Jump to content

Welcome to Geeks to Go - Register now for FREE

Need help with your computer or device? Want to learn new tech skills? You're in the right place!
Geeks to Go is a friendly community of tech experts who can solve any problem you have. Just create a free account and post your question. Our volunteers will reply quickly and guide you through the steps. Don't let tech troubles stop you. Join Geeks to Go now and get the support you need!

How it Works Create Account
Photo

Would appreciate advice on building system


  • Please log in to reply

#1
mcsmc

mcsmc

    Member

  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 45 posts
Okay, here's the deal. The guy I'm building the computer for is only going to be using it for internet browsing, email, word processing, etc. He won't be using it for gaming, or anything else intensive on video or system resources. I'd like to make it fully compatible with Windows Vista if he so desires to upgrade to it sometime. I'm working with a smaller budget here, too. Total is $646 without shipping. I'm trying to build him something that will last awhile for what he will use it for, basically. He's an older guy, not super tech savvy. Please, any advice would be appreciated.

Here's the specs:

Case & Power Supply/Fans

Motherboard/CPU combo

Hard Drive

RAM

Optical Drive

Monitor

Mouse/Keyboard
  • 0

Advertisements


#2
kidnova

kidnova

    Member

  • Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 424 posts
Okay, here are my thoughts and suggestions.

I've never heard of that case or the PSU that comes with it. I would recommend going with a more respected PSU manufacturer such as Antec or Enermax. Here's a decent case and PSU combo:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129155

Your mobo/CPU should be fine for your stated purpose.

Harddrive is fine, but I would spend the few extra dollars for one with a 16MB cache, such as this:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822144701

Your RAM is your one glaring issue. 256MB isn't enough to run XP smoothly, let alone Vista. 512 is the minimum I would recommend for XP and 1GB will be necessary for the full version of Vista.

DVD drive and monitor are fine.

I've never really had a need for a wireless keyboard/mouse at home, but I'm sure some people have. You could save yourself some cash for other components by going with something like this:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16823109149
  • 0

#3
mcsmc

mcsmc

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 45 posts

Okay, here are my thoughts and suggestions.

I've never heard of that case or the PSU that comes with it. I would recommend going with a more respected PSU manufacturer such as Antec or Enermax. Here's a decent case and PSU combo:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129155

Your mobo/CPU should be fine for your stated purpose.

Harddrive is fine, but I would spend the few extra dollars for one with a 16MB cache, such as this:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822144701

Your RAM is your one glaring issue. 256MB isn't enough to run XP smoothly, let alone Vista. 512 is the minimum I would recommend for XP and 1GB will be necessary for the full version of Vista.

DVD drive and monitor are fine.

I've never really had a need for a wireless keyboard/mouse at home, but I'm sure some people have. You could save yourself some cash for other components by going with something like this:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16823109149


Thank you for your comments.

The case/PSU seems quite a bit more expensive. Do you really think it's worth the extra money?

I'll definitely take your suggestion regarding the hard drive, hardly a few dollars more for a better drive.

As for the RAM, my mistake... I included 2 256MB sticks in my quoted price, for a total of 512MB (taking advantage of dual channel). I checked minimum system requirements for Vista, and 512MB is listed. Link is here. Honestly, if 1GB RAM is going to be what it takes to run Vista smoothly, RAM upgrades are relatively easy and not very expensive.

Now then, regarding the wireless keyboard/mouse, the person I'm building the system for is a middle aged guy and I figure it'd just be a lot less hassle for him, and it's not that expensive, considering.
  • 0






Similar Topics

0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users

As Featured On:

Microsoft Yahoo BBC MSN PC Magazine Washington Post HP