Cheapest build possible?
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freshbuilder
July 16, 2012 1:31:18 PM
What's the best system just for typical browsing and typing?
My dad's asking me to build as low as I can go, but I honestly have no idea. His only conditions are that it boots on Windows 7 quick and that its not laggy when the desktop opens.
I'm only familiar with gaming builds, no idea on what's okay for just regular typing. Please make a list for the parts, like processor, gpu (not sure if it even needs one in this case), memory, mobo, hd (dont know how low hard drives can go for nowadays in terms of space and price ), case, power supply, and a recommendation for a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
The main considerations for the bluetooth keyboard and mouse is that they're cheap and responsive.
My dad's asking me to build as low as I can go, but I honestly have no idea. His only conditions are that it boots on Windows 7 quick and that its not laggy when the desktop opens.
I'm only familiar with gaming builds, no idea on what's okay for just regular typing. Please make a list for the parts, like processor, gpu (not sure if it even needs one in this case), memory, mobo, hd (dont know how low hard drives can go for nowadays in terms of space and price ), case, power supply, and a recommendation for a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
The main considerations for the bluetooth keyboard and mouse is that they're cheap and responsive.
More about : cheapest build
dingo07
July 16, 2012 2:06:37 PM
willkara
July 16, 2012 2:12:16 PM
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I recommend you find a good used system on craigslist. Your dad doesn't have any special requirements. I've seen some good systems for around $100. I even found a core2 duo system with lcd monitor for only $50 a few days ago. But if you still want to build your own, here's my recommendations.
http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellShocker.aspx?cm_sp=S... $80 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $25 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $31 including shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $20
Window 7 home (craigslist unopened copy) $60
Total: aproximately $340 after rebates
http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellShocker.aspx?cm_sp=S... $80 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $25 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $31 including shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $20
Window 7 home (craigslist unopened copy) $60
Total: aproximately $340 after rebates
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Lets see if I can go lower, with an SSD for fast boot:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Celeron G530 2.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($45.59 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H61M-P23 (B3) Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($47.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Pareema 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($21.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Chronos 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 5450 512MB Video Card ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill R101-P-BK MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($25.50 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 350W ATX12V Power Supply ($27.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $303.03
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
the SSD will be the SINGLE best way to make things boot very fast. the video card is probably unnecessary, but should make video playback smoother
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Celeron G530 2.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($45.59 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H61M-P23 (B3) Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($47.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Pareema 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($21.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Chronos 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 5450 512MB Video Card ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill R101-P-BK MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($25.50 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 350W ATX12V Power Supply ($27.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $303.03
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
the SSD will be the SINGLE best way to make things boot very fast. the video card is probably unnecessary, but should make video playback smoother
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your dad has a few choices. he can pick up a dell biz pc from dell web store and drop in an ssd. the biz line does not have as much bloatware as the personal pc line and there better built unit. (just make sure that you drop in extra ram so it has 8g)
the more ram you can give the os to work with the better it run.
with a dell or pre made he have at lest a one year warranty and some tech support if he needs help.
the other flip side of the coin is for a little more money you could build a tank of a pc that can last a long long time for your dad.
if i was building for my dad...case like antec one or r300. black and simple no door no led. one dvd burner.
intel 3450 i5. locked. z77 mb with built in bluetooth and wifi. 8g of ram. a good 500w ps. 128g boot ssd and 500g min data drive.
GeForce GT 630 or a ati card that would be used in a low end non gaming system. a system like this might be more money then your dad wanted to spend up front but it a system that he never have to tuch for a few years. it run both windows 7 or 8 fine. and other then the ssd wearing out or having the hd fail it should be there for a few years.
if he wants a lower cost system then use a g520/620 gpu there running about 50-60. online and at micro center.
drop it into a micro h71 or b7x mb and use a wireless usb mouse and keyboard. use the one pci slot that on a mini atx mb for the wifi card. drop the video card. micro center and new egg do have good combo deals on both amd and intel mb and cpu.
i seen some amd combo deals at 100.00. the ssd is what going to make any of the low end system snappy.
for your dad also have him spend a few dollars on a larger 20-22 inch monitor. depending on how good his eye sight is now and in a few years with a larger monitor he can make the icon larger and still have a desktop.
the more ram you can give the os to work with the better it run.
with a dell or pre made he have at lest a one year warranty and some tech support if he needs help.
the other flip side of the coin is for a little more money you could build a tank of a pc that can last a long long time for your dad.
if i was building for my dad...case like antec one or r300. black and simple no door no led. one dvd burner.
intel 3450 i5. locked. z77 mb with built in bluetooth and wifi. 8g of ram. a good 500w ps. 128g boot ssd and 500g min data drive.
GeForce GT 630 or a ati card that would be used in a low end non gaming system. a system like this might be more money then your dad wanted to spend up front but it a system that he never have to tuch for a few years. it run both windows 7 or 8 fine. and other then the ssd wearing out or having the hd fail it should be there for a few years.
if he wants a lower cost system then use a g520/620 gpu there running about 50-60. online and at micro center.
drop it into a micro h71 or b7x mb and use a wireless usb mouse and keyboard. use the one pci slot that on a mini atx mb for the wifi card. drop the video card. micro center and new egg do have good combo deals on both amd and intel mb and cpu.
i seen some amd combo deals at 100.00. the ssd is what going to make any of the low end system snappy.
for your dad also have him spend a few dollars on a larger 20-22 inch monitor. depending on how good his eye sight is now and in a few years with a larger monitor he can make the icon larger and still have a desktop.
