Help Me Build A Comp

[Rand Dusing]

My older cousin is interested in getting a computer and he was talking about it when he came down to my house for the Thanksgiving break. Since he isn't rich or anything, I told him I could build him a computer for less than a Compaq or Dell.

This is what I got so far at NewEgg.

http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishR.asp?ID=492569

I'm not really sure about the motherboard, and I will ask him more about the exact monitor, keyboard, and mouse he wants.

[VHockey86]

Well theres a budget build if ive ever seen one...
Personally I'd DEFINATELY get a different case. 18 dollars for a case + powersupply means your prolly going to get complete crap, id be surprised if the psu lasted more than 6 months (although I could be wrong).

Also, what will this pc be used for?
With onboard video you definately wont get much gaming performance out of it.

Although I'm not much on retail computers. For a low budget build, dells really arent too bad for prices (the lowest dimension model). Especially if hes not too computer literate, having at least the warranty and the tech support might not be a bad idea, just an idea.

Keep your eye out on sales/instant rebates/etc

[John Prophet]

lol..walmart has an HP for black friday for like $499 or something silly.

The only thing I see there on your list is the monitor...it'd save a few bucks if you could find a good one on sale with the rebate deal from staples or officemax...usually can comeout for around $55-60 that way...like for a nice Envision 775e blk and silver.

(actually, I looked and the $50 rebate just went off a few days ago, lol)

[VHockey86]

Oh ya, u could save like 50-60 bucks on XP home edition rather than professional, unless hes going to be doing alot of networking it will have the same functionality for him

[JPMiller]

Thats a pretty good build...I wasnt able to do much with it...lol
VHockey86 is right though, I would go with the $91 Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack SP1a - OEM version... no real difference and it can easily be tweaked.
(I would spend the extra saved on a better keyboard...lol)

[LeftCoast]

I agree with VHockey86; Dell is definitely the way to go.

You can't do this all the time, but I bought a P4 Dimension 2400 last month for $228 after rebate, plus I'm getting a free digital camera and printer. The deals are out there.

-LC

[Rand Dusing]

So you think he should go for a Dell? He isn't super computer illiterate and he wants XP Pro, he is at my house so tomorrow we can look at the Black Friday deals and hopefully he can find something good.

[Rand Dusing]

Oh yeah, this computer is going to be used mainly for office use not gaming, yet...

[VHockey86]

Well, its really up to him if he wants to go with dell or custom build.

I do feel tho that by skimping on things like the case, and even little details like the keyboard and mouse its sorta hurting the whole computer (ok maybe not so muc the keyboard but). A little extra money spent now will make the computer as a whole alot nicer. Also, maybe holding off and saving up a little more money to get from a borderline PC to a medium range PC would be well worth the money now. A little extra investment can go a long ways.

More on the dell thing. IF you catch the right deals, whether its just "free" stuff from their site, or rebates etc, you can get a system with support/warranty, nicer case, peripherals etc for about 600-700 dollars.

I'd definately check out alot more prices and do some research before I started ordering

[LeftCoast]

From another site:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...=11111&x=0&y=0


Note this does have a 533 FSB so the Ram will work at 333 speeds.

Check the $50 MIR Box

Choose 128MB Subtract $60

Choose Cheapest Keyboard Option Subtract $20

Choose Special Offer Microsoft Office Basic 2003

Choose Free 80GB Hard Drive Upgrade

Choose No Floppy Subtract $20

Choose No Speaker Option Subtract $20

Total should now be $429 - $100 Instant Savings - $50MIR = $279

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The chip alone retails for $167 at TCWO, and won't be as loud or as hot as the Athlon.