Question Advice building a light workload PC

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HBabstractions

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Apr 8, 2020
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Context: I want to build a pc for a retired parent for Christmas; Planning early. With the parts I get recommended here, I'll check for black Friday/CM deals on them. They have an old laptop that runs like crap. They only use it for email, scanning forms (paper), paying bills, and occasional word documents. Very light stuff, but essential important stuff.

So with that in mind, I want to keep it low cost to justify not buying a pre-built acer desktop instead. Since this is a xmas gift, I'd rather have a unique built pc than a generic black box tower pc. Though, if all you think buying pre-built is the best option, let me know. Right now I see an acer aspire i3-10th 8gb ram 1tb HDD for $399.

I think it would be neat to make a small form factor pc like a micro ATX, a glass side panel case, with a subtle pink led within the case. Either from just one simple case fan, or buying a little led strip light to put inside. Clean, simple.

CPU: I was thinking of an i3 10100, only because it seems pretty affordable and I know the quad core will be reliable. Is that overkill though?

How much would you be able to do with the integrated graphics in the cpu? Will they at least be able to watch YouTube videos?

Memory: 8gb of RAM. And either a 500gb ssd or m.2 (depending on mobo).

Mobo: I know nothing about mobos, your help would be appreciated. Needs to have WiFi.

PSU: I know nothing about PSUs, besides that they should be bronze plus rating? I'm assuming with such a basic rig, no GPU, I can get away with a cheap $80 300~400w psu?

Case: I think a simple white case with a see thru side panel would be clean looking. I think it would be neat to make it micro ATX. Im just hesitant because I have to triple check all the parts will fit.

Windows 10: $100


https://pcpartpicker.com/list/NwygLP

Using parts picker, I did an i3 10th gen build that came out to $530. That's probably too much for such a basic pc, and I'd still have to buy a monitor/kb+m. I'd rather hear your tips, advice, suggestions and make a more informed list with that information.
 
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I added the link. I remembered it needed to have wifi MOBO, so that upped the price of the build. I updated that info into the OP.

Yes I still have to get a monitor and kb/m. I'm going to buy a cheap $100 viewsonic and $19 Logitech pack on Amazon.

I don't know what you mean by needing a Webcam for document scanning. We have a scanner/printer already, though so I only need advice on the actual pc tower.
 
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SamirD said:
For parents, I wouldn't waste time building custom or the potential problems that you will have to inevitably deal with. Just get an off-lease Dell Optiplex or HP business-class pre-built for under $100 and be done with it.
Click to expand...

I do think you're right with your answer, it's what I'd do too. But I get the impression that as this is a present, the OP also sees the effort and care taken to build it as part of the gift. That also means supporting it, but anyone decent would do that for their parents so I very much doubt that's an issue.

OP, for your parent's needs I think the i3 is about right. In terms of PSU, try get them a good quality Seasonic or Corsair PSU of at least 450W. Shop around for parts and link them here, people will then come along and either agree with your selection or come up with a better alternative.
 
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John Chesterfield said:
I do think you're right with your answer, it's what I'd do too. But I get the impression that as this is a present, the OP also sees the effort and care taken to build it as part of the gift. That also means supporting it, but anyone decent would do that for their parents so I very much doubt that's an issue.

OP, for your parent's needs I think the i3 is about right. In terms of PSU, try get them a good quality Seasonic or Corsair PSU of at least 450W. Shop around for parts and link them here, people will then come along and either agree with your selection or come up with a better alternative.
Click to expand...

Okay, thank you.

Another option could be buying something like this: https://www.newegg.com/acer-aspire-tc-875-ur11-student-home-office/p/N82E16883101815

And then just putting into a $50 side panel case, buy a couple RGB fans, setting them to a single color - or LED strip light if the MOBO doesn't have pins for a RGB fan.

I'm assuming a standard tower pc like that acer has a standard mobo configuration that would be able to be moved into an ATX case..? Anyone ever take apart a normal acer to know if the MOBOs are standard ATX screw oriented?
 
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HBabstractions said:
Context: I want to build a pc for a retired parent for Christmas;
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HBabstractions said:
And then just putting into a $50 side panel case, buy a couple RGB fans, setting them to a single color - or LED strip light if the MOBO doesn't have pins for a RGB fan.
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Why the added bling?
If my kids gave me a PC with that, I'd look at them like a second head had sprouted from their neck.

