Build for in-laws (check-over)

M

Mav

Weaksauce
Joined
Jun 28, 2003
Messages
119
Building a budget system for my brother-in-law's family. Will be mostly used for school work and surfing with a little gaming, nothing cutting-edge. Parts ordered exclusively from Newegg. Just want to make sure everything checks out. The case had just a couple of negative comments, but most sounded like shipping damage.

VGA GIGABYTE|RADEON9200SE 128M TV R N82E16814125116 1/9/2004 11:52:56 AM 1 $51.99

MB NFORCE 2 SPP M7NCD BIOSTAR RTL N82E16813138216 1/9/2004 11:52:56 AM 1 $53.00

DDRAM 256MB|32X64 PC-2100 8T CRL% N82E16820145001 1/9/2004 11:52:56 AM 1 $37.00

FD 1.44MB|SAMSUNG SFD-321B/LBL1 OEM N82E16821103203 1/9/2004 11:52:56 AM 1 $5.99

CPU AMD|2500/333 ATHLON XP BARTON R N82E16819103379 1/9/2004 11:52:56 AM 1 $90.00

CDRW LITEON|52X32X52X LTR-52327S BK N82E16827106197 1/9/2004 11:52:56 AM 1 $38.00

HD 80GB|WD 7200RPM WD800LB % N82E16822144331 1/9/2004 11:52:56 AM 1 $74.00

CASE DNPWR|CS-I3ASB.701(S/B) 300 RT N82E16811138001 1/9/2004 7:56:18 AM 1 $25.00

Subtotal $374.98
Tax $.00
Shipping and Handling 19.00
Total $393.98
 
Doh, I see a problem already. Clicked on the PC2100 instead of the PC2700. Not a huge problem, but frustrating nonetheless.
 
Was gonna ask the very same thing, lol...why 133MHz FSB when you can run 166MHz FSB...hehe, oh well...stuff like that happens.

All in all...doesn't look too bad if your just making a very basic system and playing games like Mahjongg Tiles...you be just fine;)

However...I haven't heard the greatest things about Biostar mobo's. But then again everyone crapped on the ECS K7S5A..I owned 3 of those mobo's and everyone of them was rock solid stable.

So Cheers and have fun building that system!

Da Goat
 
Thanks for the input. The MB was the main thing I was questioning, but I find alot of people that post negative stuff about hardware are overclocking them. That's fine, but don't complain when it fails, you know? Most of the Newegg feedback was 4 or 5 stars, I'm hoping it isn't a lemon.

Then again, I've been using my PC Chips MB solidly for 3 years now. lol
 
Looks pretty good. Only thing seperating it from a screaming gaming system is the video card :) Stick with the one stick of RAM to save money since going Dual Channel on AMD has little perf increase if your not using the integrated graphics chip.

Anyone who can get a PC-CHIPS motherboard to work for 3 years can get any motherboard to work.....:D

Oh yeah, beware of the pitfalls of building a PC for IN-LAWS !
 
Yeah, this isn't a dual channel MB anyways. I had it configued with 512 but he wanted to trim it down under $400 so had to go down to 256 and go with a little weaker video card. As long as it performs as well as my old GeForce they should be happy with it because I game alot more than they ever will. lol
 
I'd prefer a cheaper CPU & more ram personally. Swapping hurts.
 
Originally posted by zandor
I'd prefer a cheaper CPU & more ram personally. Swapping hurts.
Click to expand...

I will second that, also screw the video card, and get a mobo with a built in video card, save some money. Unless they plan on playing some videogames.
 
uhh, no DVD drive? Get a combo drive. And I don't see any PSU included there - and if there's one included with the case then forget it - I would never use a PSU that came with a case all for $25. Bad PSUs can do way too much damage to make the money saved worthwhile.
 
I would reconmend going with a Shuttle An35N-Ulta off newegg for about 10 bucks more ... that will give you peace of mind
 
Save yourself a chunk of change and get the Biostar M7NCG 400 with built-in gf4mx video instead. I work with one all the time and the thing runs like a charm. The shuttle mn31n would be an alternate choice and it has the mcp-t southbridge (soundstorm+firewire headers)

The built-in video is easily the equivalent of a castrated 9200se (prolly better)
 
Thats what i would do

Get a mobo with a gf4 mx in it

Get the biostar.. you get nforce2, case, pwr supply for right around 300, tad expensive but it sure will be a nice computer

im talking about sff though
 
Something to think about......

