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An everyday ITX/HTPC for my aunt?

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  • Components
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March 6, 2014 12:13:08 PM

I'm trying to put together a list for a fast computer for my aunt. I don't know her price range so I'm trying to keep it around $500. But I thought it'd be cool to get her a mini PC for her everyday usage which isn't really much more than Microsoft word, internet and maybe if I give her Windows 8.1 a few apps like netflix and such.

Would this run well and fast with 64bit Windows 8.1?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A6-6400K 3.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.19 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($107.99 @ Staples)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone ML04B HTPC Case ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 360W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $497.12
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-06 15:22 EST-0500)

And do I have to add a cooler or will the stock cooler fit.

More about : everyday itx htpc aunt

March 6, 2014 12:24:14 PM

You should figure out whether she wants something mobile (tablet or laptop) or if she's okay with a desktop PC. Obviously, that would determine what solution would be appropriate.
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March 6, 2014 2:10:25 PM

2Be_or_Not2Be said:
You should figure out whether she wants something mobile (tablet or laptop) or if she's okay with a desktop PC. Obviously, that would determine what solution would be appropriate.


She doesn't like to carry things with her and she's got MS so shes in a wheel chair.. So I don't think a mobile would be good.
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March 6, 2014 2:46:08 PM

Did you figure on a monitor as well? If she's older or has to sit farther back due to the wheelchair, then you will probably want at least a 24" monitor so that everything is easily viewable. That will take you over your $500 budget. Of course, if you're connecting to a large-screen TV, then ignore the previous; you just need to make sure you have a HDMI connection.

You could shave off some bucks by dropping the power supply to one of Newegg's house brand - Rosewill. They have a couple for $20 or even $30 after MIR. The SSD can be dropped down to a 120GB Samsung 840 EVO for $90. If you're only streaming Netflix and running Word, then you likely could go even lower on storage size.

You can also shave off more $ by deciding if an optical drive is needed. If she's not going to watch DVDs/Blurays on it and only stream Netflix, then dump the drive and even switch cases to a cheaper mini-ITX case. I personally like Silverstone's SUGO series, and several are available with a power supply included.
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March 6, 2014 7:42:21 PM

Nikola Aslanov said:
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Next-Computing-Thunderbolt-...
Add memory, hdd and wireless card or usb lan and you re ready.


WiFi is built into the MoBo and she doesn't plug anything in... She'd ask me to come over and do it for her lol.

EDIT I didn't see the link sorry I thought you meant to the one I put up
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