System build around XP Home

[cmf21]

My sister needs a new computer and wants to stick with her XP Home. I've been out of the loop now for some time and don't know what's compatible with XP Home. She doesn't want to spend more then $300 and would like a system that doesn't take up too much room. I already have her a Coolmaster 341 matx case but no PS. She doesn't play games, just internet, edit photos, etc. She says she needs like 6 usb ports and a card reader. I don't know if she needs anything more then onboard video and such but I would like to keep her options open for future upgrades like windows 7. Any suggestions?

 

[Slugbait]

More specifically, it's hard to know what's NOT compatible with XP Home.

Mobo, $55 shipped
CPU, $70 shipped
RAM, $45 shipped. If you're OK with rebates, AND you don't mind cranking the voltage, you can save $9 going with OCZ.
Hard drive, $65 shipped
PSU, $40 AR+s/h
Card reader, $13 shipped

Total: $288

Now, if she's also needing kb/mouse, speakers, monitor...tell her to start hitting the garage sales. I've seen 19" CRTs going for $10 bucks everywhere, and she's got two bucks to spare for the kb/mouse/speakers.

Edit: whoops, forgot about the shipping on the PSU. Oh well, out of funds...

 

[M0RPH]

Well I'll throw this out there, even though you'd be paying for an OS you don't need:

Dell Vostro 220s Slim Tower Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 2.8GHz Desktop (3GB/250GB) w/ 19in LCD $379
Dell Vostro 220 Mini Tower Intel Core 2 Duo E5300 2.6GHz Desktop (2GB/160GB) w/ 19in LCD $359

I'm sure your sister would enjoy Vista after using it. Or wait until July so you can get a Windows 7 voucher thrown in.

 

[yh125d]

I don't know why slugbait recommended that PSU, but I would stay far far away from it. Never heard of the company, and it looks very gimmicky. Get something from a known and trusted brand, like a Corsair 400w, Antec EW380, or seasonic 350-400w

 

[California Roll]

For purposes that the OP states, I'd also go with some type of Dell system during one of their sales.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Dell + USB hub. Then when something goes wrong it's Dell's fault not yours.

 

[jae]

Originally posted by: M0RPH
Dell Vostro 220 Mini Tower Intel Core 2 Duo E5300 2.6GHz Desktop (2GB/160GB) w/ 19in LCD $359

Would definitely go with this deal, can't do better in your price range

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: yh125d
I don't know why slugbait recommended that PSU, but I would stay far far away from it. Never heard of the company, and it looks very gimmicky.

Bing it, lazyboy.

Sigma has been around for a couple of decades. Their Sharks get decent reviews at sites like [ H ] and OCC. And all but one of their PSUs get either four or five eggs.

They also have a somewhat large line of gimmicky cases, most of which also get four or five eggs.

 

[Slugbait]

Ehhh, just dawned on me...forget about the Shark (and the Corsair, Antec and Seasonic). It won't fit in the case. You'll need to sacrifice a lot of power and go with this FSP for $45 + shipping.

So yeah, maybe you should toss the case and go with the Dell mini tower...it limits your choices on video upgrades in the future (due to length), but compared to the slim tower, you at least have more than a few cards to choose from.