Cheap Low-end PC for my uncle

[benvarg]

Hi,

(not sure if this is the correct section)

My uncle is 75+, he does browsing, downloads and listen to some music, watch some youtube videos, access his bank sites and use a little bit of office. (No gaming, no high-end SW or multi-thread applications etc). He has a 10 year old PC which is completely outdated. I would like to assemble a new PC for him for under Indian Rs. 10,000 (< $ 170). Can you please suggest a configuration? I'm from India, so some components may not be available here. But anyways, any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Benny

 

[piasabird]

Maybe try a used computer. Unless you use some used parts like an old Case/power supply/DVD/ I don't think you can build a halfway modern computer. Some tablets work pretty well for that price but they are usually smaller like 7 or 8 inches. I cant see staring at a little screen with failing eyes and bad circulation in finger and hands.

Sometimes colleges will give away computers when they purchase new ones in the USA. However, even those computers might have already been passed around.

 

[Ken g6]

If Google Docs would work in place of Office, I'd suggest a Chromebook. Though of course they're more expensive in India. Maybe you can get a used or refurb one?

 

[mfenn]

Definitely look for a used machine in that price range. If you go down to the local PC store/market and look at some of the options, you can report back with the specs and prices.

 

[VirtualLarry]

What are the specs on his existing computer? If it's a Pentium 4, yes, I would recommend replacing it, but if it's a Core2Duo-class machine, then it's quite possible that it doesn't need to be replaced, unless some part or parts are failing, having HDD errors, failing to boot, etc.

 

[JackMDS]

I currently use for such purpose old computers with Intel Core Duo or Quad CPU.

As an example G=31 or G-41 Chipset with E8400 or Q8200 could do very well for general use.

They have on-board Video. However if Movie streaming or other Video activities like Skype are used an Entry Level PCIx Video card (like Nvidia 210 or 8400GS) should be installed.

Memory should be at least 2 MB (4MB is even better).

Dell use to have the Inspiron 530s line, slim case in pleasing Silver & White. Or the Inspiron 530 which is a little more wide in full silver.

Cost of used computer like this online is around $100-$120. Additional Video card and memory can bring the final price to around $150-$180

I set systems like for friends and family members (running Win 7 Home Premium) and every one is Happy.

As an example currently One can find online.

Dell Inspiron 530 Desktop - Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz - 4GB RAM - 250GB HDD -Win7

Price $134 +$22 ship.

​

 

[bononos]

Hi,

(not sure if this is the correct section)

My uncle is 75+, he does browsing, downloads and listen to some music, watch some youtube videos, access his bank sites and use a little bit of office. (No gaming, no high-end SW or multi-thread applications etc). He has a 10 year old PC which is completely outdated. I would like to assemble a new PC for him for under Indian Rs. 10,000 (< $ 170). Can you please suggest a configuration? I'm from India, so some components may not be available here. But anyways, any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Benny

What parts can you reuse? What are your options for parts - what parts/prices can you get used or are you using flipkart etc? See this thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=80121

 

[VirtualLarry]

I currently use for such purpose old computers with Intel Core Duo or Quad CPU.

As an example G=31 or G-41 Chipset with E8400 or Q8200 could do very well for general use.

They have on-board Video. However if Movie streaming or other Video activities like Skype are used an Entry Level PCIx Video card (like Nvidia 210 or 8400GS) should be installed.

Memory should be at least 2 MB (4MB is even better).

Dell use to have the Inspiron 530s line, slim case in pleasing Silver & White. Or the Inspiron 530 which is a little more wide in full silver.

Cost of used computer like this online is around $100-$120. Additional Video card and memory can bring the final price to around $150-$180

This is a very good suggestion. Those good ole' Core2-era machines are still workhorses, and they are FASTER than modern entry-level Bay Trail Atom-based machines that you find in stores these days.

 

[mfenn]

I currently use for such purpose old computers with Intel Core Duo or Quad CPU.

As an example G=31 or G-41 Chipset with E8400 or Q8200 could do very well for general use.

They have on-board Video. However if Movie streaming or other Video activities like Skype are used an Entry Level PCIx Video card (like Nvidia 210 or 8400GS) should be installed.

Memory should be at least 2 MB (4MB is even better).

Dell use to have the Inspiron 530s line, slim case in pleasing Silver & White. Or the Inspiron 530 which is a little more wide in full silver.

Cost of used computer like this online is around $100-$120. Additional Video card and memory can bring the final price to around $150-$180

I set systems like for friends and family members (running Win 7 Home Premium) and every one is Happy.

As an example currently One can find online.

Dell Inspiron 530 Desktop - Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz - 4GB RAM - 250GB HDD -Win7

Price $134 +$22 ship.

​

The OP is in India.

 

[JackMDS]

The OP is in India.

I do not know what available in India but I can provide a general Idea and that is it what I did.

As I mention in an other Thread. At time it is Good to be flexible and deal with the general.

I do not see myself as a human substitute to Google engine.

Our friend from India can pickup on the idea of the type of hardware that I mentioned. Google his own market and see if it is available and provide a similar solution.

 

[benvarg]

Thank you all of you.
Jack, I'll try what you suggested. If I'm not successful, I may increase the budget a little bit and may go for a AMD A4 and a suitable FM2+ motherboard. That should be enough for my uncle's usage.
And to answer other friends asking about usability of old components - I feel pretty much nothing as his PC is very old - uses DDR1.

I have another PC-query for a different person. I'll post it in another thread to avoid confusion.

Thanks again for all the responses.

 

[sm625]

Find a used pc with an Intel E8XXX cpu. Ideally, an E8600, but E8500 or E8400 would work fine. There are thousands of these off lease pcs sitting around in warehouses.