First Build - Computer for My Mom...

[Devcon]

She was looking to get a Dell Dimension 2400. Her only real requirement is to have a flat panel LCD. The computer will primarily be used for internet and photo editing. So, the machine will only have to do very basic activities, but she would like it to do them quickly. The Dell came out to be $779 including shipping, so I would like to get this setup down to that area. All prices are taken from Newegg.

Thanks in Advance

The Setup:

-ANTEC Life Style Series Black Case With 380W Power Supply, Model "SONATA"_____________________$98.00

-MSI nForce3 250 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Athlon 64 Socket 754 CPU, Model "K8N Neo Platinum" (MS-7030) -RETAIL_____________________$124.00

-SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9200SE Video Card, 64MB DDR, 64-bit, TV-Out, 8X AGP -BULK_____________________$41.00

-AMD Athlon 64 2800+, 512KB L2 Cache, 64-bit Processor - Retail_____________________$141.00

-Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail_____________________$80.00

-SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model MPF920, OEM_____________________$6.99

-Seagate 80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model ST380013AS, OEM_____________________$69.00

-LITE-ON SK-1788/BS Standard Black/Silver Keyboard PS/2 104keys -RETAIL_____________________$5.00

-NEC/MITSUBISHI ASLCD51V-BK 15" LCD Monitor -RETAIL_____________________$259.00

-Logitech Premium Optical Wheel Mouse USB / PS/2 -OEM_____________________$10.00

-Lite-On Black 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive, Model SOHC-5232K, OEM Bulk Pack_____________________$43.00

Subtotal »
$876.99



EDIT: Good call on the case. As far as the 64 goes, I figured I'd prepare it for 64 bit Windows or other programs. Could probably save a bit w/o it though. Also, she just asked me to come up w/ something that's better than the Dell for a similar price, so I'm not buying it for her.

 

[LordPhoenix]

lmfao@wasting 64bit on a parent.

don't waste that money for something she doesn't know about /// need.

get a 17" flat panel instead.

*TIP* Instead of wasting $90-100 on a Power Supply + Ugly Case,

Get the Antec Sonata which features a 480W Antec Truepower Supply.

 

[Bonesdad]

Have to agree, that is overkill...$900 is a lot for a 'rent machine. Go the old Nforce2 AXP route. Just give her some good memory and a nice LCD. The best system will blow that Dell away for a lot less.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Don't make mom a criminal, pay your Microsoft monopoly tax and buy an OEM copy of Windows.

 

[moonsite]

yeah, I would get a case that comes with a power supply. Instead of getting a Combo Drive, why not spend a few extra dollars and get a DVD writer? Optorite 8X DVD writer is only about 3 dollars more. I have this Raidmax case and it runs pretty well, came with 420W power supply. It cost only $45.
RAIDMAX Black 10-bay Case with 420W Power Supply, Model "ATX-868WBP" -RETAIL

Yeah, for 270, I can get a decent 17" lcd monitor too, instead of just a 15".

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Dude, get her a Dell.

Cruise Hot Deals until the next low-end deal (should be <$300) and then pick up an LCD from FS/T or a similar pricematching.

- M4H

 

[Devcon]

I can get it down to $496 going the XP/nforce 2 route without a monitor. This would also include dumping the video card for integrated video. She does have a cheap ass old monitor that would temporarily suffice. Then she could wait for a deal on an LCD...

It would be 576 going the 64/nforce 3 road.

 

[magratton]

Yes, changing the CPU from A64 to AXP I would suggest the following:
Motherboard: Shuttle AN35N-Ultra $57
CPU Non-Overclock: AXP2800 $147
OR
CPU Overclock: AXPM2200 $77
Heatsink: Speeze Falconrock $9.99
Hard-drive: Western Digital 80GB EIDE $61
Memory: 1GB Corsair Value Select - same as you had $160

On the SATA, I believe many would say that SATA has little benefit over IDE at this time, so don't spend more if you don't have to. Personally, I would suggest the OC route. You should hit AXP3000+ speeds with that chip no problem. In terms of cost different between what you had and what I listed, you actually save $49 and have 512mb more ram for your mom which will help keep that system fresh for some time to come. You may even be able to get th 17" LCD with the $50 saved!

 

[mechBgon]

Add the three-year warranty to the Dell, so we've sort of got apples and apples here? What's that cost?

I was in the same situation and built Mom a computer I figured was going to be "plenty good enough." 1GHz Duron, Win2000 Pro, 256MB RAM, nF2 with onboard video. Great little email/surfing box. But guess what: now my 75-year-old dad is getting into video editing! I sure am glad it's not a Dementia 2400, but I'm kicking myself for not making it a little beefier to start with. It's now up to 160GB storage, my Pioneer DVD±RW drive, 512MB RAM, WinXP Pro, a Radeon 9200 VIVO and a 1.8GHz Duron.

Also, depending on how extensive the photo editing might get, you may want a fairly powerful CPU and quite a bit of RAM for that. I wouldn't go any less than 512MB, and make sure you've got room for more.

 

[tjaisv]

If u plan on getting the MSI K8N Neo, be aware that many folks over at this MSI forum recommend u get a PSU that has minimum 20A on the +12v rail.

And Devcon go to pricewatch.com and pricegrabber.com to get the best prices on your stuff before u buy anything.

 

[imported_Computer MAn]

If you have a local Fry's nearby they sometimes have a 2800+ Barton and an ECS board with an nforce 2 chipset. The cpu is boxed sometimes BTW and this usually goes for around $100. I know ECS is not the best but for someone who does not need to OC they are ok. They also have some good sales on memory. Check the ad on Friday. If you do go A64 the Neo is overkill for a person who doesn't need a high end system. I can't remember the site but one site has a chaintec motherboard and an A64 2800+ for $200