Jack Bruss wrote:
> We're looking for a low cost system - I'm thinking around $300 - $400.
>
Just some rough pricing.
For a processor, you can select a Celeron D if you want, as those
can be had for as little as $55. The processor I selected here is
a Pentium 4, with Hyperthreading, which will make the desktop
a little smoother. You could also go for an AMD processor, and
save a few bucks by using a Venice 3200+ S939 for $66.99, but
then you don't have Hyperthreading (two virtual processors in
one physical processor). My P4 system is just a little smoother,
compared to an equally powerful AMD system. 3GHz is a good
target for a "no complaints" user experience.
Pentium 4 531 Prescott 3.0GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116230
Motherboard with built-in graphics and a video slot, for future
PCI Express video card. Takes DDR2 memory.
ASUS P5L-MX Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945G Micro ATX $76
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131041
For memory, 512MB (2x256MB DDR2 memory) would be the minimum.
With integrated graphics, using dual channel memory mode would
be best. If a video card upgrade was used, then the pressure is
off, and a one or a two stick configuration could be used.
A single stick would leave room for a future upgrade. I'll
assume integrated graphics usage for now.
CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB (2 x 256MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM
DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit $56
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145530
COOLER MASTER RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$29.99 after rebate. The one 120mm fan in back is good enough.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119115
FSP Group (Fortron Source) ATX350-PA, version 2.0, SATA, 350W PSU $30
+3.3V @ 22A, +5V @ 21A, +12V1 @ 18A, +12V2 @ 16A, -12V @ 0.3A, +5VSB @ 2A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104901
Some CD/DVD burner (too lazy to pick one) $30
See
http://www.cdfreaks.com/reviews/ for reviews of burners.
Seagate 7200.9 80GB disk drive SATA interface $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148148
Price so far:
80 + 76 + 56 + 30 + 30 + 30 + 45 = $347
Still needs mouse and OS to install. If you are trying to reuse
a copy of Win98, then that may "steer" the hardware sslection
approach. I haven't factored OS selection into the motherboard
selection above. I'd have to "squeeze the fat" out of the
motherboard/cpu choice, to make room for the purchase of
an $80-$90 OS.
http://support.asus.com/download/dow...s&model=P5L-MX
I think you can come up with something to build.
Just buying a beige box at Walmart wouldn't be as much fun for you :-)
There are also much cheaper motherboard/CPU/memory bundles you can
get at places like Tigerdirect. I selected the above components
as a compromise - hoping for less chance of a dead computer after
delivery.
Paul
> "Paul" <nospam@needed.com> wrote in message
> news:ejklpg$kvd$1@aioe.server.aioe.org...
>> Jack Bruss wrote:
>>> I want to build a new computer for my father in law. He now has a 7 or 8
>>> year old Best Buy something or other. The monitor, speakers, and
>>> keyboard are ok, so we just need to get him a new system and optical
>>> mouse. My son and I have built several systems in the past, but the last
>>> was about 2 years ago, and I haven't kept up with the chip or mb types or
>>> terminology.
>>>
>>> So, I would appreciate some advice on the components to buy. I would
>>> most likely buy at Newegg, as I have always been treated well there. We
>>> are just looking for a basic system to do email, view photos, simple
>>> games, etc. We don't need any special extra power. He has a dial up
>>> connection only, so we'll need a modem, although I guess we can use the
>>> 56k modem he has, unless newer ones have some advantage.
>>>
>>> Thanks for any thoughts,
>>>
>>> Jack
>> What kind of budget ?
>>
>> I take it you're getting a new case and power supply ? Current
>> motherboards use a 2x2 ATX12V power cable, which the old computer
>> might not have.
>>
>> Paul
>
>