Hello everybody,
I would like to get my parents a new computer sometime in the near future, and I'd really like to build it. Their current computer is mind numbingly slow and horribly inefficient.
I know custom built PCs are usually the way to go for gaming...my uncle built one for me about seven years ago, and it ran great for a solid three to four years (couple hardware problems, but nothing major). Basically, it took a lot longer to go fully obsolete then most pre-built computers. It made more sense economically too, at least from a gaming computer aspect.
My question...is it logical to build a computer that will be used for only low level things (email, Internet browsing, and Microsoft Office mostly)? I know companies like HP and Dell sell basic PCs for less then $400 which will get the job done. I'd really like to build this though! I'm in computer engineering, and I have an interest in this stuff too...
I guess what I'll really need is to know whether or not I can expect to build a PC from scratch (case, CPU, RAM, hdd, OS, etc. Nothing too flashy, but still a respectable machine) on a budget...less then $500 if possible.
If not, I may just go with a pre-built model...they work, and cash is tight being a college student lol.
I appreciate any comments or input...thanks!!
I would like to get my parents a new computer sometime in the near future, and I'd really like to build it. Their current computer is mind numbingly slow and horribly inefficient.
I know custom built PCs are usually the way to go for gaming...my uncle built one for me about seven years ago, and it ran great for a solid three to four years (couple hardware problems, but nothing major). Basically, it took a lot longer to go fully obsolete then most pre-built computers. It made more sense economically too, at least from a gaming computer aspect.
My question...is it logical to build a computer that will be used for only low level things (email, Internet browsing, and Microsoft Office mostly)? I know companies like HP and Dell sell basic PCs for less then $400 which will get the job done. I'd really like to build this though! I'm in computer engineering, and I have an interest in this stuff too...
I guess what I'll really need is to know whether or not I can expect to build a PC from scratch (case, CPU, RAM, hdd, OS, etc. Nothing too flashy, but still a respectable machine) on a budget...less then $500 if possible.
If not, I may just go with a pre-built model...they work, and cash is tight being a college student lol.
I appreciate any comments or input...thanks!!