New PC for Dad

[jasonb55]

My dad wants to get a new computer and asked me to find the best deal for him. I'm kind of torn between building it or buying retail. He only uses it for web/email and very light gaming(please no integrated graphics).
I looked at Dell(Canada) and all of their good deals have integrated graphics. So I think I will build one. My question is what do I go with? He doesn't want to spend a lot of money so no Conroe(damnit..haha). Would the old P4's be suitable or would it be wise to go with AM2? or even s939?
Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks, Jason

 

[savvy]

Not even an E6300?

 

[rudder]

You can get a semprom/mobo combo at newegg for $99.

Newegg

Hmm... just saw that it is agp... but you can still get a very decent agp card for under a $100.

 

[adamb10]

http://promotions.newegg.com/AMD/AMD_mobo/index.html

 

[jasonb55]

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to mention that I'm in Canada. E6300 is a bit pricey.
Would it be possible to buy a Pentium D 805 and a conroe compatible motherboard then upgrade later when conroe is cheaper?

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: jasonb55
Thanks for the replies. I forgot to mention that I'm in Canada. E6300 is a bit pricey.
Would it be possible to buy a Pentium D 805 and a conroe compatible motherboard then upgrade later when conroe is cheaper?

Yes.

If you want really cheap, a pre-built might not be such a bad idea.

If dual core is too much, i'd look at an AM2 Sempron.

Otherwise, your 805 + budget mobo sounds like a good plan.