Older couple needs a net surfer under $800

[Johnneeds]

Hi. I am looking for some help locating the right parts to help my Aunt and Uncle build a computer to take them into retirement. They are not gamers. I would like to find a monitor and parts to build all for under $800 $600 would be better. I want to get everything off of newegg. I already have a win 7 license they can have. Also a 500gb seagate everything else must be purchased. I appreciate all responses.

Thanks, John

 

[DarkSable]

You're trying to build this, right?

We can make you one for about $400, with another $100 for the monitor. If nobody else responds to this, I'll be back in a couple hours with a rig for you.

 

[raytseng]

why not get an all-in-one (pre-built)

less cables, less clutter, less space.

 

[Deemo13]

A surfer shouldn't cost too much, and a simple Pentium should get the job done.

As I've learned, even adding a simple cheap video card adds resale value in the future and can come in handy even though you might not think you use it (grandkids playing League of Legends? lol)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G850 2.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($61.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6570 1GB Video Card ($52.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($43.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $311.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

I'm pretty darn terrible at recommmending monitors, as I pretty much just use whatever works.

 

[ittimjones]

$600 is VERY workable for a net surfing, gmail accessing, solitaire playing rig.

I'd say a 3rd gen i5 CPU with Intel 4000 graphics. Just use the on board graphics and the stock cooler. 4GB 1600 RAM, simple case, 450W PSU, simple mobo, simple keyboard/mouse, and basic 17" widescreen monitor

 

[mrdowntownkiller]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor ($112.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3V Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 650 1GB Video Card ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 342 (Black) MicroATX Mini Tower Case w/400W Power Supply ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-222BB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ CompUSA)
Monitor: Samsung S22B150N 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $501.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[Deemo13]

He doesn't really need a 650 though. He's just web surfing.

 

[dingo07]

why not just get them an iPad - if all they'll be doing is surfing the web, and writing emails, there's no reason to have them tethered to a location to do so

 

[swifty_morgan]

cheap, simple AMD APU build is all that's need. back later with build. have other stuff to do now.

 

[twelve25]

I'd just buy a prebuilt one for this purpose. You won't same much, if anything, building it yourself. And you'll waste a lot of your time and create potentially awkward situations if it has problems. I've been there plenty of times.

Here's a good candidate with an i3, 6GB of RAM and 1TB HDD: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=fddort6h&model_id=inspiron-660&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&

Pick up some speakers and a decent monitor and you are well under $800.

Here's an AMD one if you prefer: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883108948

 

[swifty_morgan]

twelve, you forgot a monitor.

 

[twelve25]

I said "pick up a monitor and speakers"

Those you can get anywhere.

 

[raytseng]

will reiterate my suggestion to take a look at all-in-ones.
I have set up a couple computers for older folks, and it's always the cabling that gives them stress, especially if they need to move then thing. Then it's another call for you to come back connect it back together (of course you may get cookies for your efforts, but still not worth it).

Since Speakers and monitors will be integrated.
Only 1 power cable.
1 ethernet cable
mouse and keyboard potentially wireless, but otherwise it's usb and fits into any port.
printer will also be USB (cause they got to print out their emails to read and pictures of their grandkids).

Basically the iMac is what to look for; or a pc that follows the same strategy.

 

[swifty_morgan]

get a monitor with speakers. hdmi sound all in one cable. no messy wires no extra expense no ugly speakers to look at.