Best bang for the buck components??

[haut]

I'm building a computer for my parents (instead of paying back the money for tuition, they liked this idea more), so I want to build them something thats going to be stable and last, but not spend a fortune. I'm thinking AMD Athlon XP 1600+ or so with 256 MB PC2100 DDR, 40GB 7200 HDD, and 64MB DDR Radeon 7500LE video card. At newegg these (with DVD-ROM, case, mobo, keyboard, mouse, floppy, HSF, and Win XP home) come out to just over $500. Could I do better for this kind of money? I need to get them OS along with everything else. They dont do more than basic surfing, email, MS office, and they just got a digital camera, but I want something thats going to last for them and feel quick. I'm not partial to integrated video cards, and they will be adding a professional sound card later (oh yeah itll be used for audio recording too). How is the video on the nForce? the only integrated video I've used is on those crappy prefab computers *cough*HP*cough*. The mobo I selected is: ECS K7S5A based on cost, which seems to have a built in soundcard that should last them until they actually get a real sound card.

Did I choose components that are good value/performance? What would you do for an inexpensive system? Thanks to all!!
--Ryan

 

[techfuzz]

I HIGHLY recommend putting in at least 512MB so it will last 2-3 years; otherwise you'll be upgrading them in a year or two when they complain everything feels so slow because of all the stuff they'll eventually install. Believe me it will happen.

Don't forget about a modem/network card if they need Internet access. Dunno if you planned on including something like that or not, both are pretty cheap $10-$20. Otherwise it all sounds pretty good!

techfuzz

 

[CurtCold]

You could get a a7n266ve board with onboard video, lan, and sound. The video is about like a geForce 2. Plus you have the option to upgrade to another video later because it has an AGP slot. That might save you a few more $$$ right now. Stable 266 chipset too

 

[Ilmater]

Actually, for about $35 more you can get the 2100+ instead of the 1600+. I understand they don't need a powerhouse, but seriously, I'd look into it. Also, I'd agree with the Asus board, but not that one. You said that you didn't want onboard video, so get this one instead:

Asus A7V266-E
AMD Assured
1 AGP, 5 PCI, 1 ACR
2 USB ports (rear)
C-Media-CMI-8738 Audio support 6 Channel Speaker Mode

$75 shiped from Newegg

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: techfuzz
I HIGHLY recommend putting in at least 512MB so it will last 2-3 years; otherwise you'll be upgrading them in a year or two when they complain everything feels so slow because of all the stuff they'll eventually install. Believe me it will happen.

Don't forget about a modem/network card if they need Internet access. Dunno if you planned on including something like that or not, both are pretty cheap $10-$20. Otherwise it all sounds pretty good!

techfuzz

i think 256DDR is enough even for xp. at least for me when i play counter strike, burn cd, AIM and listen to mp3 all the same time =D

ECS mobo is pretty crappy i heard. i second the ASUS n-force eliminating the video card

 

[haut]

Thanks all! That a7n266 sounds good, they really won't be playing many games (especially once my brother moves out). Is 3 PCI slots really enough? I know theyll need modem (thanks for reminding me techfuzz!), a sound card, and what else?? Also, I havent used one of those mini-ATX mobos before, does it just not fill out the bottom of the case (if its a full size case)?? Thanks to all!!!!!
--Ryan

 

[IgoByte]

Your setup sounds just fine. I'd opt for 512MB of RAM and make sure you get a good case and decent PSU. You may want to go for used components if you want to save a buck or two.

 

[Sid59]

though it isn't hardware, use ghost or drive image. Especially if it's for your parents. Only God knows how much havoc people can do. Get a nice solid ghost that you can revert to if times get bad.


Made my ghost after a fresh install and recently just spanned the image to 2 CDRs.

 

[John P]

Thanks all! That a7n266 sounds good, they really won't be playing many games (especially once my brother moves out). Is 3 PCI slots really enough? I know theyll need modem (thanks for reminding me techfuzz!), a sound card, and what else?? Also, I havent used one of those mini-ATX mobos before, does it just not fill out the bottom of the case (if its a full size case)?? Thanks to all!!!!!

The Asus A7N266-VM AA board has built in 5.1 sound, so you don't need a sound card. I'm building a computer for my parents with the same board.

 

[optimistic]

Get a KT333 board instead of the K75SA.
MSI and Epox makes some for ~$70/$80.

 

[sniperruff]

how about a cheap DELL LCD too to show how much you love your parents...

who knows maybe they decide that it costs you too much and pay for you...?

 

[optimistic]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
how about a cheap DELL LCD too to show how much you love your parents...

who knows maybe they decide that it costs you too much and pay for you...?

Thats a nice idea. Wait for the P4 Dell Deals with LCD for ~$500/$700.