Trust me..not everyone wants that lighting distraction.
 
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John Chesterfield said:
I do think you're right with your answer, it's what I'd do too. But I get the impression that as this is a present, the OP also sees the effort and care taken to build it as part of the gift. That also means supporting it, but anyone decent would do that for their parents so I very much doubt that's an issue.
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If it's something my parents would appreciate over reliability then I'd go in that direction. But what I learned quickly with dealing with my own parents was that reliability was paramount. The 2x IBM pentium 4 systems I repurposed from being hotel property management system servers was more than enough for them because they 'just worked'. I did small upgrades when I saw them struggling with something like changing over to mechanical keyboards (model M) and trackballs versus mice, and bigger monitors but that was it.
 
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SamirD said:
If it's something my parents would appreciate over reliability then I'd go in that direction. But what I learned quickly with dealing with my own parents was that reliability was paramount. The 2x IBM pentium 4 systems I repurposed from being hotel property management system servers was more than enough for them because they 'just worked'. I did small upgrades when I saw them struggling with something like changing over to mechanical keyboards (model M) and trackballs versus mice, and bigger monitors but that was it.
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Again, can't disagree with any of that, I'd be doing stuff like that too.

To the OP's question about whether the board from a prebuilt would easily go into an ATX case, sometimes they do, sometimes they use a proprietary form factor. It's really not something I'd bother doing, you may as well build one from scratch in my opinion.

Why not just put them together a system like the one @digitalgriffin posted and fit it into a nice, stylish no-bling case if you want to build? There are some really nice cases around and it'd look and run just purdy.
 
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It's a UK site, but the above build in something like this as an alternative to the Lian Li Lancool 205 wouldn't be too expensive, but would maybe appeal to an older person, something they'd think is neat but functional. I do like that Lian Li more though.

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/the...ncluded-120-240-280-radiator-support-microatx

It's an unassuming yet sleek case, something like that with the above build would be great and good value for money.
 
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digitalgriffin said:
Ryzen 3000G $75
Corsair CX PSU 450Watt $75
2x4Gig 3200 Ram $60
256 Gig SSD: $40
A320 Motherboard: Prime A320M-K $60 (https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/PRIME-A320M-K/HelpDesk_CPU/) (Will need latest bios)
Case: Lian Li Lancool 205 $70 (Comes with 2 120mm fans)

$380

Add mouse monitor and keyboard of your choosing.
Click to expand...


Thank you, this is why I posted here. Never even heard of a Ryzen 3000. I'll research these parts. Is updating the BIOS a rather straight forward process?



As for the questions on why I don't want a standard black box store bought pc and be done with it... well because it'll just look like I just bought a pc from Walmart down the block. It's like having the option of buying a functional phone, but visually speaking one looks like a new sleek white iPhone/galaxy and the other an old Nokia brick.

I seem to have the reverse experience. To me, my built pc has worked for like a decade with zero issues. But every store bought computer turns to crap after a few years. So I have the perception that built PCs are cleaner and more reliable, while pre built all look the same, come with bloatware, and are priced higher than they are worth.

I don't want some over the top 17 yr old gamer aesthetic. I just wanted something unique, individual, new looking. Not just an ordinary solid black tower that you'd have at a cubicle job. That case digitalgriffin posted is like what I imagined. Nothing crazy. Just pop in a RGB fan to add a subtle color so it has a hint of fancy. A single color accent. I'm not trying to get them a RGB keyboard, rainbow pulsating fans.

Im not anti pre-built. I'm trying to weigh both options, and using the input from you all to see if it's even a viable option to build.

I'm the one that has to do everything "technology" oriented for them. I upgraded the laptop RAM about 4 years ago, now it's back to taking over minutes just to load the start up page, for opening a program. So building a new pc myself is me thinking, okay enough, I'm just going to build something reliable.

I built my first pc nearly a decade ago, i7-2600, 8gb Ram, 680 gtx - never had a single issue and still using it to this day. So that's where I'm coming from.

Thank you everyone for your input, I'll also look into business class HPs, Dell otiplex, IBM pentium 4 to weigh the options.
 
