New budget office build

[jeffjeff666]

I want to build a new computer for my mom and dad. They are 55-60yrs old and they will use it mostly for internet surfing. No gaming. No need for a monitor, keyboard, mouse and OS.

Here it is:

Case Antec 300: 39.99$ http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29812&promoid=1365
Power supply Antec Earthwatts 500W: 59.99$ http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=47698&promoid=1365
Motherboard ASUS P8H67-M PRO/CSM 109.99$ http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=59325&promoid=1365
CPU Intel i3 2100: 109.99$ http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=58339&promoid=1365
RAM DDR3 G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-10666CL9D-4GBXL 2X2GB: 28.20$ http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=57947
DVDRW ASUS 24B1ST: 27.99$ http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=49597&promoid=1365
HD Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB: 49.52$ http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=58402
Power cord: 1.79$ http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=3104

TOTAL: 437$

What do you think?

 

[abekl]

The only problem I see is the hard drive. They will be disappointed with the lag caused by a blue hard drive. Get a WD Caviar black instead.
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=59813&vpn=WD7502AAEX&manufacture=Western%20Digital

 

[008Rohit]

No need of a 500W PSU if you don't even fit a single Graphics Card.
Also, Don't waste the RAM slots by buying 2x2GB. Get a 4GB for now and add another one when you need it. The difference between single and dual channel memory won't be recognisable by them.

 

[michxymi]

No need of a 500W PSU if you don't even fit a single Graphics Card.
Also, Don't waste the RAM slots by buying 2x2GB. Get a 4GB for now and add another one when you need it. The difference between single and dual channel memory won't be recognisable by them.

008Rohit stop giving dangerous advice to people! When a system works with Dual-Channel, It won't work the right way with Single Channel!

 

[008Rohit]

^^

What do you mean that the system won't work properly. I've been using a single DDR3 1333Mhz stick without any system instability!?

 

[michxymi]

You lose both in terms of perfomance and in terms of stability. Plus this machine, will never need more than 4GB.

 

[jeffjeff666]

No need of a 500W PSU if you don't even fit a single Graphics Card.
Also, Don't waste the RAM slots by buying 2x2GB. Get a 4GB for now and add another one when you need it. The difference between single and dual channel memory won't be recognisable by them.

There was a deal on the 500W which made it cheaper than a 400W.

 

[008Rohit]

You lose both in terms of perfomance and in terms of stability. Plus this machine, will never need more than 4GB.

How can you lose stability? explain

 

[damasvara]

You lose both in terms of perfomance and in terms of stability. Plus this machine, will never need more than 4GB.

Lose stability? Cute... First off, for elderly PC user, a modest build will suffice. Here's some cheaper option:

CPU: Pentium G620, only lost in terms of speed from the i3 2100, but will be more than enough for browsing the internet. $65.

Link: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/pentium-g850-g840-g620.html

Motherboard: Cheaper H61 will do, it should be around $55.

RAM: I agree with a single channel. Although it's slower than DC, it is in fact easier to pinpoint a module's error (duh!). So if a stick is faulty, you won't have to check between the 2 sticks. And most of all, it's cheaper. Value series RAM from reputable brands is 25$ max. I can get one for $20, from a no name brand of course.

PSU: Even for an i3 (without discrete GPU), with total power load of around 150W max, a mere 350W PSU from Antec, Seasonic, or other trustworthy manufacturers is more than enough. Just make sure to get 80+ and active PFC, since it's a standard for build quality. It shouldn't be more than $45. But if you're not sure, get the 400W for insurance purposes.

HDD: The difference between Blue and Black Caviar HDD isn't that far. CMIIW, but Black have larger cache size than Blue, while the speed is also 7200 rpm. There are mechanical features and extended warranty for the Black series, but I don't think that matters too much. Yet, for the sake of (slightly better) performance, the Black series is the better option indeed. For $90, I believe you can get a 1TB Caviar Black HDD. The 1TB Blue, however, is only around $60. For me, $30 is quite a money for a bigger cache size. 😱

Case: Any will do, since the components are only a few anyway. 😛

Having said that, the decision is on your hands. A good build is an efficient build based on the usage plan. No overkill, no crappy components either. Happy shopping! 😀

EDIT: Few typos...

 

[Outlander_04]

use dual channel RAM . Why give up 10% of your system performance for no reason

the case is dumb . Its a gaming case . Buy them a decent office case instead

 

[jeffjeff666]

use dual channel RAM . Why give up 10% of your system performance for no reason

the case is dumb . Its a gaming case . Buy them a decent office case instead

I will definitely use dual channel RAM.

I know the Antec 300 is a gaming case. The only reason why I picked that one is because it's Antec and because it's cheap. Any good suggestion for a office case?

 

[michxymi]

Xigmatek ASGARD II B/O CPC-T45UE-U01 Black / Orange 0.8 mm SECC / Aluminum and Aluminum Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811815006

 

[Outlander_04]

COOLER MASTER Elite + 420 watt psu $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119210

Antec NSK 4482B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 380W Power Supply $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129072

Theres also an Antec 300 with a 430 watt psu for $90