If your Bro in law's level of computer experience is at the nO0b level, you should seriously consider a Dell. Why? Because with a Dell they can call 1-800-I'mStuckNow forever and get tech support. Dell has some screaming deals now in the $399 range that would be a very decent 'starter' family PC.

Without that....YOU are the tech support forever.

If they are comfortable with PC's, then a built up machine is of course the way to go.

FWIW - B.B.S.
 
Originally posted by BlindedByScience
Something to think about......

If your Bro in law's level of computer experience is at the nO0b level, you should seriously consider a Dell. Why? Because with a Dell they can call 1-800-I'mStuckNow forever and get tech support. Dell has some screaming deals now in the $399 range that would be a very decent 'starter' family PC.

Without that....YOU are the tech support forever.

If they are comfortable with PC's, then a built up machine is of course the way to go.

FWIW - B.B.S.
Click to expand...

excellent point!:rolleyes: listen closely from the experience of others
 
Dell is what I mostly recommend to people with lack of computer skills. I know I have built computers for people like 3 years ago and they still think I should give them free tech support even though when I built the computer for them I clearly stated 1 year warranty. Oh well best of luck to ya.
 
First off when i build a system for someone i always buy retail parts with a 3 year warranty. I do offer 1 year worth of support though. After that if hardware goes bad i change the part with for a fee which includes my labor and costs for RMAing the product.

Another note about PcChips MB's which i know people tend to make fun of them but years ago i used to get quantity discounts on these boards and so i used them quite alot. I haven't used them in about 5 years. I'll tell you what though noone has ever called on me asking to repair any of them. I know personally 5 of the poeple i sold them to with 700mhz P3's in them.

Anyways check this MB from ASUS which has a 3 year warranty and fully intergreted (while i personally dont like intergretion) but it saves tons of money for those people who cant afford $1000+ systems.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-131-433&catalog=22&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1
 
Well, thanks for all the advice guys. I checked this thread like every hour and it was dead. The parts showed up and I buried myself in it and now all these posts are here. lol

Anyways, I'm happy to report that everything arrived in working order and the PC is functioning quite well. They aren't complete comuter noobs, but I did take some extra steps to prevent headaches in the future.

Here's my review:

VGA GIGABYTE|RADEON9200SE 128M TV R N82E16814125116 $51.99
Good budget card, about what I expected. Nothing spectacular, but it does run all of the title I threw at it well(CS, MOHAA, NR2003, NFS:HP2).

MB NFORCE 2 SPP M7NCD BIOSTAR RTL N82E16813138216 $53.00
No complaints, not dual channel, onboard sound is decent, not theatre-quality by any means. Good utilities package included.

CDRW LITEON|52X32X52X LTR-52327S BK N82E16827106197 $38.00
This thing sounds like a jet engine sometimes when its turning at max speed. Not a good choice for a library!

HD 80GB|WD 7200RPM WD800LB % N82E16822144331 $74.00
Good performer, can't hear it running at all.

CASE DNPWR|CS-I3ASB.701(S/B) 300 RT N82E16811138001 $25.00
Good looking case, removable motherboard tray. Not toolless, of course, and a little flimsy. Good budget buy for the put it together and don't touch it crowd.

Overall, it kills any $499 PC you will ever get from Dell, hands down. I wouldn't build anything like this for a stranger or anyone I wasn't close with. One of those situations where even if they did go with a Dell, they'd still call me first because they know it will be faster.

I'm considering building a similar one for my parents as well, so I might go with that Asus board you suggested there Pheonix, as I know they won't be playing games.
 
Originally posted by Mav

I'm considering building a similar one for my parents as well, so I might go with that Asus board you suggested there Pheonix, as I know they won't be playing games.
Click to expand...
I'd suggest getting a combo drive for that one, I just got my lite-on combo drive for $53 and couldn't be happier:)
 
lol my parents don't even own a DVD player yet. Not much into movies I guess.
 
For the most part, I find that when I build any computer for relatives (immediate and extended family) I don't get too many problems, simply because the majority aren't into tinkering with the computer. They leave well enough alone, however I do get the occasional question of, "Why can't I do this...?", or, "I thought....".

For the most part, they respect me and only bother me with rather important (in their minds) questions. I can't complain... ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top