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Thread: Building a PC for Grandparents

  1. #1
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    Building a PC for Grandparents

    My grandparents in Idaho have an old PII laptop that took a crap on them this morning, and they want me to build them a new computer. They sent me a check for $1300, and I chose these parts (I haven't ordered yet). What'd ya'll think?



    ASUS 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe and 14X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model DRW-1814BLT - Retail
    Item #: N82E16827135146
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
    $35.99



    COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
    Item #: N82E16811119115
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
    $39.99



    SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP - OEM
    Item #: N82E16821103116
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
    $7.99



    (2x)Western Digital Caviar SE WD2000JS 200GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
    Item #: N82E16822144416
    Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

    -$5.00 Instant
    $119.98
    $109.98
    ($54.99 each)



    Acer AL2223Wd Black-Silver 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
    Item #: N82E16824009102
    Return Policy: [LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

    -$20.00 Instant
    $259.99
    $239.99



    SAPPHIRE 100203L Radeon HD 2400PRO 256MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
    Item #: N82E16814102100
    Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

    $59.99


    SeaSonic S12 II SS-380GB ATX12V 380W Power Supply - Retail
    Item #: N82E16817151032
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

    $74.99



    Logitech UltraX Silver/Black USB Standard Media Keyboard - OEM
    Item #: N82E16823126022
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
    $18.99



    G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail
    Item #: N82E16820231098
    Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy

    -$40.00 Instant
    $129.99
    $89.99



    MSI P35 Neo-F LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
    Item #: N82E16813130095
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

    $99.99



    Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6420 - Retail
    Item #: N82E16819115016
    Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

    $186.00



    Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
    Item #: N82E16832116204
    Return Policy: Software Return Policy
    -$5.00 Instant
    $119.99
    $114.99

    Grand Total: $1141.98 (With tax and shipping to 95618)
    Last edited by RAW-Raptor22; 07-06-2007 at 07:27 PM.
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  2. #2
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    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153023

    That PSU instead and you're all set. Trust me, it's good. First off, look @ the reviews. Secondly, I've used it in many rigs such as the following, when running it caseless.

    -E6300 @ 3.5GHz, 1.48v
    -X1900GT @ 650/800
    -320GB HDD
    -Watercooling
    -P5B Deluxe
    -X-Fi

    I also used one with..

    -2.8GHz 1.65v 3800+ X2 AM2 under water
    -2x 7600GT "xXx" vmodded

    When I was waiting for my new PSU to come.

    They're real great units, sleeved, quiet. I've had six personally in and out of the house, used for customer builds, etc. We always have one brand new sitting around in case one of the PC's in the house has a PSU that dies.
    Core i3-550 Clarkdale @ 4.2GHz, 1.36v (Corsair A50 HS/F) LinX Stable
    MSI H55-GD65 Motherboard
    G.Skill 4GBRL DDR3-1600 @ 1755, CL9, 1.55v
    Sapphire Radeon 5750 1GB
    Samsung F4 320GB - WD Green 1TB
    Xigmatek Utgard Case - Corsair VX550

  3. #3
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    Not as good of quality though, and this will be my grandparents last system and will need to live as long as they do...
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  4. #4
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    I'm pretty sure they will be blown away by the improved performance. If they do alot of CD/DVD burning I would go with a LITE-ON, some people here have issues with the Asus. You could probably skimp on the motherboard, but thats a good price anyway.

    i5 750 @ 3.2 Ghz, stock volts on stock cooling
    4GB G.Skill DDR3-1600 7-7-7-21
    Gigabyte P55-DS2
    EVGA GTX260 192shader

  5. #5
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    I actually have the Lite-On 20x SATA DVD Burner, but I prefer the looks of the ASUS better...
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by NickS View Post
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153023

    That PSU instead and you're all set. Trust me, it's good. First off, look @ the reviews. Secondly, I've used it in many rigs such as the following, when running it caseless.

    -E6300 @ 3.5GHz, 1.48v
    -X1900GT @ 650/800
    -320GB HDD
    -Watercooling
    -P5B Deluxe
    -X-Fi

    I also used one with..

    -2.8GHz 1.65v 3800+ X2 AM2 under water
    -2x 7600GT "xXx" vmodded

    When I was waiting for my new PSU to come.

    They're real great units, sleeved, quiet. I've had six personally in and out of the house, used for customer builds, etc. We always have one brand new sitting around in case one of the PC's in the house has a PSU that dies.
    Tell me you did not just recommend them that piece of crap. It's made by Compucase, who make nothing but junk PSUs. Never, EVER, EVVVVVVVVVER trust newegg reviews, especially for PSUs. No one ever has any clue what they are talking about. The PSU he's getting is a top quality PSU by seasonic. Seasonic makes their own PSUs and a lot of well known companies use their PSU's and rebadge them (Corsair PSU's are seasonic, as well as PCP&C Silencer's.)

