Building mainstream PC - recommendations?

[elitistsnob]

Here's the scenario...

I'm building a new PC for an older person with the most basic of needs; web browsing, email, online gaming (in the form of flash based Poker games), and watching the occasional DVD. That's about it.

My number one requirement for this rig is STABILITY. Obviously I don't care about overclocking features, SLI, or RAID capabilities or anything fancy. I just want a good solid fast performing system that won't require constant driver updates and tweaking. My initial instinct was to recommend a Mac, but this person has never been exposed to anything but Windows, so I'd rather not force them to learn a different environment, even one that offers a better experience.

What specs and specific components do you recommend? I'd like to keep costs down to around $600-700. Would it be a good idea to build a SFF system or stay with a typical mid-tower config?

Here are the core specs I'm leaning towards...

• Core 2 duo
  2GB Ram
  GeForce 8500GT
  250GB HD
  XP home

For the monitor, I have selected a low-cost 20" Dell flat screen that sells for $229.

Any advice?

 

[imported_wired247]

if it's for someone else, and especially not a high end rig, I can't really recommend building it yourself.

Go for something with a warranty. Mac would be a good idea, just install windows XP on it. Or go for a midrange dell.

You don't want to be responsible for taking care of this computer. Buy it once, and let them use warranty if they have problems.

 

[MarcVenice]

Yeah, buy a dell ? For 600-700$ you'll get a PC that will far surpass his needs, and it will be cheaper then building it yourself. http://www.dell.com/content/pr...?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

You could get a refurbed one, at an 'outlet' store ? But I don't have a link for it. Because the things you mention only really require a e2160/e2180, 1gb of ram, integrated graphics, and a decent HD, all running on XP. The 399$ build comes WITH a monitor. And, no need to do his troubleshooting, he can bother Dell with that.

 

[elitistsnob]

That was my gut feeling as well. I'm of the mind that I should recommend a Mac mini to this person and slap XP on a separate partition. The best of both worlds.

 

[engiNURD]

Yah, go for a good dell deal. Check http://www.gotapex.com/ for dell deals. Here's a few headlines from there...

Today's deals...

Expires Tomorrow! Dell Small Business - Dell Vostro 200 Desktop with Intel Dual-Core Processor, 2GB Memory, and 20" Widescreen LCD for $449 with FREE Shipping!

Yesterday's deals...

Dell Small Business - Dell Vostro 400 Desktop with Core 2 Quad, 2GB Memory, 160GB HD, DVD Burner, and 20" Widescreen Monitor for $649 with FREE Shipping!

 

[chinaman1472]

There's almost no need to install XP on OSX, unless they are specific games/apps that you use that require XP. There might be a few file compatibility issues between the two, but they're really nothing major unless the Mac isn't a main computer. I have virtually no reason to install XP on my MacBook and I use XP on my desktop. There's a few bugs when I switch Word Documents between the two since they're different versions, but really OSX has everything you need in the general sense.

I use my MacBook for school and travel, my desktop is basically my gaming/downloading center.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: elitistsnob
I'm building a new PC for an older person with the most basic of needs


What specs and specific components do you recommend?

• Core 2 duo
  2GB Ram
  GeForce 8500GT
  250GB HD
  XP home

Get a Dell for $300.
A single-core celeron with 1GB of RAM and an 80GB HD is more than enough for these purposes.

 

[hemanttoshawad]

freinds can any one please suggest me configuration for home pc mainly for running 3D animation software and little gaming too range INR 25000/$500 for cpu