Build for my mom please check it over

[Kaptain_Insano]

My mother is wanting a new computer and I am more than willing to help. Her usage is very limited to daily tasks and internet. Is it worth the extra money to build for her or should I buy a budget comp like say a prebuilt for her?

Here is my build I put together for her(all in CDN funds):

Case: Antec Slimline minuet II MATX with 220 W PSU $81.16

Mobo: MSI K8NGM2 FID -Nvidia GeForce 6150 $129

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200 (s939)/2.0 Ghz $169

HD: WD caviar se16 250 GB sata 2 $105

RAM: Corsair Value Select 512 x 2 DDR 400 $117

Optical: Pioneer DVR-111D $48

FDD: Mitsumi Floppy with 7 in 1 card reader $29

Logitech deluxe keyboard and mouse $26

Modem: Aopen FM56-PX $36

Monitor: Dell ultrasharp 1907FP $349

Speakers: Logitech x230 2.1 speakers $50

OS: XP home oem $107

TOTAL before tax $1246

This seems like a reasonable setup for her. Would she be better off buying something at best buy for her needs or am I inline? She is cheap but has money to spend so...

Thanks for any input in advance

Cheers K

[Dheann]

I don't know you could I guess but you could also get a function computer for those needs for 600-700bucks before tax. Especially now, during the summer computers go on sale like crazy.

[trulad]

That 220W power supply is not enough. Better to get a good PS that's on the PcMech list. Also,if all she does is general stuff and surfing the net,you could save a lot by getting her a Dell.
trulad

[freakitchen]

Your requirements reminded me of a thread I posted in a while back, detailing the system I'd build for an Internet box. It can be accomplished for less money than you're planning on spending at the moment.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=158775

The prices and links were aimed at a US resident, but the parts used are still relevant.

You'll need to add peripherals and a monitor to the list, the ones you chose above are fine.

FK

[glc]

I'd take an entry level Dell over any custom build for that use and budget. Best Buy is the *last* place I'd buy a computer though.

What does she need a full Athlon 64 for? Why a 250gb hard drive? If you still want to do an AMD build, a socket 754 Sempron setup with onboard video and a 80gb hard drive is more than she needs.

Definitely do better on a power supply - there aren't too many mini cases with adequate power supplies though. Shop carefully.

[Kaptain_Insano]

Well I went ahead and ordered the dell lcd 1907FP. I am still tossing and turning over what to get her. Although I was looking forward to putting it together for her I still haven't decided against a store bought.

I want a nice size drive for digital photos and whatever for her. I figured at that price point a 250 wasn't much more and would last her a long time. I didn't think a athlon 64 was that overkill is it?
Wouldn't an antec case come with a decent power supply? Is the price change really worth dropping to a 754 socket for what seems a fairly small savings?

Remember I'm putting this together within reason of her uses but also want something decent. It's not as though she can't afford the little extra for a better rig.

Cheers K

[freakitchen]

Dropping to socket 754 wouldn't save you money on an equivalent processor, but it opens the door to the Sempron 64 chips, which give great performance for the price. The only reason to go for anything more powerful than the build I specced out (the linked thread in my previous post) would be for gaming or working with audio/video.

By all means upgrade the hard drive, though. You're right in the fact that the big-storage drives can be had for minimal cost these days. Get what you think you need, but I'd recommend a seagate drive.

This antec case comes with a quality power supply adequate for a lower powered system.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129150

GLC was referring to the fact that, although quality, the ultra-slimline antec case you initially chose does not have a sufficient power supply for this system.

FK

[glc]

Sorry about that - "daily tasks" to me does not include storage of a lot of digital media.