Computer for grandparents

[Subatomic]

I'm building a computer for my grandparents, who will be using it for basic computer operations - email, word processing... ect. This is my first computer, so I am just going to list all of the parts, so you can tell me if there are any compatibility issues, or if I am missing any parts.

They already have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-156-019&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=27-101-127&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-116&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-122&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-211-115&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-186-018&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-104-210&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=37-102-151&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

Thanks!

377 with tax!

Also, any way to make it cheaper without sacrificing a lot of performance?

 

[OmegaX]

Looks good, but you may want to upgrade to 512mb of RAM.

 

[Subatomic]

I seriously doubt they need it, people can play HL2 with 256MB RAM

 

[Asus]

I didn't see a power supply.
Also just remember, you get what you pay for. Use cheap memory or other cheap parts and you might run into issues now or later.

 

[blahblahblah]

For a cheaper price (when you include shipping), buy the case elsewhere. I'm a currently a big fan of an Antec Case that is sold by CompUSA for $25. Instead of getting an ugly, cheaply made case, you get quality for the same price. The only thing you need to add is some fans and a power supply (both of which you will likely need with the case you selected).

Also, not to discourage you, but for absolute bare bones computer systems, going with Dell or HP will probably be cheaper (although a tad slower on the performance end of things). However, the minute you add a stick of 512 RAM to that computer, building it then becomes cheaper. Keep that in mind if they are on a strict budget.

And listen to Asus, never buy cheap parts. Ever. You can buy quality parts for not much more money. I personally would take some time to research motherboards and make sure that is the one you want. Foxconn isn't known for making motherboards. The same goes for the RAM. Those parts may be good, but you don't know for sure. That is why I try to go name brand as much as possible when building a computer.

 

[[Matt]]

If this computer is just for email and word proccessing then i doubt very much they will need an 80Gb hard drive. A 40Gb will do.

 

[[Matt]]

This would be my choice of hard drive as its IBM deskstar based and 40Gb for a 'granny' machine is more than enough. I doubt they will even break the 20Gb barrier.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-162-001&depa=1

Also you have to remember that onboard video tends to use the ram in the DIMMs for its own memory so that 256Mb wont get very far at all. A Win XP system with onboard video running on 256mb of ram will probably hang or crashing every few hours. Stick this in the PC instead and it should run better...

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-223-006&depa=1

 

[Subatomic]

Thanks a lot for your suggestions, everyone.

I've decided that the mobo is really not that good, or reliable, I could not find any reviews or comments on any site other than newegg.

So, I am going to use

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-162&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

And, yes I am going to upgrade the RAM from the no-name brand to...

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-223-005&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

I downgraded to the 40GB HDD you recommended, Matt.

I've decided on an Antec case, that comes with a 400W PSU, and a basic fan. This is cheaper than buying a cheap Antec case without a PSU, and having to buy a PSU seperately. (The one you recommended, Blahblahblah does not come with one)

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-147-007&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

Two simple questions...

I am confused if the computer will work with the mobo I have, no onboard video. Do I need a really crappy video card?

Do I need to get extra cooling, since it only comes with an 80mm fan, or will it suffice?



By the way, I am not going to get a Dell or something, it is more for the experience of making one than price, but price is definately a factor. Although I need it to run well

Any more problems/suggestions?

Edit - You guys are absolutely right about getting no name parts, I don't know what I was thinking. The money to the Mobo and RAM upgrades cancels out when you downgrade to 40GB, it is exactly the same price as last time... wow, and it will be more stable.

 

[Neutrino]

Yes, you will either need onboard video or a low end vid card. I've found some pretty cheap ASUS boards with onboard video.

About your case, I really doubt you need a 400W power supply, but I suppose it won't hurt anything. But be somewhat careful with a cheap power supply. I built a comp a couple years ago with a cheap case/power supply combo and ended up having to replace both my ram and motherboard when the power supply failed.

Another thing is that I would personally tend to go with a lower end Athlon XP processor rather than the Sempron, but that's up to you.

 

[Subatomic]

Okay, I will just use this:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-131-509&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

Again, same price...


I think I will take my chances with the PSU, heh... too much money for a new PSU, not worth the insurance for a cheap cheap system. Also, I will still use a Sempron, it is a great price/performance ratio, more than the Athlon XP, and price is the main factor here, performance second.

Anyone want to answer if it has enough cooling, or anything before I buy this? (I am buying it tomorrow night)

 

[Subatomic]

Bumpety bump bump.

 

[Neutrino]

Anyone want to answer if it has enough cooling

I'm sure it will be fine with the stock cooling components. The only thing I'd recommned changing is using a thermal paste rather than the thermal pad the heatsink probably comes with.

 

[nib]

Unless you want to be on call 24 hours a day, go with a low-end Dell and get the extended warranty. They're cheap, decent enough computers for your Grandparent's use and it will save you TONS of headaches. Trust me. Really. I've been there and done what you're doing and you don't want it.

Added for clarification: The reason to go with Dell is for the support. You want to be able to send your grandparents to dell for their support needs.