    The seasonic is a very good choice, especially if it's needed to last a long time. I don't know about the choice of board though, I really wouldn't trust anything from MSI.
    E6400 L624A768 @ 3600mhz 1.48V
    Biostar TP35D2-A7
    2x1GB Micron D9JKH, 2x1GB OCZ Gold DDR2-1100
    1x250GB WD SATAII 2x120GB Maxtor IDE 1x200GB
    EVGA 8800GTS 512MB stock 799/1998/2075
    MCW350, Apogee, 120.1 Swiftech Rad
    Antec Smartpower 500W
    BenQ DVDrw
    Logitech z-5300e

  7. #7
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    My MSI 694T-Pro has been running overclocked 12-14hrs a day since 2002 with no problems ever. No probs with the graphics card in my sig either, I trust MSI to last a while. If you want crappy mobos, look at ECS or PC Chips(owned by ECS).
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  8. #8
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    I don't see why they need a $1300 computer but that's just me.

    If it were me I'd just give them back half of it and build a computer for $650.

    If that computer doesn't outlive them u can buy another computer for $650 later
    CPU: Q6600 @ 3.6ghz G0 Week 37B
    Mobo: Asus P5k Deluxe
    Cooler: TRUE 120 (150cfm Delta)
    2xHR-05
    2xHR-09
    Mem: G.Skill 4x1Gb 6400HZ
    Vid: HIS 4850
    HDD: 80Gb 16mb Cache Raptor
    500Gb 7200.11 Seagate
    PSU: Enermax Noisetaker 600w
    Case: Thermaltake Armor (4x120mm 104CFM Panaflo)

    3dmark06: 16k

  9. #9
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    Its a $750 PC if you deduct the Windows Vista and the Monitor...
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  10. #10
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    How old are your grandparents?
    60's or 80's?
    It matters..
    I'd think a simple "tank" for them.
    Lian Li PC60 for some class
    workstation quality motherboard..
    Conroe 6600
    2x1 gig ram..
    mid range vid
    PCP+C 610w(overkill but overkill in PSU's is good IMO)
    2 good SATA drives in raid1 and buy a thrid for a backup when one fails
    300 gig storage drive for data.
    I think you can build that for the money you have to work with.
    Good Luck..Make it special for them. You won't have them forever.
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  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Movieman View Post
    How old are your grandparents?
    60's or 80's?
    It matters..
    I'd think a simple "tank" for them.
    Lian Li PC60 for some class
    workstation quality motherboard..
    Conroe 6600
    2x1 gig ram..
    mid range vid
    PCP+C 610w(overkill but overkill in PSU's is good IMO)
    2 good SATA drives in raid1 and buy a thrid for a backup when one fails
    300 gig storage drive for data.
    I think you can build that for the money you have to work with.
    Good Luck..Make it special for them. You won't have them forever.
    They are both 74 Years old. My Grandpa doesn't use the PC much, but my grandma is into sending tons of E-Mail attachments with pictures and video, rather sad but broadband is $60 a month in their area so they ae stuck on phone company dial-up. And movieman: I really appreciate the respect that you gave them, and see eye-to-eye with me. I originally posted this on another forum, and they responded kind of jerkily, like "buy a Sempy for 'em," its like what the hell man. Since I live in CA, and my grandparents live in Idaho I dont get to see them much so this is just one way I can feel kinda still connected to them. I really appreciate your input, and I'm glad I have made a great new friend on the forum.

    Cheers,

    ~C. DeKnikker
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  12. #12
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    FSP psu bling just gets you less on the inside where it matters
    Pioneer burner best japanese burner
    Lose x64 windows replace with x32 subjective choice
    Lose floppy drive replace with pendrive dont need flopy for vista install
    lose hsf use intel box

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lome View Post
    FSP psu bling just gets you less on the inside where it matters
    Pioneer burner best japanese burner
    Lose x64 windows replace with x32 subjective choice
    Lose floppy drive replace with pendrive dont need flopy for vista install
    lose hsf use intel box
    I will be setting the PC up so the windows isn't a problem. They are used to antiquated hardware, hence the FDD. But I will seriously consider ditching the Freezer7 for the Intel stock, even if it is mildly OCed.
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  14. #14
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    when you are building a computer for someone who is not a techie, always try to make sure they get a really nice keyboard , mouse and monitor. those are the items they will be interacting with everyday. too many people overlook the basics. also newegg has lian li cases for as little as $30 more than the coolermaster. i highly recommend them.

    reliability and appearance are very important for people who don't live for computers.

    good to see you care so much about your grandparents, like movieman said, they won't be here forever.

    almost forgot, drop the 64bit and get 32bit. they will probably never increase the 2gb of ram so 64 would have no advantage. and the drivers still have issues.
    QX 9650 5ghz with 1.55v 4.8ghz with 1.5v 24/7 in a VAPOLI V-2000B+ Single stage phase cooling.
    DFI LP LT X-38 T2R
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    Thermaltake 1KW Psu
    4x Seagate 250GB in RAID 0
    8GB crucial ballistix ram

  15. #15
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    About the motherboard...

