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Looking to build a cheap, gift computer for this holiday season

C

CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
See the old thread here. Thanks again for the help and suggestions.

As some of you may have read, originally I was going to salvage an older Dell Dimension 8300, fix it up a bit, and put it into a much nicer case. However, after many helpful suggestions and comments, I realized that this would simply be more work than the old computer is worth. I'm going to take a big hit in the wallet, but I've decided to build a computer from the ground up instead. The focus of the computer is cost versus performance, leaning toward cost. This is NOT for overclocking, and NOT for high-end gaming. Basically, it's for playing some non-graphics intensive games (C&C Generals, Warcraft III, Dungeon Siege II, etc.), surfing the web, and general use.

I already looked at what Dell and similar companies put into their $500 budget models, and I'm not impressed. Pentium 4 3.0GHz, 512MB, and a 7300LE? Yuck. Plus, building is just more fun. 😉


Budget:
$450-500ish. I can squeeze in up to $600 if I absolutely have to, but no more than that.


What I need:
Processor (MUST be Intel; prefer dual core; Core 2 Duo would be nice, but not necessary)
Motherboard (MUST be well-known, stable, and trusted; MUST have two PCI slots; MUST have at least one PCI-E slot; prefer P965, will consider worse)
Memory (1GB or more; DDR2; timings and speed do not matter)
Graphics Card (Light-gaming duty; MUST have DVI; prefer nVidia, will consider whatever performs better for the cost)
Hard Drive (200+ GB preferred; SATA only; prefer to spend the least amount possible)
Power Supply (Need something cheap and reliable; prefer to spend as little as possible; not for heavy gaming)


Example Build:
Core 2 Duo E6300 - $183
ECS P965 Express - $70 after MIR, combo deal with processor
A-DATA 2x512MB Dual Channel, DDR2 667 - $110
Chaintech 7600GS - $93
Western Digital Caviar SE 250GB - $70
Power Supply - no idea
Total: $530


Other Thoughts:
This is NOT for overclocking.
This is NOT for high-end gaming.
This is NOT for me. I need something that I can set up once, and not worry about for a while.
I wish I could do AMD, just for this build. 🙁 In the low-end dual core line, I could probably save a good amount of cash.
It's tough being Santa when you're broke. 🙁

Thanks for the suggestions.
 
That sample build looks ok. Make sure you are including the price of the OS in there too. A lot of people overlook that when building. And I know you were going to just do cosmetic upgrades to that Dell. I'm sure you had the OS for that. But given all of the "what this computer is NOT for" I hate to say it , but that 3.0ghz processor would more than likely be plenty for them. And unless they are computer savvy , which it sounds like they aren't. If they just think it's cool because of the side window and lights. You could still probably save yourself some serious money and build a reliable machine with that 478 processor.
 
I though about sticking with the same processor, but they do a lot of multi-tasking, so dual core would definately be an advantage. I could probably just buy a new motherboard now, stick with the same RAM, processor, and graphics card (AGP), and save myself a good $400+, but I'd probably just end up spending it next year. I figure this way I at least have them on a path that will allow cheaper upgrades in the future.

On another note, there are other people looking for Christmas ideas for her as well. I should be able to find someone to buy the OS, and someone else to cover the expenses I didn't list (case, optical drives if the ones in the Dell are outdated, etc.) Right now it's all in speculation.

Thank you for the suggestion though. It certainly crossed my mind. 🙂
 
Too much $ to spend on a hdd with your budget. You'll be able to go cheaper with the hard drive and maybe not so big. Or find a used one. Antec has a good budget case (slk3000b I think) that comes with a solid no frills power supply but I haven't seen how much they are in the last 6 months. They used to be readily available for $70 shipped from ZZF and monarch, among others.
 
Why "must be intel"? Dell's AMD systems are decent and cheap. Your build costs $620 with XP Home, and still needs a case/PSU. So a $600 - $700 Dell should be an option.

Pre-built, a warranty, and you aren't forced to provide lifetime tech support.
 
What about an AMD dual core, they run for a little less than the core 2 duos. For a build this cheap, I would buy a prebuilt computer though, dell or emachines would be fine. I don't know if emachines has dual core yet though.
 
I see eMachines at Walmart for $449.00 and they are a complete system. They're AMDs.

Many people get these because, they're perfect entry level into computing today. They have the necessary equipment and software for people to write, send email and surf the NET.

Give them a readymade pre-built and save yourself time and bother. Don't build one, because you'll be responsible for all their problems. Merry Xmas!

 
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