System for Web Surfing and MS Office under $300

[nicepun]

Hi Guys. I'm building a system for a friend. Like the title says, he just needs it for web surfing and MS Office and under $300. I already have the OS and HDD. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

-Pun

[Nick04263]

What about MS Office software and other software utilities?

[cloned]

use openoffice instead of MS office, it is free and works great. as for the system it is pretty good for what he will want to do, i would try overclocking the CPU if you have a core 2 duo stock cooler. the stock coolers on the dual-cores are not very good, they are missing the copper plate/core that the core 2 duo ones has.

also you should recommend him spending a little more on it and getting a nice video card just in case he ever finds the need to play a video game or anything every once in awhile. plus if he is using vista he will need it.

a 256MB 3850 will help a lot and will not cost too much.

[nicepun]

What about MS Office software and other software utilities?

All taken care.

[tommyshango]

you forgot a power supply and hard drive. and an os like they said above.

[cloned]

you forgot a power supply and hard drive. and an os like they said above.

he already has an OS and HDD, read the first post. also there is a good chance that the case comes with one or he has a spare

[Sparky]

He said he already has an OS.

I would be sure to get a better PSU than one bundled with a case. Those are rarely worth anything.

Another option is go the AMD route, would be cheaper. Would make getting a better PSU in there possible too.

[tommyshango]

oh i missed that part.

[nicepun]

Well, this system will not be overclocked, no need. This guys doesn't have the slightest clue about OCing. Just plain ole net surfing and word processing. So what do you guys think? Good choice?

[iadstudio]

I'd think about a different case. Maybe look into AMD, too. You'de probably be able to save even more on the mobo, processor and maybe RAM.

All in all though, pretty decent as-is for under $300.

[nicepun]

I'd think about a different case. Maybe look into AMD, too. You'de probably be able to save even more on the mobo, processor and maybe RAM.

All in all though, pretty decent as-is for under $300.

I guess problem is that I have ZERO experience building AMD systems...:rofl: :yepp: , I mean if it's already built I guess it would be a big deal.

[zanzabar]

building amd and intel are the same and since ur not ocing u wont run into problems at all

look at
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131172
ASUS M2A-VM AM2 AMD 690G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $60

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103774
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz Socket AM2 65W Processor Model ADO4000DDBOX - Retail $65

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146567
Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Memory - Retail $60 -$30 rebate = $30

i know that the ram isnt rated for 800mhz but it is for cas3 667 and that cpu will run the ram at about 700mhz instead of 800mhz so that crucial should be perfect with its cheapness and garentied cas3, on teh am2 and am2+ amd decided that the memory controller should be linked to the cpu speed and not the fsb so u get strange ram timings and it sometimes glitches out above 800mhz so they make it have something from 700-800mhz

[Kobalt]

You should try buying some of the parts used. Really, you can get some good deals. Just be sure to check for positive heatware. Also, why do you have two optical drives???

[nicepun]

building amd and intel are the same and since ur not ocing u wont run into problems at all

look at
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131172
ASUS M2A-VM AM2 AMD 690G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $60

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103774
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz Socket AM2 65W Processor Model ADO4000DDBOX - Retail $65

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146567
Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Memory - Retail $60 -$30 rebate = $30

i know that the ram isnt rated for 800mhz but it is for cas3 667 and that cpu will run the ram at about 700mhz instead of 800mhz so that crucial should be perfect with its cheapness and garentied cas3, on teh am2 and am2+ amd decided that the memory controller should be linked to the cpu speed and not the fsb so u get strange ram timings and it sometimes glitches out above 800mhz so they make it have something from 700-800mhz

Thanks. I hate rebates so that's why I chose that ram.


You should try buying some of the parts used. Really, you can get some good deals. Just be sure to check for positive heatware. Also, why do you have two optical drives???

I'll keep my eyes peeled. Dual drives is for DVD Copying, I mean, backing.

[zanzabar]

even without the rebates ($8 difference) cas3 and micron is better for every day use then promos if u can fit it in

[Sparky]

I guess problem is that I have ZERO experience building AMD systems...:rofl: :yepp: , I mean if it's already built I guess it would be a big deal.

Goes together like any other system. Main difference in construction is the CPU has pins on it instead of the socket ;)