Computer build for the Parents

[wonderflu]

Get them a desktop from the Dell outlet (dell.com/outlet), where its $300 for a smallish desktop with Vista/4gb/e5200. So cheap, you can't go wrong.

 

[Beanie46]

I'd look into a Dell, too. That way, any hardware or software issues have a dedicated support line for them to call, and it isn't you.


If you want to go the MicroCenter route, by all means do so. But remember, MicroCenter will pricematch Newegg's prices, albeit including any shipping charges Newegg imposes.


I just put together a cheapie system for my 70+ y.o. mother to replace an aging old single core AMD system I'd built for her a few years ago (Socket 754....so that's how old it is.)



I got an Intel e5300 (would have bought the 5200, but they were OOS....and the 5200/5300 is PLENTY fast!), an Asus P5KPL-CM motherboard, BFG LS450W power supply (about the cheapest quality ps they had in stock), Corsair Value RAM 2 x 2GB DDR2-667, the case you'd looked at above, one of the OEM Samsung 22X DVD-RW drives, and a Hitachi 500GB SATA drive, OEM. But I spent a tad over $300 without OS.....thankfully I just transferred her XP from the old HD in her old system to the new hd in her new system.

But, in the end, the Dell way is cheaper and will be easier to manage as Dell will be responsible for support.

 

[Maverick2002]

Just get the Dell already. Cheap, warranty, don't have to mess with DOA parts, don't have to build it ... about the only thing you have to do is remove some programs when you first log in.

 

[CasTroLTraN]

just get a dell; cheap and no hassle

 

[Fox5]

Dude, you're getting a Dell.

 

[fatpat268]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
Just get the Dell already. Cheap, warranty, don't have to mess with DOA parts, don't have to build it ... about the only thing you have to do is remove some programs when you first log in.

Yea just buy the dell.

Building a computer is fine if you're going the performance route, but just buy one. It'll already be built and you can offload any technical problems on dell. Just get windows vista with it and the free windows 7 upgrade.

Seriously, you'll save yourself a lot of stress.

 

[jhansman]

As much as I enjoy building and upgrading, if I were buying for my folks, I'd go Dell. Let them do the support and warranty the parts, ya know? Anymore, I only build for myself.

 

[zCypher]

Dell does make a lot of good products, I couldn't agree more there.

I would still build it myself though, especially if it was for my parents. I built a computer for my parents over 5 years ago, I'm using (what's left of) it right now! I think you're on the right track, and I don't think it matters whether you go AMD or Intel.

What I would change is the power supply. You don't want to spend over $100 on a 3GHz+ processor and cheap out on the power supply. Get a good power supply. I've heard TruePower, or HX520 or OCZ are safe bets.

I don't see what's wrong with building it yourself. It's simple, it's fun and they will appreciate the time you put into it. Unless you screw something up, what is there to worry about? You know them better than anyone here - are they prone to give you a real hard time about it if something happens? Something could happen no matter where they buy their computer though.

I've built for family before and I'd definitely do it again. "Friends"/"other" might be a different story though.