How low can you go on a budget system?

[Shadowplague]

Hi everyone! I used to frequent this board a long time ago but just recently came back. I was hoping you all could help me with my next computer purchase. Here's the situation - I need to buy a computer for my wife. She does not run any high-end games, but uses it mostly for office stuff (she plays Sims occassionaly). I would like to get her an all-integrated mobo that I can upgrade some time in the future. So, I've read a lot of the threads here, but I really can't find some information relating to this kind of thing. Can someone please list some basic part that I can buy? I've been out of the hardware loop for a long time. Some guidelines below...

AMD-based (cheapest decent AMD CPU) - doesn't have to be dualcore
Integrated video, audio, NIC, SATA2
Big hard drive - speed doesn't really matter
17" LCD
512 MB RAM
pink computer case
PCI-E so that I can throw in a more powerful video card in a couple of years

I figure the last item will be difficult to find, but I will do my best.

 

[Shadowplague]

I almost forgot - no overclocking needed.

 

[pdo]

Sempron 2800+
Asrock K8NF4G-SATA2
whichever RAM and HD you can find in the Hot Deals board
Aspire X-QPACK cases..

 

[Cinna696]

Semp 2800 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819104245
Asus K8N-VM Nvidia 6100 Chipset Integrated Video http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131588
i'd go with 1gb so she'll have a smoother experience, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145505
seagate 7200.9 sata 160gb hd http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148105

as far as pink case...http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811156187 or this acrylic clear case which is 1/2 red 1/2 clear http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811148032

 

[markkleb]

Go to outpost.com for the mobo cpu combo (about $79 for siempron 2800 and mobo) Than go to Justdeals for the hdd (about $50 w/ free shipping)
than go to newegg and get a gig of mem and a inexpensive video card (even good onboard sucks)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102452R

That should be about $225

Wow Cinna696 thats really a PINK case...

 

[TriggerHappy101]

1gb is overkill for an office PC. 512mb is fine.

 

[Shadowplague]

That's great guys, thanks. I don't know if I'll be able to order the stuff since I'm in Toronto, Canada but I'll try. I took her to look at some cases in stores - none of them had pink - she didn't like any. So it looks like I'll have to order that online despite whatever custom fees I get charged with. I'll look for an NVIDIA 6100/6150 since I've had problems with some Radeon xpress200 mobos. I was gonna get her a kickass system if she had gotten into WoW with me, but I'm not so lucky. And the Sims is not my bag...

 

[furballi]

Cheap rig? There's a 250GB Seagate for $70 AR at Fry's (check the hot deal forum). Look for a used video card. About $15 to $20. I'd build another PC in a few years. No need to place for PCI-E cause a few years is a LONG TIME in this business.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4705559

http://www.provantage.com/antec-slk3000b~7ANTG02Y.htm

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA22243 (was $20 last week so you may want to wait for the sale)

Expect to pay about $400 + windows.

 

[imported_fx]

Red Case

Black with Pink Neon Case

I think your wife might like one of these case.. If you pick the red one and buy it.. let me know how you like it because I consider to buy it soon for my new rig.

 

[sniperruff]

$500 for a P4, dvd burner, 17-inch LCD, and 1-year warranty, with windows.

can't really beat a dell on sale

it ain't pink.. but PCI-e slot FTW