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DarkOutlaw
July 16, 2012 3:57:19 PM
Dangi
July 16, 2012 4:51:42 PM
freshbuilder said:
What's the best system just for typical browsing and typing?My dad's asking me to build as low as I can go, but I honestly have no idea. His only conditions are that it boots on Windows 7 quick and that its not laggy when the desktop opens.
I'm only familiar with gaming builds, no idea on what's okay for just regular typing. Please make a list for the parts, like processor, gpu (not sure if it even needs one in this case), memory, mobo, hd (dont know how low hard drives can go for nowadays in terms of space and price ), case, power supply, and a recommendation for a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
The main considerations for the bluetooth keyboard and mouse is that they're cheap and responsive.
Only browsing and typing ??
Rasperry Pi you won't find anything cheapear, but no windows 7 here.
If you want windows 7 a few days ago Tom's made a comparison, APU vs Pentium, and I personally think that, that review will be very useful for you.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/child-game-pc-build,revie...
My conclusion is, no gaming -> APU, poor gaming -> APU, if you plan to add a dedicated GPU -> Pentium
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dingo07
July 16, 2012 5:04:05 PM
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
Motherboard: Asus E35M1-M PRO Micro ATX E-350 Motherboard ($105.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Pareema 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($21.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 40GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Raidmax Simplex ATX-618B MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 430W ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $239.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
Motherboard: Asus E35M1-M PRO Micro ATX E-350 Motherboard ($105.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Pareema 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($21.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 40GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Raidmax Simplex ATX-618B MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 430W ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $239.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
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FinneousPJ said:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / BenchmarksMotherboard: Asus E35M1-M PRO Micro ATX E-350 Motherboard ($105.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Pareema 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($21.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 40GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Raidmax Simplex ATX-618B MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 430W ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $239.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
Good ideas, but a bit flimsy on a couple parts.
$106 a high price for an e-series APU and motherboard. this is much better for $116 ($111 after MIR)
A4-3300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Asrock A55M-HVS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Also, 40gb won't support win 7 + MS Office together. 60gb can be had for about the same.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... ($55 after MIR)
have fun!
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Here's a basic refurbished pc from hp with windows: http://www.staples.com/HP-DC5700-Refurbished-Desktop-PC....
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freshbuilder
July 17, 2012 3:30:31 AM
ok...
Very latest and far more power than he'll actually use, but still under $500:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3V Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($70.56 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($27.98 @ Amazon)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Chronos 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill R101-P-BK MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($25.50 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($34.98 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $485.99
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
the 3570K has the HD4000, which is why I chose it. the 120 GB SSD will hold everything he might use, including a few gigs of family pictures
Very latest and far more power than he'll actually use, but still under $500:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3V Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($70.56 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($27.98 @ Amazon)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Chronos 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill R101-P-BK MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($25.50 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($34.98 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $485.99
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
the 3570K has the HD4000, which is why I chose it. the 120 GB SSD will hold everything he might use, including a few gigs of family pictures
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freshbuilder
July 17, 2012 4:08:01 AM
Quote:
Wow, there's literally hundreds of different combinations of excellent builds you can come up with. I guess the most important question to ask your dad would be - how long does he want the computer to last?[\quote]BTW he told me that he wants it to last for ten years. And yeah he doesnt want to have to upgrade any parts whatsoever. Again just for typing and surfing.
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Newegg shellshocker special: http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellShocker.aspx?cm_sp=S... $375 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $15 after rebate
Windows 7 craigslist approximately $60
Total: $450 after rebates
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $15 after rebate
Windows 7 craigslist approximately $60
Total: $450 after rebates
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Dangi
July 17, 2012 10:59:00 AM
freshbuilder said:
BTW he told me that he wants it to last for ten years. And yeah he doesnt want to have to upgrade any parts whatsoever. Again just for typing and surfing.
If you want it to last 10 years, I will personally take ScrewySqrl build, but I'd change the mobo for a better one so you have room for improvement without the need to change everything, a Z77 board so you can exploit better the unlocked version and not only it's integrated graphics.
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computing power doubles every 18 months, approximately. this means in 10 years (120 months) t here is a 2^6.667 improvement in computers: a 101.6 increase in computing power. In 10 years, the ivy will have no HOPE of running even office. A typical home PC will have a 1 Petabyte hard drive.
as it is, what I built should be fine for a while -- it'll still be able to add a video card. It should get 5-6 years easy.
as it is, what I built should be fine for a while -- it'll still be able to add a video card. It should get 5-6 years easy.
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Dangi
July 17, 2012 11:27:25 AM
Better to go for the best bang for the buck deal. In 3-5 years, either the power supply or motherboard will fail, and you'll want something else. I talked to alot of folks that were pissed off at having spent so much on their systems a few years ago, only to find out that today they're practically worthless.
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dingo07
July 17, 2012 4:36:19 PM
Exactly what these previous guys said... at best, if you just want to browse the internet and type emails, the computer will last as long as a part doesn't malfunction, which could be 10 years, who knows.
My question was not to be though of literally, we all know we want stuff to last forever! Practically I meant.
My question was not to be though of literally, we all know we want stuff to last forever! Practically I meant.
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Yours is better for only a couple of dollars more indeed.
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