Budget Build - $600 - : need advice

[xSauronx]

I'm pretty out of the loop but am looking to build a budget rig for my dad's business. I've built before, but I dont really have time to research and poke around for low-end combos and such because I dont know what to bother with.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for: very minor photoshop work, light web browsing, email, running Roland Versaworks printer software (its not that heavy)

2. What YOUR budget is: ~$600, need Windows 7

3. What country: US

4. IF YOU have a brand preference: WD hard drives, all else is whatever

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts: nope

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads: everything is well over mah budget

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds: default, this is for a business and just needs to be stable.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with: no gaming. using 2 19" monitors, require DUAL DVI out from the video.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it? in the next 2 weeks

my biggest issue is which cpu/mobo combo to go with. Anyone have some advice or care to point me in the right direction?

Thanks

 

[mfenn]

I'm pretty out of the loop but am looking to build a budget rig for my dad's business. I've built before, but I dont really have time to research and poke around for low-end combos and such because I dont know what to bother with.



my biggest issue is which cpu/mobo combo to go with. Anyone have some advice or care to point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Let's see what we can make happen! The dual-DVI requirement is a little sticky as it will require something more than an IGP. Any modern PC with sufficient RAM should be able to handle "very light Photoshop".

Athlon II X2 245 $59
ASRock M3A77DE $60
G.Skill DDR3 1333 4GB $94
PowerColor Radeon 5450 $45
WD Caviar Black 500GB $70
Sony DVD Burner $21
Corsair 400CX $50
Rosewill Case $30
Win 7 Pro 64-bit $140
HDMI-DVI cable $6
Total $575 - $35 rebates = $540

Usual advice about building a business PC applies. (dude, get a Dell!) I specced out an Optiplex 780 with an E5400, 4GB of RAM, dual-DVI video card, and Win7 Pro 64-bit for $688. I would seriously consider that option because a 3-year warranty is worth the price differential IMHO.

 

[xSauronx]

Ill end up looking at some dells as well,then. Maybe I can get him to budge on his price a little or fit something in his budget with a longer warranty.

edit: cant believe vista is the base OS on the optiplex 780...wtf.