Another build for my OTHER parents

[welchs101]

Today on christmas i gave the computer i built (thanks to Batuchka and Tom's hardware) to my in-law parents. They were sooooooooo happy. As a result now my parents want me to build them a computer.

I was hoping to get again some information on a computer build similar to the one i got before thanks giving. Now i know i could just use the same build as before but prices and deals have changed so i thought i would post this question again to see what you guys come up with. The last build list you guys came up with i built and it was exactly what i wanted.

The computer is for my parents and they do not play games. They surf internet, use email, use skype, word, excel.......this kind of stuff.

Note: The last build i did is shown here. I was hoping to spend about the same but i could spend a little more if needed.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/299773-31-build-parents#t2224756

 

[rolli59]

That is still a good build for the price.

 

[welchs101]

those prices are not the same anymore.....apparently there were some really good deals that are no longer valid.

 

[welchs101]

The previous build was good and i was hoping to build another computer for MY parents. The other computer i built was for my wife's parents. For this build i wanted to build a computer that was maybe a little better. Since i was thinking of installing a windows 7 64bit OS i was thinking of putting 8GB of RAM in my dads build to make it more "future" proof. He does NOT do gaming only email, office apps, and reviewing pictures. I know 8GB is probably overkill but my parents live far away and i wanted something that would last him a while.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[welchs101]

Wanted to add a couple of more things:

1) Budget: I would say around $450.

2) I dont need a gaming computer.

3) If you can classify a non-gaming computer as fair, good, best how would classify this MOB/CPU combo? I want to get upper end of a "NON" gaming computer. I am thinking if i do this might last my dad a while. I was thinking up upping the processor and MOB a bit .......any suggestions?


This is what i used in my wifes parents build.
BIOSTAR A880G+ Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813138283

WINTEC AMPX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Item #: N82E16820161279

AMD Athlon II X3 445 3.1GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor
Item #: N82E16819103872

Grand Total: $282.94

 

[welchs101]

I was hoping someone could help me with a decision:

I am deciding between the following cpus:
1) AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX

2)AMD Athlon II X3 455 Rana 3.3GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX455WFGMBOX


I am trying to make this build a little better than the last one i did. But i am not sure my dad needs the Phenom. I am thinking of getting the phenom just because it might "future" proof the build for a little while longer. My dad does not play advanced games mostly just email and surfing the web.

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Also, for what ever you suggest can you also suggest a Mother board and memory to go with it?

thanks.

 

[welchs101]

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[mdd1963]

There are numerous AM3 boards, some even with integrated video (saving you the expense of a $50 video card), for as little as $99 at Newegg; most recognizable MB brand names will all do fine (Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, etc...) Might be able to save a few bucks by finding a pre-890 chipset/USB3 board.

 

[undadawg]

You already mentioned that 8gb of RAM is probably overkill but it really is. Even if you want to 'future proof' the computer, go with 4GB max. 4GB is way more than anyone would need for simple day to day usage. You can use the cash you save on the RAM to get a better cpu/motherboard with integrated graphics like the above poster mentioned. If you want to try out the new Sandy Bridge processors, they have integrated graphics and the lower end models should be great for your needs.

 

[welchs101]

I have been reviewing the online deals and the recent comments above. I am a newbie when it comes to assebling computers.

Thie computer is for my dad. He is NOTa gamer. He primarily uses the computer for email, excel, word, power point and watching an occasional movie.

Here ist he build i came up with. Please review and be critical. If you think i dont need something please say so. Be critical.......it wont hurt my feelings. Also, if you think i can save money by going another way please let me know that as well.


**************************
"AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX"
NeweggID: N82E16819103727 "1206 review 5 out of 5 stars"

"ASUS M4A88T-V EVO/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard"
NeweggID: N82E16813131668 "31 reviews 5 out of 5 stars"

Total cost with combo/rebate is $240

**************************
"Thermaltake TR2 W0379RU 500W ATX 12V v2.2 Power Supply
NeweggID:N82E16817153113 "52 reviews 4 of 5 stars"

"Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive"
NeweggID:N82E16822148433 "1082 reviews 4 of 5 stars"

Total cost with combo/rebate is $95

**************************

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK
NeweggID: N82E16820231180 "146 reviews 5 of 5 stars"
Comments: lat: 8, DDR3 1333

Total cost is $50

**************************
Note: My dad wanted TWO DVD drives where at LEAST one was a DVD burner. I just made both the same. I tried to convince him he did not need two .....perhaps i did not use the correct argument........any thoughts?
"LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM"
NeweggID: N82E16827106289 "612 reviews 4 of 5stars"


"LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM"
NeweggID: N82E16827106289 "612 reviews 4 of 5stars"

Total cost is $32

**************************
"Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case"
NeweggID: N82E16811147023 "288 reviews 4 of 5 stars

Total cost is $50

**************************


Total cost (if i added correctly) is approximately $467 (this includes combo discounts and rebates).



Please take a look and let me know what you think......be as critical as you want. I originally had 8Gig of Ram but reduced it to 4Gig based on the comments on this thread.

Thanks.

 

[welchs101]

Any any thoughts.....i would greatly appreciate it.

 

[welchs101]

Best answer selected by welchs101.

 

[imaurer269]

I just read your two posts and I myself am looking to build a PC with similar needs to yours. Here is what I have atm from newegg just doing a lil more research before I pull the trigger. I am not an expert and never built but been a forum and research junkie the last 6 months along with tinkering with a gaming rig i bought off craigslist.

Athlon II X4 635 Propus &ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO
ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA
Kingston ValueRAM 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Antec EarthWatts Green EA-380D Green 380W
Windows 7

Total after promos for me was just under $420. If you replace the memory with your g.skill memory add another cd drive ignore the windows 7 and use email promos EMCKJJJ85 & EMCKJJJ24 total comes just over $370 shipped.

If you liked the mobo/cpu you used in your last build can use this and save about $50 bucks: Athlon II X3 450 & BIOSTAR A880G+