Need some critiques for this $200 build

[kitkat12012]

My mom's looking for a fairly cheap new computer and tigerdirect just happens to have a sale today. One of their systems on sale fits the budget requirement although I'm not sure how good it is so I was wondering if you guys can provide some comments.


Main Uses for PC: internet browsing, chat, office documents, desktop publishing, light web develpoment, most resource intensive program will probably be dreamweaver or photoshop (or I can probably get her to use less resource hogging programs for these)

Buying schedule: In the next few days.

Budget: sub-$350

The build:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7277057&%20Sku=cm_re=Homepage-_-Spot%2001a-_-CatId_31_B69-0321


Mobo: ECS A740GM-M Motherboard
CPU: AMD Phenom X4 9750 Quad Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake CL-P0503 70mm CPU Cooler
Optical: Lite-On Internal 24X DVD Writer
Ram: Centon 2048MB PC6400 DDR2
Case: Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
HDD: Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue Hard Drive
PSU: Come's with case

GPU: Not in this build yet but I'm planning on grabbing something cheap that can handle dual monitors at 1080p


Initial thoughts:
I was gonna go for it but I noticed that it's using DDR2. I'm guessing I could get more bang-for-buck for a DDR3 system. I'm also not familiar with the Mobo and Ram manufacturers so I'm kinda reluctant on buying this set. Specs looks good for a "mom pc" though

So, do you guys think I should go for it or should I just wait for a different sale?

Thanks

 

[WR2]

@ $280
MSI 785GTM-E45 Barebones Kit -
MSI 785GTM-E45 Mobo, AMD Phenom X4 9750 CPU, CPU Fan, Crucial 4GB DDR2 RAM (2x 2GB), Seagate 1TB HDD, 24x DVDRW, PowerUp ATX Mid-Tower Case, 450W Power Supply

GPU for 2 monitors included in the motherboard IGP.

I am not a fan of the slow 2.4Ghz Phenom X4 9750 CPU. But it IS a quad core CPU. And the 4GB of DDR2 RAM is better than 2GB of DDR3.

 

[WR2]

For an under $350 option I think I like this better:
Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2V PowerUp Barebones Kit @ $330
Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2V PowerUp Barebones Kit
Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2V Mobo, Intel Core i3-540 3.06GHz CPU, integrated Intel HD Graphics, Corsair 4GB DRR3 RAM,
Seagate 1TB HDD, Sony 24x DVDRW, PowerUp ATX Mid-Tower Case, Sparkle 500W PSU

Graphics output for 2 monitors included in the CPU IGP.

 

[batuchka]

965BE + Biostar A780L3G $150
http://www.microcenter.com/specials/promotions/AMDbundlePROMO.html

Items Off Egg $162

$312 total?

Dual monitors via DVI + VGA on IGP, scalable with the addition of a Radeon class discrete GPU like HD 5400, etc up to 4 x displays via ATI Surround View feature (to be enabled in BIOS)

quality 80+ bronze PSU to boot ^^

 

[kitkat12012]

I guess the $200 ECS A740GM-M build is a no go then

Thanks, that's all I need for now. I'll check out these suggestions, they actually look pretty good.

Thanks guys

 

[kitkat12012]

Best answer selected by kitkat12012.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

a home-built system, assuming you don't have a microcenter nearby, bascally the newegg parts from Batchuka plus:
AS Rock 880GM: $60
AMD Athlon II X3 450: $80
4 GB DDR3: $40
this is $180

add his $162 and its $342 total.