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Buy a used desktop , previously owned by a company. that's reliability kings.
something with an ssd., minimum a 4th gen i5 - i7 , and 8GB of ram (or 16GB so you can boast about how they can open 30 tabs at the same time)

prepare the system by reisntalling windows, running the decrapifier script to remove W10 ads, install a nice antivirus, install web browser with adblock, libre office, drivers etc
prepare all the icons in the bottom bar
they will be in awe to see the system booting in like 20s

they will be happy for sure. that's a nice gift.

check your local shop, here is mine as exemple (prices in canadian bucks) :

Dantech.ca Magasin informatique

www.dantech.ca www.dantech.ca

i don't know where you live, but those shops are found everywhere. if not there are tons on ebay (Dell optiplex etc)


use the spared money to buy a nice monitor and keyboard / mouse set. beginners are more impressed by the peripherals than the tower.

(if you have more question about the decrapifier script let me know)
 
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I also agree that prebuilts can be good for parents as they can directly call the retailer in case of an issue instead of calling you.

Also agree that pre-owned business towers coupled with good peripherals is a crowd pleaser with the older folks.

I also think that a laptop (possibly a 2-in-1 that can be used as a tablet) could be a good solution if they need to travel.

However, if you want to go the DIY route. Here's what I'd go for:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-9100 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME H310M-E R2.0 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($58.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Signature Premium 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-2666 CL19 Memory ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: ADATA SU635 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($26.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA BR 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($41.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN725N USB 2.0 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter ($7.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: LG 22MK430H-B 21.5" 1920x1080 75 Hz Monitor ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard With Optical Mouse ($24.99 @ B&H)
Total: $430.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-10-17 06:10 EDT-0400

For Windows 10,
eBay has great 10$ OEM options.
 
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julienruc said:
I also agree that prebuilts can be good for parents as they can directly call the retailer in case of an issue instead of calling you.
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Oh, I would never do that--they still would have to call me. Support is crappy on anything these days with bogus answers and misinformation more prevalent than help. But because business class desktops have been made for reliability, as long as there's no software issues, the hardware should work great and keep on working.
 
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Defiantly consider the Ryzen 3 series of processors. I've only seen it mentioned once here, but I consider them to be the best option for something like this by far. These CPUs are cheap, fast, and have a much better onboard GPU than the Intel equivalent. I know the GPU performance isn't generally important for what your parents may be doing, but it is better to have a good one, than one just good enough. Plus the motherboards, like any A320 series board, will be decently cheap and enough for what you need. A B350/450 is also good as an upgrade, but it most likely not something you would need. The Ryzen 3 3200G is the newest available right now.
 
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Once again, thank you to everyone that took time to give their advice and part pick builds. This forum is filled with helpful people and is the best.

After researching different builds and parts recommended here, as well as looking at used PCs to build off of, it kept getting into the 'new pre-built with warranty' price range. And even higher once you start adding the $100 Windows license and the ~$100 monitor/kb+m on top to actually use the PC.

So when black friday came, HP had a sale with a couple hundred dollars off their prices. I ended up building a laptop and was able to customize the color as well which was a nice touch.
It was about $450 dollars, and i also bought a discounted MS Office license on top of that (which is not part of the $450, since that was totally optional on my end).


•256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD

•16 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (2x8GB)

•802.11 ac/b/g/n (1x1) Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® 4.2 combo

•Windows 10 Home 64

•HP TrueVision HD Camera + Mic (PRG+NSV)

•DVD-Writer (it came free)

•AMD Ryzen™ 5 4500U (2.3 GHz, up to 4.0 GHz, 8 MB L3 cache, 6 cores) + AMD Radeon™ Graphics

•17.3" diagonal HD+ SVA BrightView WLED-backlit

(•Microsoft® Office 2019 Home and Student - Save $50 instantly... not part of the $450, so it came out to more but the actual laptop itself was $450)


I bought them an 1tb external HDD earlier this year, so if they ever need more space than 256 GB (which i know they won't), they will be able to use that to organize and create more space on the SSD.


This will be my first time using an AMD cpu, but i've heard good things about them lately so i hope it lasts for years like my i7-2600 in my PC.
 
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congratulations on the build.

you can use the external drive to configure automates backups with macrium free.
it's really easy to use and schedule backups. it will backup the whole disk, so it's a perfect recovery method in case of hardware problem / corruption / virus etc

also get them a good antivirus. bitdefender free edition is a minimum, but the total security edition has much more features, like an advanced anti-ransomware.
also add those addons in their browsers : "ublock origin"+"trafficlight"
 
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