Really, really cheap build

[TossedSalad]

Hello,
I'm building a general purpose computer for a friend who will only use it for word processing, internet browsing,e-mail, instant messaging, etc..
Here's all the parts I'm considering purchasing:
Enlight 7250AK9 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
PC CHIPS M861G V1.6 Socket 754 VIA K8M800 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Rosewill RV350 ATX 1.3 350W Power Supply - Retail
AMD Sempron 64 3000+ Palermo 1.8GHz Socket 754 Processor Model SDA3000BXBOX - Retail
WINTEC AMPO 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Desktop Memory Model 3AMD1400-1GB-R - Retail
Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
LITE-ON Combo Drive Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SOHC-5236V-61 - OEM
Total cost (without shipping): $269.44

Will I have a problem with my mobo/cpu choices? Some of the much older newegg reviews on that mobo's page mentioned that it doesn't support the AMD Sempron without flashing the bios, even though the mobo clearly supports both "Athlon 64/Sempron" processors.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks!

 

[programmer]

Personally, I would avoid PC CHIPS products. I've bought two ECS RS482-M754 motherboards and aside from the stupid graphics on the splash screen are nice, stable, fast boards. The retail Sempron 3000+ is a good idea since it supports Cool n' Quiet and comes with the CPU fan. I'd also recommend Corsair memory, just my preference (I went with 2x512 just for the lower 2.5 latency). I also added a couple other items I think are better quality overall, and of course everything adds a few more bucks.

ECS motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135209
Corsair memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440
Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817371005
Samsung DVD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151133

 

[Farmer]

I personally would avoid Antec PSUs nowadays. If you mind paying $30 more, get the Enermax 400W unit.

I agree with programmer, ECS is a fairly solid company. You could probably spend a few more bucks to get a ~160GB or ~200GB HDD, since that's probably one of the few things he'll be needing (and will probably need to upgrade down the road anyway, 80GB nowadays is barely anything). You could also probably spend $5 more and get him a DVD burner .

You could also consider stepping up to an Athlon 64, but I think that processor should be fine for the intended purpose. For more (and better, and cheaper) CPU options, you might want to consider stepping it up to S939 or AM2. For S939, like this one. For AM2, this is a nice set of DDR2 RAM in your price range, this is a suitable motherboard, and you get a few more performance, more expensive processor options, including this X2.

Expect to tack on another $100-$200 for a copy of XP or Vista. At this point, it might make more sense for him to get one of those $400 Dells that come with monitor, OS, speakers and all. While any computer you build for $200 will probably have comparable components to a $400 Dell, your not getting a monitor, or the OS.

Good luck.

 

[Blain]

Just buy him a refurbed Dell with OS off ebay.

 

[sjandrewbsme]

For a low end word processing PC, I think you'll have a hard time beating the price of a Dell or HP package on sale.

 

[programmer]

Good idea on the refurbs, Blain --

Just checked delloutlet.com. There are some Dimension desktops going for as low as $259 (not including a monitor). For example, system 0GE6D8JE is a P4 2.8Ghz with 512MB, 80GB hard drive, 128MB ATI x300 video, CD-RW, and sound blaster for $259. Seems like a good deal plus it comes with XP Home and a warranty.

Of course, building the machines is half the fun!

 

[engiNURD]

Yah, building it is half the fun, but you really can't beat pre-built when goin for a budget system. I'd go for the E521's though, something like this:

A64 3200+ (2Ghz), 1GB DDR2-533, FDD, 80GB, Combo drive, Vista Home Premium: $299 (System Identifier: FX9VX494).