Trying to configure a budget box for my girlfriend...

[FreshFish]

My girlfriend may need a new computer in the near future and I am trying to figure something out that would be cheap, yet perform well. She doesn't need anything extra special because all she will mainly be doing is web-surfing, music-listening and picture-looking-at/editing (nothing major). The big wildcard for me is the mobo...I know that I need onboard video support and also socket A (I think) compatibility since I want to go with a Sempron. Here's the list so far...let me know if I am a noob>

case> Antec w/ 300W PSU: $48.50
http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=11-129-121&depa=0

mobo (what I need the most help on)> Asus A7V8X-MX: $55
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=13-131-489&depa=0

CPU> Sempron 2400+: $60
http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=19-104-210&depa=0

RAM> Mushkin, 512MB, PC3200: $76
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=20-146-219&depa=1

HDD> WD, 80GB: $60
http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=22-144-122&depa=0

optical> Sony Combo Drive: $38.50

+ Windows XP Home $95

Total before speakers= $433

(mouse, keyboard and monitor are taken care of)

Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!!

 

[Bonesdad]

you might consider the abit NF7-M as an alternative mobo. It uses GeForce4 MX. I know it is a bit more, but this is your gf...


Might save a couple bux by stepping down to PC2700 RAM also. But only bout $10-$15.

Also, check ZipZoomFly.com on some of those components. Last time I checked, WinXP was a few bux cheaper there and with free shipping.

EDIT: Also, Newegg has a ton of mobos in their refurb area right now...including the Asus you spec'd and a Shuttle MN31L (also a very good mobo that is right up your alley.) LINK

 

[FreshFish]

Thanks a lot for the reply and information. The NF7-M looks like a good suggestion, but if all she is doing is maybe watching movies and surfing the web, would she really benefit from the better onboard graphics? I am considering it though.

At zipzoomfly apparantly I have to buy HW components there too if I want to purchase an OS from them (stupid Microsoft...) so that might work.

Thanks for the refurb linky though, those are worth a look I think.

 

[Bonesdad]

You don't actually have to buy hw from zzf to get windows...they will automatically send a CD sound wire with your order, for no charge. That fullfills their hardware obligation for the OEM OS.

Also, take a hard look at that refurb Shuttle MN31L - nice board, and the price is right.

 

[thermalpaste]

Don't go for an asus a7v8x-mx, it sucks. got for an asus a7-v-600 or an asus a7n-8x. the a7-n8x is rock stable and plus it also has a integrated geforce-4 and Nvidia MCP dolby audio processing unit. PC-2700 should be fine, go for korean RAM like hynix(hyundai) and you may save money out there.
GO for a 80 gig seagate barracuda, its quiet, reliable and comes with a 5 yr warranty.

 

[igowerf]

For my dad, I got the Biostar mATX nForce 2 board with a Barton 2500+ and a nice InWin mATX case that takes ATX PSUs. With RAM, it came out to well under $400, I believe. If you get the Sempron 2400+, you can save even more. You can find a copy of WinXP Home on the FS/FT forum for about $50 shipped.

 

[FreshFish]

Great info guys! Thanks a lot for the help!

 

[imported_monkfish]

Try viosoftware.com for Windows XP Home. I just got it shipped for $ 72.00.Check out their reseller rating. Save a few bucks, or upgrade to a non beige case or get a better main board.