Build - Computer for mother - $325 after MIR

[deltadevil]

Making a computer for my mother. She requests a 1080p monitor, windows 7, internet/word processing usage, backups for her small buisness, and a case no deeper then 16" due to desk size. One specific thing that her, and my techonologically apt friend both wanted was a good quality power supply, if you're curious about the amount I spent on it. The computer is also typicially used by other family members when their computers are down, and young children. I have a $40 windows 7 professional upgrade (for students) that makes my computer very cheap compared to prebuilds with 7 included, so I didn't consider such computers too seriously. I just like the ease of upgrade + knowing what goes into my system anyways. Torn on overclocking, as reliability and low noise would be big pluses for this build. I'm paying out of pocket for this:

Components:

LG 22X DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model GH22NS40 - OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136180
$16.99

COOLER MASTER Elite 341 RC-341C-KKN1-GP Black Steel MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119193
$39.99

Antec EarthWatts Green EA-380D Green 380W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033
$44.99

BIOSTAR A880G+ AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX245OCGQBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.510591
$90.98 with $10 mail in rebate.

(Buying two, backup purposes) Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB SATA2 3.5IN 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Hard Drive OEM *3YR MFR Warranty*
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=36050&vpn=ST3500418AS&manufacture=Seagate&promoid=1030
$37.99 CAD each ($76.98 for two)

OCZ OCZ3G1333LV4GK 4GB DDR3 2X2GB DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 CL 9-9-9-20 Dual Channel Memory Kit
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=42870&vpn=OCZ3G1333LV4GK&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology&promoid=1030
$79.99 CAD with $15 CAD Mail in rebate

Cooling - Stock, 120mm rear fan, stock processor fan/heatsink
GPU - Onboard (radeon HD 4250)

Total: $347.23 USD, $24.55 in mail in rebates.

Main concerns are compatability, perticularly with PSU/Case as I'm not experienced with Matx, and if I should be spending more/less on a perticular part. I live in canada, but can get parts shipped right by the border (on the US side) and pick them up.

 

[batuchka]

No worries i would have seriously considered EA380 for a family/IGP rig always and CM341 is one of my favorite budget mATX gaming cases: w/o side window version is up to 4 x 120mm fans capable and no HDD cage getting in the way of long GPUs hehe

 

[deltadevil]

Best answer selected by DeltaDevil.

 

[deltadevil]

Thanks, one opinion should be enough, mostly going for a sanity check. EA-380 is unfortunately out of stock, and ordering it from somewhere else would add too much to shipping costs (local retailers also cost too much). We actually need this computer in a hurry because our old one is shutting off about every hour! It's also ancient.

 

[batuchka]

Yep that entry level 880G is actually a nifty little mobo : it has "Game Boost" feature which could auto-clock that HD 4250 IGP to the levels of the HD 4290 on far far pricier 890GX IGP chipsets hehe
http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=492

Biostar Game Boost provides easy access to upgrading the onboard GPU frequency on the AMD 880G chipset family from 560MHz to 700MHz with one simple click of the "F7" button.

Why the kiddos could even try 1024 x 768 medium/low StarcraftII even 😛

You are welcomed ^^

 

[deltadevil]

Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get this deal due to logistical issues (diffucult to get newegg to take my loonies) so I've since changed my build to the more future proof AMD Athlon II X2 245 w/ Asus M4A88T-M/USB3, which is on sale at a new store opening up in my area tommorrow. $129.99 CAD, once you factor in saving money on shipping it's about $30, $40 with mail in rebates more expensive then what I was looking at but comes with USB3, sata6, four ram slots, a local retailer, and a better brand, so I'm not entirely heartbroken.

The rest of the parts I've found local retailers for for about the same cost

I think medium on starcraft may be pushing it just a little there .