Operation: Sister's Computer

[imported_Irish]

I'm going to build my sister a computer and I want the community to be a part of helping me choose the parts (like always.) My sister was going to get a laptop but has finally given me the go ahead to compile a list of parts of a computer I would build her. This computer will be used mainly for regular use (internet, school work, music, movies, etc) but will be occasionally be used for games. Yes a girl who enjoys games. Who'd thunk it? However she doesn't care about eye candy and high resolutions. But anyway she has a budget of $700 (including monitor) the case should be black.

http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wis...ow.asp?ID=1587671&WishListTitle=Sister's%20Rig

If you want to recommend a whole new list or just getting something else, by all means.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

oooo 700 including the monitor could be a tough one, i think your gonna have to scour ebay and the FS/FT forum here to pick up some deals

 

[Excelsior]

Lose that video card, cause 256MB on a card that slow is useless. And I would say go ahead and get a dvd burner for the money (why not).

I would get this video card instead. but I guess that isn't saving much money.

I would also get this cpu instead.

 

[w00t]

I dont like it.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

thats a weird setup and i dont have time to concoct one for you. do you need an os cd or do you already have one handy?

 

[sniperruff]

dell. p4 2.8 dimension 3000 with 17" LCD can be had for $500 once in a while. includes OS and warranty minus the headache.

that, or just buy a NF2 mATX with IGP and throw in a sempron.

 

[KoolDrew]

It may be best to just buy a Dell and then add a cheap video card.

 

[mechBgon]

If your sister will be on broadband, get her a router for security. I favor the Netgear RP614, and if you want to set it up extra tight... directions. Microsoft Works Suite 2005 OEM is worth a look too, it has some useful stuff including Encarta 2005 Stanadard (encyclopedia) and Word 2002.

Also, if your sister is like my little sister, sweat the details on system security. Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer can help reveal weaknesses that you might not think of, for starters. I got my little sister Kaspersky Antivirus Personal 5.0, which gets hourly updates and has top-of-the-line detection rates, after I had to spend 6 hours disinfecting it (despite properly-configured Norton Antivirus 2005). And I got her the Netgear RP614 as well.

Yeah I know, that stuff isn't hardware. But if you're going to be the "solution provider" here, keep the big picture in view.

 

[imported_Irish]

Originally posted by: w00t
I dont like it.

Why don't you like it?

 

[imported_Irish]

Originally posted by: wafflesandsyrup
thats a weird setup and i dont have time to concoct one for you. do you need an os cd or do you already have one handy?

I have a spare XP she can use.

 

[imported_Irish]

Also I'm going to drop the video card altogether because I have a 9800 PRO (128 mb) she can have. I'm going to be upgrading to a 7800GT AGP when/if it comes out. So for now I'll just add a cheapo card.

 

[Hacp]

Are you sure it has to be black? why not silver? Thats a nice color too.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

what kind of games are expected to be played on the computer, if light, i can work off of this. but others are right about recent dell specials where it's systems comes with 17" or even up to 24" lcd's (which i regretfully missed) at very affordable prices. check the hot deals section of this forum to find them

 

[imported_Irish]

Originally posted by: Hacp
Are you sure it has to be black? why not silver? Thats a nice color too.

It doesn't *have* to be black, she would just prefer it. If you want to recommend another case by all means...

 

[alcoholbob]

The Dell 1905FP 19" LCD monitor with an adjustable stand (can move it up or down up to 12 inches I believe, good for stooped over students' necks) can be had for $200 flat about once a month if you wait for a deal on Gotapex.

You might want to get a USB keyboard as well, certain motherboards (like MINE) don't even accept PS/2 anymore (there's an outlet but no functionality...really lame).

Also try to look for a quiet PSU...your sister might appreciate a comp with a quiet PSU (with like a 120mm fan).

 

[shoRunner]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189003 (xclio 450w $53)<-- go with that psu its cheaper and a quality unit.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813152043 (CHAINTECH VNF3-250 $58) <--- i'd go with that mobo as it is cheaper and the asus doesn't have much that it does have.

and what video card are you getting. i'd recommend looking for a 9700/9800 on ebay or fs/ft forum as they can be had for <$80 and are gonna be better than anything else for that price point, and they will still play all the current games (minus alittle eye candy)>

 

[GuileVsGuile]

wow man...very smart and economical buying. Nice price tag.