    Don't listen to any anti MSI bull . I have had my MSI 975X for almost a year now and it runs my E6400@3.2 Ghz easily 24/7 stable and can go up to 3.6 stable on air. I moved to MSI from Intel and expected a severe decrease in quality, but MSI is just as stable as my Intel D955XBK even though the MSI 975x is much cheaper than the other higher end boards.


    I don't expect the MSI P35 Neo to OC very well, but I doubt your GrandParents care about OCing. The board should be very stable and will give them an excellent upgrade from their old system.

    BTW, don't cheap out on the power supply. You may sometimes get away with cheap power supplies, but the risk just isn't worth it.
    ***Main System ***
    Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 2.13 Ghz @ 3.6 Ghz
    Abit IP35-E
    4GB DDR2 RAM
    XFX HD 5770
    3x 120 GB HD
    2x 160 GB HD
    Antec Trueblue 2.0 480 Watt

  16. #16
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    If you want to save some bucks for your grandparents and get more parts, maybe you should take a lot of the used items there were selling from other forums such as [H] or anandtech, but i must warn you to be careful about sending money first without verifying their heatware evals. Also, since you live in california, tax will kill most of the deals so why dont you wait till july 22nd and see what up with the price drops.
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  17. #17
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    Raptor. So she sends emails. Does she do anthing else with it? Make sure you can get aesthically pleasing keyboards. A nice non glare screen, with guard if you have to. Make sure the finish is in nice tones. They'll appreciate it. A wireless mouse keyboard jobby to save them trying to sort out cable snares etc. Make sure they have nothing to have to plug/unplug. Just on and off.

  18. #18
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    I hear Seasonic 380W is noisy...
    ...but I guess noise is not a problem here...
    :P
    You were not supposed to see this.

  19. #19
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    I think that we don't need Vista 64bit and Floppy Disk Is there any special reason for those two ?
    Headshot ! those who can, do, those who can't, complain.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by largon View Post
    I hear Seasonic 380W is noisy...
    ...but I guess noise is not a problem here...
    :P
    No, it isn't (noisy, that is). It's the recommended power suply (under 400W) at Silent PC Review http://www.silentpcreview.com/article699-page1.html.

  21. #21
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    They don't need extreme, just buy a box store PC such as a dell for a third of what they sent you and be done with it.
    Abit IP35-Pro - Bios: 16
    Intel E8400 (Q746A381 SLAPL MALAY)
    Gskill F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ 2048X2
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    Corsair 620HX PSU
    Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme with Scthye Fan
    Antec 182 Case

  22. #22
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    I hope you've realized that you chose a terrible forum to ask. People are recommending E6600s and Raptors and the like. Fail.

    What you've chosen is already overkill, and considerably so.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by dandragonrage View Post
    I hope you've realized that you chose a terrible forum to ask. People are recommending E6600s and Raptors and the like. Fail.

    What you've chosen is already overkill, and considerably so.
    his name is raptor... nobody suggested using one in his build. and a 6600 is a good value considering the budget.
    QX 9650 5ghz with 1.55v 4.8ghz with 1.5v 24/7 in a VAPOLI V-2000B+ Single stage phase cooling.
    DFI LP LT X-38 T2R
    2X HD4850's water cooled , volt modded
    Thermaltake 1KW Psu
    4x Seagate 250GB in RAID 0
    8GB crucial ballistix ram

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by geto View Post
    They don't need extreme, just buy a box store PC such as a dell for a third of what they sent you and be done with it.
    Why would he disrespect his grandparents with a pre-made pc? They could've bought one themselves, but instead asked him to build them one. What he has suggested, and a budget of $1300 is no where near extreme.

    Quote Originally Posted by dandragonrage View Post
    I hope you've realized that you chose a terrible forum to ask. People are recommending E6600s and Raptors and the like. Fail.

    What you've chosen is already overkill, and considerably so.
    On the contrary its a great forum to ask. He can get feedback from people who know the differece between marketing and real quality/value, and what hardware is reliable long-term. When its family or friends, there's no such thing as overkill! you should see what my friends have hehe

    I would recommend an LG optical drive. After years of use they're the only ones that have survived, and my new one is brilliant. G/L with the build
    Last edited by Timbosan; 07-06-2007 at 08:30 AM.

  25. #25
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    Config looks great to me, I think they'll be psyched.

    I agree with some of the comments -

    - Use the box cooler and ditch the arctic freezer
    - No floppy, USB takes it's place (get them a key)
    - Use nice Logitech mouse/kb
    - The Viewsonic is a good deal
    - I'd use XP32 SP2 but if you like Vista maybe it'll be fine
    - Seasonic are great, hi end psu.

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