New build opinions

DJ-CHRIS1

Golden Master
Messages
5,203
Okay, parents P4 is getting outdated. They use their computer for general type tasks, occasionally something a bit demanding. May even once in a blue moon see some sort of a game. Not exactly sure if it will run XP or Vista, still up in the air. Pay attention to the pricing I list, not the pricing on the webpage, as I get massive discounts.

Processor - Xeon E3110 Wolfdale Retail - $219.99
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28910
Would get an E8400, however their in stock and OEM.

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L - $91.16
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25369&

Hard Drive - Western Digital SE16 500GB - $87.99
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=23266

PSU - Antec Earthwatts 500 - $59.98
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24129

DVD - Pioneer DVR-212D - $25.47
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=23283

Graphics - Asus 8500GT 512MB - $69.98
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26174

RAM - Mushkin SP PC2-6400 2x2GB CL5-5-5-18 - $73.68
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27234

Total price is $628 without case and OS
 
Thats a pretty nice build for general use IMO. I don't think I would change anything, and that is a nice price.

I would say go with Vista to provide some sort of future proofing. Also, with SP1, Vista became more reliable and quicker, so should provide a better experience. If money is an issue, or your parents are used to XP, than get that instead. I would let them look at a PC with Vista on it just to see if they like it better. I personally say go with Vista anyway.
 
Agree with pretty much everything but I would go with the 7600GT over an 8500GT. They're around the same price and the 7 series card performs a bit better but loses DX10 support.
Also how about this Seagate Barracuda? http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27144&vpn=ST3500320AS&manufacture=Seagate
32MB cache vs the WD's 16MB.

And that RAM could probably run at CAS 4 timings at 800MHz anyway.

Price doesn't justify the step up on the hard drive for the small performance boost, and the 7600GT's are more expensive than the 8500's, and DX10 support is a great idea.
 
Agree with pretty much everything but I would go with the 7600GT over an 8500GT. They're around the same price and the 7 series card performs a bit better but loses DX10 support.
Also how about this Seagate Barracuda? http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27144&vpn=ST3500320AS&manufacture=Seagate
32MB cache vs the WD's 16MB.

And that RAM could probably run at CAS 4 timings at 800MHz anyway.

Price doesn't justify the step up on the hard drive for the small performance boost, and the 7600GT's are more expensive than the 8500's, and DX10 support is a great idea.
 
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