Need help building a computer for dad. And its prolly a celeron.

[MysticX23]

I know all the bashing about celerons, and the values of the Semprons, but I've gotta get it.

Anyways, my dad needs a computer for his office and he insists he wants an INTEL. So since its going to be just for office work, I'm thinking CeleronD. He also wants it to be as hassle free as possible, as in, decent brand and NO rebates. He wants a budget computer, but hasn't given me a price range. Here's what I'm thinking

Celeron D 325 - $85
Gigabyte GA-8TRS350MT - $85 (found
HERE)
Generic Case/PS from Fry's - $30ish
2x256MB PC2100 Value Ram - $70
Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM HD - $55
DVD+/-R Drive - $60

Total comes out to be around $390 with NO Rebates.

He doesn't need monitor, keyboard, nor mouse. And the graphics is the integrated ATI9100 IGP.
Do I need to change any parts? I question my decision on the PC2100 Ram; would the IGP benefit from having PC2700 instead? Please gimme some comments.

 

[Akira1224]

Did you see AT's budget guide that went up yesterday? Start there....

If he insists on Intel the Celeron-D isn't a "bad" choice... maybe splurge for a P4, decent chipset and mobo (sorry I'm not up to speed on my canterwood/springdale mobo's...maybe an Abit IC7??) and some PC3200 RAM.


You need him to give you a price cap...then you can start to work within it.

 

[MysticX23]

if i'm using a celeron, is there a need for pc3200 ram? Especially if i'm not overclocking?

 

[kornphlake]

Ditch the DVD +/-R, an office machine doesn't need it, really you don't even need a CD-ROM except to install the OS. All filesharing should be done over a network I'd assume, or maybe not. Either way a DVD drive is unnecessary, save yourself $30 and get a CD-RW. I'm not sure where you got your prices but I've seen memory for less than that at circuit city or best buy without rebates.

 

[dmw16]

I'd get PC3200 because it is basically the same price as PC2100 and will be good in the future if you ever want to go P4...


EDIT: CeleronDs are 533mhz bus, so you ***NEED*** at least PC2700

 

[Akira1224]

Originally posted by: MysticX23
if i'm using a celeron, is there a need for pc3200 ram? Especially if i'm not overclocking?

I build PC's part time and I personaly would NEVER build a rig using PC2100 RAM. 2700 maybe...but even on my entry level systems I use value PC3200. Get a dimm of Crucial or Kingston value ram.

Check zipzoomfly, newegg or Crucial's site. With prices on RAM as low as they are there is no reason not to get PC3200.

 

[Markfw]

sounds like a perfect contender for a "cough" Dell !

 

[MysticX23]

hrm...prices do look pretty close for ram. i guess i will go with the 3200 then. anything else?

 

[Akira1224]

Go with an Athlon and tell your dad it's time to let go.

 

[GoSharks]

go to hot deals and look for the dell 400sc. should be able to get one for around $250. pop in another stick of ram, and you are good to go.

 

[Abhi]

Originally posted by: Akira1224
Go with an Athlon and tell your dad it's time to let go.

 

[Lonyo]

Originally posted by: dmw16
I'd get PC3200 because it is basically the same price as PC2100 and will be good in the future if you ever want to go P4...


EDIT: CeleronDs are 533mhz bus, so you ***NEED*** at least PC2700

How did you work that one out?
133 x 4 = 533MHz
133MHz = PC2100
166MHz = PC2700

You need at least PC2100....

 

[Sonic587]

Don't skimp on the PSU. As a office computer, stability should be your dad's #1 concern. A generic PSU in a office computer is a big shot in the foot as far as that goes. Here's a great budget PSU that fits the bill:

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-104-937&depa=0

 

[Regs]

Your dad is really selling himself short with this fixation on Celerons. Celeron D's are an improvement of their predecessors but still can't touch the Sampron's.

I could at least make some sense of this going with a warrenty covered pre-built Dell computer, but huh?

 

[Pixle]

If you are going to shop at FRY's


BUY THE AMD COMBO 🙂

I know that he wants intel - but 70$ for a Motherboard and Fast Xp Barton is a great deal.

Best for those on budgets..tell him it comes with a warranty...you can even by the replacement warranty.

Pixle.