Low End Build: Word Processing and Internet

[the_guitarboy]

Trying to build a uber cheap PC for a friend, this will only be used for Office/Internet use. No games...ever. This needs to be under $400 including Taxes.

Requirements: Case size 14" height limit.

Current Parts List:

Fractal Design Core 1000 mATX Computer Case

AMD Entertainment Edition 4GB 1X4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz 9-9-9-24 1.5V Memory Single Module

Seagate Barracuda Green 1.5TB SATA 6GB/S 3.5IN 12MS 5900RPM 64MB Hard Drive OEM *IR-$20*

Antec Basiq VP350 350W Power Supply ATX12V V2.3 Dual +12V Rail 120mm Fan

AMD A4-3300 X2 Radeon HD 6410D GFX Dual Core Processor Socket FM1 2.50GHZ 1MB 65W Ret *IR-$12*

ASUS F1A55-M LE mATX AMD A55FCH FM1 APU DDR3 SATA3 2PCI-E16 1PCI-E DVI VGA CrossFireX Motherboard

ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24X SATA DVD Writer OEM Black

[krajee]

What about a smaller harddrive and 2g ddr3 instead of 4?

[the_guitarboy]

Originally Posted by krajee

What about a smaller harddrive and 2g ddr3 instead of 4?

4GB is $25, and i wouldn't put less in any system these days.

The 1.5TB is the cheapest HDD i could find at $89 that was worth buying. No point in paying $70 for a 250GB.

[Entilza]

Does it have to be a full PC box?

What about these mini type systems they look cool for what you need.

ASUS Eee Box 1012P NetTop PC Intel Atom D510 1.66GHZ 2GB 320GB 802.11N Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - ASUS - EB1012P-B022E

There are many different versions. Even from $250

[the_guitarboy]

Originally Posted by Entilza

Does it have to be a full PC box?

What about these mini type systems they look cool for what you need.

ASUS Eee Box 1012P NetTop PC Intel Atom D510 1.66GHZ 2GB 320GB 802.11N Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - ASUS - EB1012P-B022E

There are many different versions. Even from $250

I suggested those or a Mac Mini, but he wants to be able to swap out parts in the future. i.e CPU/Mobo so he doesn't have to always get a whole new unit.

[Dzzope]

For his needs... pick up the cheapest pos pre-made thing you can get... no point going for a self build as the big guys can sell full systems cheaper than we can get the parts for..

[Perineum]

I disagree..... when he decides to upgrade he'll be able to do it cheaper for the most part.

However, ditch the Antec Basiq and get the Antec Neo 450, it's about the same price on sale and you can probably price match.

Also, I would not get a "green" drive. A blue would be better for a system drive, imho. Some people get really cranky waiting the 5 to 7 seconds for the drive to spin back up.

[redline]

For such a low-spec build, you can get a much better value in a prebuilt PC, which includes the OS, with sufficient upgradeability (memory, storage, graphics).

At that price level, it's not worth upgrading the core components when you can buy a whole new updated machine. Why go through the hassle of transplanting the guts just to reuse a cheap case and PSU? But good luck either way.

[Perineum]

Well I typically use a reasonable case and PSU and lower the budget everywhere else.

I also hate the hacked up "OS" that comes with pre-built machines.

But whatever, it doesn't affect me either way.

[Dzzope]

Honestly.. my bro went the rout your looking at and although it served him well... he's basically just building a new rig now (now into games)..

You could re-use the case and some other bits but really whats the point... in a few years when he wants or needs an update he will be able to buy another pre-built pos for about the same as the cost of upgrading.
The benefit of this is he can either sell the current new one or just give it to someone he knows looking to browse or give it to some charity.. no spare bits lying around either.