Budget build need help

[Vybz]

I am building a form factor pc for my mom and dad. All they really need it for is to read email and surf the web. I will probably run xp 32 on it so no need for this to run too expensive. It would be great if this build came in at under 300 dollars but i have 500 to spend. I shop in the us.

Use: surf the web. answer email. talk on msn.
Budget: 300-500

must have: wireless, form factor case,

I don't mind getting a bare bone system either. So give me a hand guys. I would like to have this done by xmas. Thanks.

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Build
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Thermaltake LANBOX Lite Link

 

[mpilchfamily]

Dude get a Dell or HP. For that price range and the what it will be used for you can't build one any cheaper then an OEM. THough you will be stuck with Vista.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
Dude get a Dell or HP.
THough you will be stuck with Vista.

He can also get Linux or no OS configurations.

 

[AbrTech]

you can built a budget pc yourself, i have built few sub $500 pc recently....

get an Antec case with power supply runs for $100
Asus mobo around $100
amd dual core processor for $80
$40 for 2 gb ram
$40 for USB wireless
$120 for windows xp
latest ASUS mobo does have very nice sound and graphics chipsets installed already.

so you will be able to make a nice looking but power pc for under $500.

it does not include a monitor, and I assume that you find a spare one lying around somewhere.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: AbrTech
you can built a budget pc yourself, i have built few sub $500 pc recently....

get an Antec case with power supply runs for $100
Asus mobo around $100
amd dual core processor for $80
$40 for 2 gb ram
$40 for USB wireless
$120 for windows xp
latest ASUS mobo does have very nice sound and graphics chipsets installed already.

so you will be able to make a nice looking but power pc for under $500.

it does not include a monitor

* No HD
* No optical drive
> Save the $120 from XP... But a HD & Optical drive... Load Ubuntu or Kubuntu.

 

[Vybz]

yeah blain i am thinking ubuntu now too. I have tried going oem but they always endup cost more than 650. Plus the biggest prob with Vista systems is that you have to get more ram to run em. unnecessary for just web surfing

I added a case above tell me what you guys think.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Vybz
I am building a form factor pc for my mom and dad. All they really need it for is to read email and surf the web.

must have: wireless, form factor case,

Why saddle your folks with the security and connection issues of "wireless"?
A Cat5e wire is more secure, faster and won't drop the connection for some unknown reason.

 

[Vybz]

well because we all ready have wireless set up and running the wire might be messy. also my mom is always rearranging things so wireless would solve many problems. I did not totally rule out cat5 though.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Vybz
well because we all ready have wireless set up and running the wire might be messy. also my mom is always rearranging things so wireless would solve many problems. I did not totally rule out cat5 though.

Your mom shuffles her PC, monitor, speakers, keyboard, etc around on a regular basis?
I can see how one 1/4" wire would totally throw her into a tailspin. :laugh:

 

[DSF]

You can easily get an OEM PC that has more than enough power for email and web surfing for $500 or under. Check Dell Outlet or deal sites like fatwallet, slickdeals, bensbargains and our own Hot Deals forum.

 

[Denithor]

Do you mean $300-500 for the box or the entire system? If for the entire system, get busy on eBay or the Dell outlet and see what turns up.

If just for the box:

AMD X2 4850e (2.5GHz, 45W) $57
Foxconn A74MX-K $40AR
-or-
Intel e5200 (2.5GHz, 2MB cache) $83
Foxconn M7VMX-K $44
-and-
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-800 $45
MSI 4670 $65AR +shipping
WD6400AAKS $75
PCP&C 370W $35AR

AMD $325AR Intel $355

Add a case (whatever style, as long as it takes a standard ATX PSU) and a WiFi card and the box is done.

 

[Vybz]

Originally posted by: Blain
Your mom shuffles her PC, monitor, speakers, keyboard, etc around on a regular basis?
I can see how one 1/4" wire would totally throw her into a tailspin. :laugh:

yea nightmare right. especially since i have to be the one to move around things.

Originally posted by: DSF
You can easily get an OEM PC that has more than enough power for email and web surfing for $500 or under. Check Dell Outlet or deal sites like fatwallet, slickdeals, bensbargains and our own Hot Deals forum.

I will check these out and see what i can find

Originally posted by: Denithor
Do you mean $300-500 for the box or the entire system?

yes i just need the box

Originally posted by: Denithor
MSI 4670 $65AR +shipping

so the onboard graphics is not good enough?

 

[DSF]

Onboard graphics is fine for email and web use. It doesn't get any less graphically intense than that.

 

[Vybz]

yea thats what i though