Help Choosing a Computer

[Trussrod]

I am looking for a new computer for my parents—nothing too fancy—it’s for the net and word processing. I’ve always made my own PC’s, but it’s been a long time since I’ve had to and I don’t know what the current specs are for a good computer.

What are good specifications for a CPU, RAM, L2 cache, video card and mother board? I have a sata HDD and DVD burner as well as an LCD monitor, etc., so a barebones system from Newegg or a similar store might be a good way to go.

TIA

[Grim]

Hello.

For processor you could do anything. a dual-core CPU will work fine for surfing the web and word processing. Any motherboard would work, I would use ASUS (The onboard stuff is generally better than most other mobos and I find ASUS mobos to be solid as hell.) and forget a graphics card (or go the i3 route and use the integrated intel)... The onboard will be fine. Either do 2 or 4 GB of DDR2 and you can keep this PC easily less than a grand. I'd say probably around 800$ (20% tax included), with a decent case.

[Ben...]

If it's just for web browsing and word processing get them a nettop. It's like a netbook but in desktop format. It should do what they want, be simple to use and be quite cheap. I've heard the Acer Aspire Revos are good.

[micha]

800$ sounds way too much in my opinion.
for surfing and some office Grim's specs will easily be enough, but over here I could get such a mashine in my favourite small store next door for around 220$.
that includes an HDD and optical drive, so without it would most likely be even less.

I could be wrong, but I'd be really surprised if hardware was that much cheaper over here than it is in the US.

[Grim]

800$ sounds way too much in my opinion.
for surfing and some office Grim's specs will easily be enough, but over here I could get such a mashine in my favourite small store next door for around 220$.
that includes an HDD and optical drive, so without it would most likely be even less.

I could be wrong, but I'd be really surprised if hardware was that much cheaper over here than it is in the US.

I am in Canada, and I find it highly unlikely you'll spec that PC out with a PSU and decent case for $220. We're talking $100-$200 for the CPU alone.

Also, because I did that mockup on a store computer, It auto-added 13% sales tax.

[micha]

oops, you're right.
I got the currency convertion the wrong way, but I guess ~400$ will be just fine.
my bad.

and in all honesty, if his parents are not gamers who need 200Watts alone to get the grafics running, I doubt the system will need more than 130Watts for surfing and office.
even a small 300W PSU will be more than enough for these tasks.

oh, and I'm talking prices without OS, keyboards and such.


sure, 800$ is a budget were you can get really high quality components, but at least my parents low budged computer is working really well for years now.

[Grim]

oops, you're right.
I got the currency convertion the wrong way, but I guess ~400$ will be just fine.
my bad.

and in all honesty, if his parents are not gamers who need 200Watts alone to get the grafics running, I doubt the system will need more than 130Watts for surfing and office.
even a small 300W PSU will be more than enough for these tasks.

oh, and I'm talking prices without OS, keyboards and such.


sure, 800$ is a budget were you can get really high quality components, but at least my parents low budged computer is working really well for years now.

This was priced with a 500W PSU.

and there is Windows Home Premium included, 64-bit.

also keep in mind the 13% tax added.

[Grim]

I just cut an i3 system with a 430W PSU (the lowest we carry), and I'm getting a consistent ~$750 with middle-of-the line specs, OS included.

Deduct 13% and you get $600. This is with a nice $120 case. Lowering the case to a $50 Antec 200, we get $666 with 13% tax. Cutting the tax out, we're at $532. OS + Keyboard/Mouse included (these are just regular Logitech)

It's doable for cheap, that's for sure.

And yes, I am at the store right now pricing these. I was at home for a bit and I went back, just for you! (Not really, don't flatter yourself.)

EDIT: Please, don't take this as a sales pitch. I just decided to price some stuff out for you, and I only ship in-province.

[Hellbat]

Lowering the case to a $50 Antec 200, we get $666 with 20% tax.

There is no computer more METAL!

[Trussrod]

Hey guys, thanks! I didn’t expect this much of a response.

@Grim: I think Asus and Abit are great companies. I’ve made all of my desktops—never purchased one new—or even in kit form. My last PC was a raid system w/five HDD’s (a bridge drive and two separate OS’s) that lasted eight years until the chipset fan croaked and took the whole mb with it. Right now I’m using a laptop and my parents are using a computer I built 10 years ago.

I was thinking this would be great for them and it meets Grim’s specs but at a far lower price point (about $220 USD delivered): http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6727564&Sku=B69-0241

My father was thinking of buying this and I would be off the hook for tech support and the initial build ($450 USD + tax): http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-p6610f-Desktop-PC/product_905276_HC2?cmArea=SEARCH

Is anyone aware of any short comings with the stuff I’ve listed?

[Grim]

Hey guys, thanks! I didn’t expect this much of a response.

@Grim: I think Asus and Abit are great companies. I’ve made all of my desktops—never purchased one new—or even in kit form. My last PC was a raid system w/five HDD’s (a bridge drive and two separate OS’s) that lasted eight years until the chipset fan croaked and took the whole mb with it. Right now I’m using a laptop and my parents are using a computer I built 10 years ago.

I was thinking this would be great for them and it meets Grim’s specs but at a far lower price point (about $220 USD delivered): http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6727564&Sku=B69-0241

My father was thinking of buying this and I would be off the hook for tech support and the initial build ($450 USD + tax): http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-p6610f-Desktop-PC/product_905276_HC2?cmArea=SEARCH

Is anyone aware of any short comings with the stuff I’ve listed?

That barebones one is more than fine. I was doing i3 quotes, which is why mine was more expensive, but the barebones will do the web and word processing easily.

I can't see the HP one (I am in Canada), but I am sure it will be good too. Although HPs have a reputation for having heat problems.

[Shawn Lutz]

why not get them a laptop? I just got an i3 duo core, 4GB, 500G HD, HD-LED display, win7 64 etc for a hair over $600.00. So simple to set up and use which would keep the questions you get from mom and dad to a minmum

[Trussrod]

Thanks, Grim.

Shawn, they already have a netbook and have used my laptop. I think they like a large monitor and separate keyboard. The whole setup is a different feel compared to a laptop. Thanks for the suggestion.