New System

[jamieson27]

Hi guys,

I am looking for a new computer for my parents, I figured this would be a good place to get started. Now they don't need anything expensive or high tech. This computer will at most be used for internet, sending emails, uploading pictures from a camera etc. No gaming or anything like that in mind. The budget would be relatively low, but the better bang for the buck would be considered.

Also I should add that I am from Canada, would be willing to look at online sites like, tigerdirect, ncix, canadacomputers etc. and also retailers like bestbuy futureshop. Really wherever works. Now I know a little bit about computers been lurking for a while so I understand a lot when it comes down to it, but I am really looking for some good direction on where to look, and good deals for boxing week. Purchase date will be relatively soon to take advantage of this. Any other questions I can answer, but i think i covered everything. Thanks alot guys!

 

[aford10]

This is a pretty good deal on a refurbished PC.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=021542&cid=DPC.405

Do you need a monitor/keyboard/mouse or just the tower?

 

[jamieson27]

That does look like a good computer, only thing I am unsure of is the refurb product, I was thinking to try to keep the computer for as long as possible. Also monitor will be needed but keyboard and mouse are not. Don't mind buying the tower if there is a good deal, and would be willing to buy separate if need be. For the AMD cpu what are some good low end processors that I should be looking at? I don't know to much about their pre-built cpu's. Thanks for the help guys, any help is appreciated.

 

[theneomaster]

May I recommend an old socket a athlon? An oldie but a goldie 😀

 

[aford10]

I would stay away from the older AMDs. They are well priced, but up until the x3 720 came out, they really lacked quality. The x3 720 and the 545 or 550 Callisto are some of the better/lower priced AMD CPUs.

As far as the quality of a refurbished PC, they are usually just as good as new. It's sometimes even a better deal. They usually replaced the defective/broken part with new hardware. And because it's used, they mark down the price. If they offer a decent warranty, I would consider it.

If you go to HP, Dell, Best buy...etc, you can compare some similar priced systems.

This has a low/mid range intel dual core and budget graphics - $510
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Desktop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor/9536415.p?skuId=9536415&ky=1whxm51gbOgORrn6M8JOUlLjDtR0yY7Rx&cmp=RMX&id=1218120537563

Here's an extreme budget PC. I wouldn't buy this for anything more than word processing and web surfing. - $320
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Compaq+-+Presario+Desktop+with+AMD+Sempron%26%23153%3B+Processor/9542444.p?skuId=9542444&ky=1whxm51gbOgORrn6M8JOUlLjDtR0yY7Rx&cmp=RMX&id=1218121946926

Here's Dell's studio/budget line. You can customize it, but the cheapest one is still about the price of the canada computer's PC. The Dell studio line has the e5300 dual core (low/mid budget CPU) in the 2 lower cost models.
http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/desktops/desktop-studio-mini/pd.aspx?refid=desktop-studio-mini&s=dhs&cs=19&ref=dthp

 

[jamieson27]

I looked into the Dell ones for a bit, are they fairly reliable? That may be an option, and then purchasing a monitor from newegg or something similar. Also that Canada computer ones looks very intriguing, only thing is there are only a select few left in the locations, i found this computer similar but with more availability. What do you think?

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=027157&cid=DPC.405

 

[aford10]

It's really your choice. There's a big difference in the q6600 and the e5200. The q6600 has 2 more cores and a faster FSB. If they won't use more than 2 cores, then it may be worth it to switch.

Dell makes OK computers.

Ebay and craigslist may be other options to look for a decent deal.