Budget build

[kumquat]

Intel C2D E7200 $129.99
Intel BOXDG33FBC G33 mobo $99.99
A-Data 4GB 2x2GB DDR2 800 kit $81.99
WD WD5000AAVS 500GB/8MB HD $69.99
Antec New Solution NSK3480 $109.99
Lite-On DH-20A4P-04 20x IDE DVD-RW $22.99

Total $522.53 shipped.


This is a build for my girlfriend's dad. He'll be using Ubuntu and XP. Has no current need for high-power graphics but may like to install a low or midrange graphics card later on.

 

[Malkizadek]

Personally I have not had any luck with Intel motherboards. Would not recommend them unless they have gotten better over the last few years. Check this out instead. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131229 It comes with onboard video, so you can still upgrade to a better video card later on. Or this board if you want to get the video card now http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131030 Everything else looks solid for a budget build.

 

[onedestinazn2]

im sorry but i gotta disagree with above poster as intel chipsets are usually more stable than nvidia motherboards but if your looking to use intergrated graphics, amd's 780g is a really good choice. since its for ur gf's dad i say a e2200 might even be enough leaving you with an extra 50 for other upgrades such as a gigabyte ep35-ds3l for 90 and a low-end graphics like the hd3650

 

[Dangman]

I recommend getting your GF's dad a Dell. Especially since this deal is out now:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...3=3G2D6&m_8=250GB&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=566643

For $499 with FREE shipping, get a Dell Inspiron 530 with 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor ($200 value), 3GB of DDR2 SDRAM ($100 value), 500GB hard drive ($100 value), 16x DVD+/-RW double layer burner, Dell 19-in-1 media card reader ($20 value), Modem ($30 value), Windows Vista Home Premium ($30 value), and a 1 year warranty. Expires 7/2/08

That Dell also comes with a PCI-E x16 slot. So if he wants to add a graphics card later on, he can.

 

[kumquat]

I recommend getting your GF's dad a Dell. Especially since this deal is out now:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...3=3G2D6&m_8=250GB&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=566643



That Dell also comes with a PCI-E x16 slot. So if he wants to add a graphics card later on, he can.

Not doing it. He would never, ever buy a Dell anyway.

Thanks anyway.

 

[kumquat]

im sorry but i gotta disagree with above poster as intel chipsets are usually more stable than nvidia motherboards but if your looking to use intergrated graphics, amd's 780g is a really good choice. since its for ur gf's dad i say a e2200 might even be enough leaving you with an extra 50 for other upgrades such as a gigabyte ep35-ds3l for 90 and a low-end graphics like the hd3650

Stability and Linux compatibility are key for this particular setup.

I was thinking about the E2200, but I think the $50 would be well spent on the CPU over the long run.

 

[Dangman]

im sorry but i gotta disagree with above poster as intel chipsets are usually more stable than nvidia motherboards ...

I don't think he was referring to Intel chipsets. He was referring to Intel-made motherboards not being stable.

I recommend getting this motherboard instead if your GF's dad won't need 8GB of RAM in the future:
Gigabyte GA-G31M-S2L Intel G31 mATX Motherboard - $60

If he does need 8GB of RAM support in the future, I recommend this motherboard instead:
Gigabyte GA-G33M-S2L Intel G33 mATX Motherboard - $95

Also, I recommend getting an SATA DVD burner instead for a cleaner case and better airflow

 

[kumquat]

Thanks for the mobo advice.

Once upon a time, Intel motherboards were the standard for stability. I'm surprised to hear that they're not so much anymore.

 

[onedestinazn2]

ahh my mistake i assumed he meant chipsets too as he advised only nvidia mobos