Help me help my sisters

[DanDaMan315]

I think justly is right, retain the 64, so you sister can go 64-bit when the time comes, but a 2800+ would do her just fine and would save you some money.

Or get a $700 Dell laptop, that way its mobile and she can do all her computer-killing word processing in a box with a fox.

 

[iamskew]

Why spend $700? Because as a dork, when given a limit, I can't help but do my best to reach that limit without going over.
Why a separate video card? Actually, I think I might switch to a $37 mx440 i think it was so that I can run dual monitors, seeing as how there's two crts still sitting around. That would allow my sisters to watch a movie and still chat online.

It's not a bad idea to get a cheaper case, I was thinking of taking mechbgone's advice and going with the antec sonata instead, which is about $76. I know that even in a budget system I don't want to compromise when it comes to a quality power supply, because I've had too much trouble in the past.

So a cheaper case, 2800+, and maybe integrated video might save me about $75. I suppose my mom wouldn't complain if I saved $75 Or, I could perhaps put that $75 or so toward some kind of software they might want...or $75 mp3 for them.

I don't want a dell box, or a laptop, mostly because I like the idea of building myself if I get a PC.

Keep the ideas coming, I'm loving all the positive feedback. If I get some time while watching Old School in HD on my 2005FPW with VOOM, I'll post an altered list of parts. I think I need to take a look at chaintech and epox boards and see if they'll save me some cash. Also, I might go ixnay on the dual monitor idea and keep the compaq alive with the backup crt, and use it as a linux box to play with. It would probably make a solid linux box...I think it's like 1.2 ghz and likee 256 ram...maybe 512, and I got some spare hdds laying around to give it a go.

Thanks again,
skew

 

[Chinoman]

Yes, sure she needs a gig of RAM for that RAM-killing AIM

 

[iamskew]

lol....leave the gig of ram alone...don't forget i'm a dork and might need another computer to do video encoding or something of that nature...

 

[Chinoman]

If so, I suggest something like this

CPU/Mobo Combo
RAM
Hard Drive
Now, since it's M-ATX, you can be flexible with it and get something "cute" like a HTPC case.
And as for the case, I like this one the best
Antec Aria
That's around $300...
She probably likes music and burning CDs or something so for an extra $20
CD/CD-RW

 

[Thegonagle]

My 2 cents on the Mac Mini: Don't force them to "switch" unless they both tell you they'll be OK with that. Also, consider the cost of MS Office for OSX down the road, which will be necessary for the first one that hits college. (Also, an external floppy may be necessary for moving papers, etc., between school and home, depending upon the remote access/storage capabilities of the college network.)

If building a PC, I think integrated graphics would be fine, as would a different Antec case, such as the SLK1650xxx or SLK3700xxx. (You're on the right track thinking of Antec cases in order to get a good PSU, but there's no need for more than 350 watts when you're not going to be running an Intel Prescott P4, nVidia 6600/6800, or overclocking.)

I'd also drop down to a 3000+ (if building my own, I'd get a Winchester because it runs cooler, saving energy and allowing for lower fan speeds) and spend a little extra money on a brand new hard drive unless the one you have is almost brand new--today's drives don't seem as long-lived as they used to. I prefer Seagate these days; I've had 4 of them (model# ST3120026A) running almost 2 years now, 2 in the PC, 2 in the Tivo, with no problems at all. (knock, knock)

 

[justly]

I don't know of any integrated video that would support dual monitors, so if you are set on dual monitor support I guess you need a discrete graphics card.

The sonata case is very popular around here so I can't complain (but for the price, quality and of course appearance I still like the Enlight 7250 ).

Just a reminder regaurding motherboards (I'm sure you know this already but...) not everyone needs an overclocking monster. Highly overclockable motherboards usually come at a premium price. If this system is not going to be overclocked curb the urge to spend big bucks on a motherboard. Also all motherboards should be stable and reliable at stock speeds (using quality parts), there are differances though, some times its in the form of better documentation, better support or features so do some research.

BTW when you said "So a cheaper case, 2800+, and maybe integrated video might save me about $75" I laughed my ass off you should be able to save at least twice that much.

 

[iamskew]

Thanks to both of you Let me clear some things up real quick. First off, it's 2 girls, not one, hence the "sisters"...heh Second, this is just a "temp" computer...one is a little over a year away from college, the other is a little over four years away. The one closest to college will get her own computer when she goes away so that the younger one can keep the computer I'm building now. Basically, it will be an "awesome homework machine" after I finish college next year and take my rig away with me (right now I leave it at home to save space at college/not get it stolen). So that's the situation. Also, I don't want to go SFF because my hands are too big, I got freakin ape hands. I honesty don't think I could work in that small of an area, it's hard enough for me in a normal ATX case.

Anyway, I'm gonna hit the sack...thanks for your suggestions and help everyone.

skew

 

[Chinoman]

I say go with the build I suggested... The aria case is semi-sff so it's a bit bigger.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle
My 2 cents on the Mac Mini: Don't force them to "switch" unless they both tell you they'll be OK with that. Also, consider the cost of MS Office for OSX down the road, which will be necessary for the first one that hits college. (Also, an external floppy may be necessary for moving papers, etc., between school and home, depending upon the remote access/storage capabilities of the college network.)

iWork can use Microsoft Word format.

Floppies are dead, nothing worthwhile requires them. USB memory stick things work just fine.