouble. The new bios should ahve fixed the problems but most are still thier and Asus support on the products suck. The Shuttle mini tower is better, but if you really want a SFF then try sugo new tower case and your own MB.

All in all the Geeks systems (rebanded HP X2) has served me better then the Asus core 2 dou. And that saying alot considering the price difference, and work need to get the Asus even clsoe to decent systems.

PS
The asus fan when running at high is lower enough to be heard in another room 30 ft away. The bios should have fixed it but it didn't so I just got a fan control for it.

 

[juktar]

Here are some parts that I have used:

MB - Biostar AM2 Geforce6100 - $53.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138036

CPU: AMD Sempron 64 3000+ AM2 - $32.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819104305

RAM: STT 1Gb DDR2 - $47.09
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=T6UB1GC5

HDD: 160Gb WD Sata (with regular Power also, no adapter required) - %53.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075

DVD: Liteon - $17.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106066

I used one of these cases:

Apevia (Aspire) X-QPack - $79.99 (69.99 after $10 Rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144162

Choose a KB, Mouse or use your own.

Cost of parts above is $286.04 + shipping (not including KB, mouse, $10 rebate)


Works great for all my kids stuff. CPU is upgradeable. Add another 1Gb stick for 2Gb cheap. PCI Express for upgrading video. Can't really go wrong. Other MB manufacturers are available if you don't like Biostar.

I have 3, although 1 is a socket 754 version of the MB and CPU with DDR I had.

BTW, the case comes in different colors too. My kids loved picking out the colors of theirs. Different colors are more $$$$, $89.99 with no rebate.

Add XP Home $89.99 at Newegg if you need it.

EDIT: Forgot DVD player...

 

[Edge1]

Great responses OrSin and juktar:thumbsup:. Thanks so much. I appreciate hearing about your Asus bb experience, OrSin. That's a nice list and gives me a lot to think about, juktar. Very helpful!

I will check the Geeks systems, although I am leaning toward building my own...my girls would certainly love to pick out their own color box. They actually love looking inside my build at the "city" (motherboard):laugh. Could be fun for all of us, except my wife, of course.

 

[razor2025]

Look into this barebone:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856110073
- $130

Now, add

160GB Samsung SATA Drive - $50
X2 Brisbane 3600+ Retail - $74
Wintec 2GB - $90
Lite-On IDE DVD Burner - $30

Total is $374. It's socket AM2 and has PCI-E 16x slot for some expandiblity. From Newegg's spec the PSU has PFC, so it should be decent quality. You can have it for mere $330 if you drop the brisbane for 3000+ Sempron.

 

[imported_OrSin]

If you want to build it yourself the Xpack and others like it are a great buy.
I just looked at few sites and I hate to say this but Dell undersmall business has some very cheap dual core X2 systems. Starting at $340. I hate the concept of buying dell, but really they are priced right if you looking at thier basic models. They rape you upgrades.

But good luck

 

[Edge1]

Nice one Razor. That's actually one of the Barebones I was pondering. I do already have an available IDE HDD and DVD-RW drive - should have mentioned that earlier.

OrSin - I checked and you're right. Those prices are good. My only concern with Dell is the use of proprietary equipment (PSUs) and mobo designs that limit any ability to upgrade or do so at ridiculous pricing levels. At least that was the problem with my 4300S, but I've heard they've come a long way since those days. The machine did last this long, FWIW.

 

[juktar]

My main computer right now is a Dell..

I do both, buy Dell and build my own, where it makes sense for me.

My Dell is pretty upgradable to be honest. Has 4 Memory slots, uses DDR2, has PCI Express, SATA.

Also, the way things go for when I upgrade, it seems about 1/2 the time, I end up buying a new MB and CPU at the same time. Hopefully AM2 aleviates this a little bit.

 

[Edge1]

Fiddling around at Newegg I came up with an AMD version and an Intel version. I do have an IDE HDD and an IDE DVD/RW drive already, so I wanted 2 IDE channels.

First the AMD (AM2):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16856110059

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145568

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103733

Price: $260

Now the Intel (LGA 775):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856110060

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819116249

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145526

Price: $235.

An Intel C2D-capable system would be nice cause I could hand down processor to my kids after I upgrade. I have a stock HSF from my E6300 which I'm assuming will work with the Pentium D I chose. Probably get them a 7300 or 7600 vid card eventually.

I actually want an LCD monitor for the kids, so I'll plan on another $150 or so there I guess.

What do you think?