Please help me select parts for a very low end budget PC

[ibex333]

I need to build a PC for my father. He needs it only for internet, typing, watching movies, and occasional downloading.

I did read the sticky here, but some low end links are dead, and I would strongly prefer that this PC will cost no more than $300-400, and if possible a lot less. One thing of note is that a used PC is not an option. All parts must be new.

I don't care if it is an AMD or Intel system. Only requirements are a large HD 500gb-1Tb and ability to run Vista/Win7. PC does not have to be quiet or power efficient. Also need some recommendations for a cheap but decent monitor. Screen size doesn't matter. Integrated video card is ok.

Some things preferred but NOT required:

1)PC capable of playing HD movies.
2)Some room for upgrading in the future.


I already have a case (Antec Super Lanboy)

 

[DSF]

Is there a compelling reason not to get a cheap Dell or HP? It would come with an OS, a nice monitor, and even a service plan so you don't have to play tech support if you don't want to.

 

[OoteR02]

If you check the hot deals forum, you'll see a Vostro for $420 or so with a 20" Ultrasharp monitor...

Otherwise I did an AMD 6000+ system for my wife for $300. I went with a foxconn board that had HDMI built in, that was $66 from newegg.
I didn't have a powersupply, but did have the hdd's, just toss a 640 gig WD in there for $70, add $50 in ram and call it a day. (select any number of Optical drives for under ~$30)

Later it can be updated to a quad, and add a mid range video card in the future and you'll be all set.

 

[ibex333]

Thanx for the Vostro link DSF. I saw you mentioning Dell in your 1st post, but I couldn't find this particular one...

Anyway, a very good price at $419, but:

Cons:

Only a 250Gb HD
Only 2Gb RAM

Pros:

A more powerful CPU (Not sure how much faster it would be when compared at stock to Overclocked AMD or Intel CPUs I have chosen below...)

A larger Dispaly.. Dont know if it's better though.



EDIT:

Please look this over and tell me what you think. Any incompatibilities?

AMD System
CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103211
Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813186141
RAM- http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122
Video Card -Integrated
HD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822152100
PSU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817182016
DVD Burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827106228
Display - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009127


Total is $490.28 shipped WITH a very nice 19" monitor. I could have went with the Hanns for $100, but this one is a lot better and only $40 more. I know the PSU is not too shabby, but the reviewers on newegg don't seem to have any problems with it. And yes, I know I didn't factor in the OS yet. Still deciding between XP and Vista.


Intel System:

CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819116063
Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131288
RAM- http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231122
Video Card -Integrated
HD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822152100
PSU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817182016
DVD Burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827106228
Display - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009127


Total is $475.72 shipped


A few Questions:

How much faster is the e7300 at stock when compared to other CPUs here? (provided I OC them off course)

What do you think would be better for my dad? A faster cpu or a larger HD/More RAM? I think the HD and RAM are more important for him because of movies, but if I am wrong, please tell me.


Which system would YOU go with if you were the one choosing?

 

[DSF]

We don't see your shopping cart, we see ours. Just list the components in the thread.

Link to $419 Dell Vostro from the Hot Deals forum:
http://www.dell.com/content/to...?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

Comes with an E7300 and a 20" monitor. I think that would be hard to beat.

 

[ibex333]

Edited links...

 

[s44]

Why the heck would you overclock for general puttering around?

Literally any dual core will be more than enough. HD decoding is handled by any modern GPU (even the most recent integrated ones will do).

 

[DSF]

2GB of RAM is plenty for anybody who's not doing things like photo editing or running a lot of programs at once. (And I don't mean several internet windows while you're watching a movie, I mean several programs with decent-sized RAM footprints.

In anything where the CPU is stressed the E7300 would be faster than either of those CPUs, although they might have a slight edge if you overclock them. As someone else said though, it's just not necessary. Any of these chips has more than enough power for what your dad is looking to do.

 

[ibex333]

Originally posted by: s44
Why the heck would you overclock for general puttering around?

Literally any dual core will be more than enough. HD decoding is handled by any modern GPU (even the most recent integrated ones will do).

You are absolutely right. The only reason I would OC is because I can. Don't really have a better reason. 😉