Low end build help

zachdog6

Distinguished
Jul 30, 2011
37
0
18,530
Hi, I am building a new computer for my parents. The problem is that while I know how to build high end gaming PCs, I am not sure how to build low end ones for general use because there are so many cheap/old parts and I am not sure which ones will be best for the job while not being too expensive. So, I was wondering if I could get some help.

Approximate Purchase Date: Doesn't matter
Budget Range: 400 or below
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Surfing, Word, Quick Books
Are you buying a monitor: No
Parts to Upgrade: All
Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com
Location: Urbandale, Iowa, United States
Parts Preferences: None
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution:1680 x 1050
Additional Comments: quiet, if possible
Why Are You Upgrading: Parents want a new one
 

UberHaxorHobo

Reputable
Mar 18, 2014
28
0
4,540
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A8-3870K 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.69 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Biostar A55MLV Micro ATX FM1 Motherboard ($49.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Patriot Signature 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.78 @ Amazon)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $393.40
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-21 23:59 EDT-0400)

Please anyone, feel free to comment on this build.
 

RazerZ

Judicious
Ambassador
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($118.93 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-DGS R2.0 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($50.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($27.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Micro Center)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $400.25
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-22 00:16 EDT-0400)

Right at the $400 budget. The core i3 is the fastest processor in this budget range and is the best run for your money. I would go with a build like this one.
 
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