SEARCH

The How-To Geek Forums Have Migrated to Discourse



Join the Discussion at discuss.howtogeek.com

How-To Geek Forums / Build Your Own PC

Everyday Computer Build

(20 posts)
  • Started 2 months ago by hArLtRoN
  • Latest reply from hArLtRoN
  • Topic Viewed 384 times

hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

This computer is going to be built for my grandma so it doesn't need to be insane. She mainly does internet, Word Processing, and games like Wizard 101, Zuma, Solitaire (built into Windows 7).
Occasionally the computer will be used when she works from home (remote desktop connection to a server). She will need dual screens.

This is what I have:

CPU:
AMD FX-4100 3.6.GHz ($104.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6819103996

Motherboard:
MSI 970A-G46 AMD 970 (AM3+) ($79.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6813130637

RAM:
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1866 ($34.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6820231474

Graphics:
Sapphire Ultimate Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 ($84.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6814102950

HHD:
Western Digital WD2500AAKX 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s ($59.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6822136771

PSU:
RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-530SS 530W ($46.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6817152028

Case:
GIGABYTE GZ-ZIF338R ($54.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6811233112

Total: $466.93 w/o shipping

I know the processor is a little older but for what she will be doing it is fine. Also an HHD is fine. She will be happy with the speed it is performing at. Her laptop has a 7200RPM HHD and shes perfectly happy with it. I know that a few fans will be needed as well.

This computer doesn't need to be extremely powerful!

Any suggestions? I think the total budget will be about $500.

Shawn C.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
warlock
warlock
Posts: 4100

@Shawn, Don't forget the cost of the OS. unless you already have it.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

@warlock,
I already have Windows 7 for it. Thanks though!

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
warlock
warlock
Posts: 4100

LOL. just thought I would mention it before the builders look it over.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
ronniesonora
Posts: 919

Windows 7 32 bit or 64 bit

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

Windows 64 bit

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
ronniesonora
Posts: 919

You might think about using 8gb of memory on a 64 bit OS instead of 4gb.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

I was thinking about just going with the 4GB now and maybe adding 4GB down the road. My grandma won't ever need 8GB of RAM.

She has 4GB on her laptop and it works just fine for her.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

This Bundle will get her going with modern parts.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app.....u=B69-1451

Specs are down the page for each item and all compatible together.

Tiger does some Good Bundles for sure !!

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

@Rick,
I forgot about barebone kits. What do you think of the build I have listed above?

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

The Build you speced out doesn't hold a candle to the Bundle I posted. :) :)

Go for the Tiger Bare Bones Bundle as all the components are known to work well together.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

I do like that build that you posted but I think its a bit overkill for what she needs. I'm gonna look at the barebones and see if I can find one that isn't as powerful.

EDIT: What do you think of this one? http://www.tigerdirect.com/app.....CatId=7718

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

The Build looks OK but I'm Leary of any complete system for under $400 USD.

Remember, your Grandmother probably gave you more in life than you can ever repay her so think about the Build that way no matter if she can use all the features or not. :) :)

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

It's been a few years since I bought a computer. I'll look for one around $450ish.

She really has done a lot for me :) :)

EDIT: The build I linked to is $430 w/o rebates. The final cost is $350 w/ rebates.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
ProstheticHead
ProstheticHead
Posts: 3281

To be fair, you've probably over specced the build for what she will be doing with it. My advice would be to buy her a nice ssd for her existing computer.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

@ProstheticHead,
It may be a little over specced but it will probably last as long as she will need a computer. I would just put an SSD in her laptop but she wants a desktop for working from home because it is kinda of awkward on her laptop.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
Lighthouse
Lighthouse
Posts: 13598

I wouldn't waste money on an SSD for low to mid range build.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

I was planning on putting an HDD in her computer. She's not doing ANYTHING that requires an SSD. And it'll be cheaper for more storage. Maybe down the road I can put an SSD in if its needed.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
ronniesonora
Posts: 919

hArLtRoN, here's a gaming build for $534.00 but you could change the graphic card, hdd and memory and bring it below $500.00.
http://newbcomputerbuild.com/n.....pc-builds/

Posted 2 months ago #
Top
 
hArLtRoN
hArLtRoN
Posts: 766

@ronniesonora,
That's a good link. I think I'm going to go with a barebone kit from Tigerdirect. They have what she will need for a reasonable price.

@all,
I talked to her today and she doesn't want to do it until this summer so prices will have changed by then. I'll post back around summer time again with a build and see if you guys have any suggestions.

Posted 2 months ago #
Top