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Another Budget Build

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BigBadBaz

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Location
NY, USA
Hey all. So now my brother-in-law's mother wants a new computer and she wants me to build it for her. Of course she can't be wanting a new $2000 performance gaming rig, no she needs to spend $450 or less! :temper::)
BTW, She's an old school teacher who will NOT be gaming, overclocking, etc. This is just for email, word processing, internet...

Anyway, here's what I found so far:
CPU: Intel Core i3-530
M/B: GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H
CPU + M/B Combo = $196.98 - $10 MIR = $186.98
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws 2 x 2GB DDR3 1600 - $97
HDD: WD5000AAKS - $55.99
PSU: Corsair CMPSU-400CX - $49.99 + $1.99 Shipping - $20 MIR = $31.98
Case: COOLER MASTER Elite RC-310 - $39.99 - $10 MIR = $29.99
ODD: SAMSUNG 24X CD/DVD Burner - $19.99

Total: $421.93

My worries:
1. Will using the integrated graphics of the CPU cause any problems? Will it slow down the computer? Will the graphics be good enough for the uses mentioned above?

2. I really like my WD6400AAKS. I assume the 500GB won't be quite as fast, but is it a good drive?

3. The big one: I know Corsair generally makes excellent PSUs, but I don't see this one in the recommended PSU list. Are there any problems with it? Anything better for the price? And of course, I believe 400W is enough for this build. Am I right?

Finally, if there's anything I missed, anything I should know, comments, ways to save more, hellos... Please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I know that in general your better off going with something like Dell at this price point, but we didn't find anything she liked.
 
You can save money by going for amd build instead specifically the 245. Takes less watt so tiny improvement in electricity bills.

I think all corsair power supplies are good. I just bought the 400w so it better be.
 
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I am one of those nuts who refuses to use AMD.

Any other suggestions?
 
well i got one but need a bit to piece it together for ya...

*edit*

ok well you said she only needs it for email/surfing, so no need for all that power to be wasted. there really is no need for 4 gigs of ram for that either. everything you have choosen is way overkill for her, i would suggest this

Intel Atom D510 $79.99
Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR2-800 cas4 $45.99
OCZ Agility 60gig SSD $129.99
Pioneer DVR-218LBK $24.99
That right there comes to only $280.96

then choose a case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154091 <- have used this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154093 <- have used this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133093 <- the same as listed above just different color scheme
or you could get this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129080
but then you would need a DVD drive like this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106340
and it seems to need some kind of single sata/power cable.

now if you stick with the parts i choose you still have room to add the 500gig drive and make it a external drive for her. really the SSD will make the biggest difference for that atom setup for booting and other tasks, she will think its a faster machine then it really is. IMO there is nothing wrong with considering a Atom setup for these needs.
 
Last edited:
Wow. I would never have thought of using an Atom. It's certainly something to think about. Thanks Evilizer!
 
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