Hello all. My dad asked me to build him two new PCs to replace some aging dinosaurs for him. One for his home and one for his office. So let's get right to it.
Home PC
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
General computing, internet, TV/video streaming, graphics editing software, some gaming. He would like this PC to have good graphics handling capability (but this is my dad we're talking about, he's not looking for some quad SLI rig). Also, as much processing power and ram as is reasonable. My thoughts on hard drives are 512 gb ssd and a 1-2tb platter drive for storage.
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$1200-1500
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
US
4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.
5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
No brand preference except I would like to make this an Intel chip build. I tend to lean toward nvidia, but if there is an AMD option that fits the bill that's fine too.
6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
No current parts to be used. However, he is not in need of any peripheral components.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default speeds only.
8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
1920x1280
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.
Immediately
X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
Windows 7 only.
Office PC
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Office work. Mostly invoices, and quickbooks. And he works with A LOT of windows open. I mean A LOT. Some other odds and ends and general computing, internet. No gaming, though he would like it to be graphics "capable"....no need to get fancy here. He would like to go with two 1 tb platter drives in a redundant setup for some data safety. Probably will forgo and ssd for simplicity and cost.
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$1000 or less.
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
US
4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.
5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
No brand preference except I would like to make this an Intel chip build. I tend to lean toward nvidia, but if there is an AMD option that fits the bill that's fine too.
6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
No current parts to be used. However, he is not in need of any peripheral components.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default speeds only.
8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
1920x1280
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.
Immediately
X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
Windows 7 only.
You guys have helped me tremendously with my last three system builds. Your judgement and suggestions have always been spot on! Thank you!
KiL
No cursing in the technical forums please.
mfenn
General Hardware Moderator
Home PC
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
General computing, internet, TV/video streaming, graphics editing software, some gaming. He would like this PC to have good graphics handling capability (but this is my dad we're talking about, he's not looking for some quad SLI rig). Also, as much processing power and ram as is reasonable. My thoughts on hard drives are 512 gb ssd and a 1-2tb platter drive for storage.
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$1200-1500
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
US
4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.
5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
No brand preference except I would like to make this an Intel chip build. I tend to lean toward nvidia, but if there is an AMD option that fits the bill that's fine too.
6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
No current parts to be used. However, he is not in need of any peripheral components.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default speeds only.
8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
1920x1280
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.
Immediately
X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
Windows 7 only.
Office PC
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Office work. Mostly invoices, and quickbooks. And he works with A LOT of windows open. I mean A LOT. Some other odds and ends and general computing, internet. No gaming, though he would like it to be graphics "capable"....no need to get fancy here. He would like to go with two 1 tb platter drives in a redundant setup for some data safety. Probably will forgo and ssd for simplicity and cost.
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$1000 or less.
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
US
4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.
5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
No brand preference except I would like to make this an Intel chip build. I tend to lean toward nvidia, but if there is an AMD option that fits the bill that's fine too.
6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
No current parts to be used. However, he is not in need of any peripheral components.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default speeds only.
8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
1920x1280
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.
Immediately
X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
Windows 7 only.
You guys have helped me tremendously with my last three system builds. Your judgement and suggestions have always been spot on! Thank you!
KiL
No cursing in the technical forums please.
mfenn
General Hardware Moderator
Last edited by a moderator:
