New Build ~$600

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I built an i7 machine for myself a few months back and you guys were a big help (thanks again!). My mom just called to tell me her computer died and she wants to know if I can build her something decent for ideally under $600, but as high as $700 if absolutely necessary. She'll be using it mainly for general computing, word processing, internet, excel, book keeping, etc. But she'd also like some room to do basic video editing as she runs horse riding camps and things and wants to be able to document and make videos for people.

I'll answer the questions and then list the few components I have in mind so far, but I'm not up to speed on anything so any alternate suggestions would be great.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Word processing, excel, quickbooks, web browsing, basic video and image editing.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Ideally under $600 shipped with tax included. As high as $700 if absolutely necessary.
3) Where do you live?
California
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
Case, CPU, RAM, video card, motherboard, power supply. Don't need monitor, keyboard, mouse, or any other peripherals. Just main system components.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Only monitor and peripherals.
6) Will you be overclocking?
Not likely.
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
I think she has a 22"
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
ASAP
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
Nothing special.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
No. Will need to include Win7 in the cost of the system.

Here's what I'm thinking so far, wondering if anyone has ideas for a cheap decent MB and other componants? I was going to get the 500W Thermaltake PSU on newegg for $24.99 after MIR but it's sold out.

Windows 7 Home Premium - $89.99 with promo code
Western Digital Caviar Blue 640GB - $59.99 with promo code
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz - $139.99 with promo code
OCZ Gold 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 - $74.99 with promo code and MIR
Video card - Not sure.
Motherboard - Not sure.
Power supply - Not sure.
Case - Not sure.

Current total with tax and shipping - $405.89

Thoughts?
 
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You should probably go with a DDR3 AM3 build instead. Sorry, no time to shop right now, but hopefully shiro or someone will be along shortly with a build for you.

Did you consider getting a pre-built dell deal instead? or refurb from dell outlet?
 
 
Awesome, thanks guys.

I updated my cart with those suggestions and I'm at $594.01 after tax and shipping. Kept the HD I had listed because the one you suggested says it's not available until the 12th and I'm trying to order right away.

Any thoughts on a cheap video card? Something that'll be fine with that PSU. I'm looking at

XFX GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 - $59.99
or
XFX Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit DDR2 - $64.99

but I know nothing about video cards in that range.

enginurd said:
Did you consider getting a pre-built dell deal instead? or refurb from dell outlet?
Click to expand...
Wouldn't mind if I could get something comparable for the same price. Haven't dealt with computer manufacturers in so long that I kind of forget it's an option. You think I should look more into that option for this price range?

Thanks again!
 
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no need for video card as onboard radeon 4200 video card is more than enough for HD video playback and light gaming.
 
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Damn, onboard video that works fine? What's this world coming to?

Thanks, looks like that'll do it then. Thanks a ton for the help!
 
Nah, if her budget was lower and she needed a monitor, a dell deal would be fine (typically $450 shipped for a decent one). However, the build you have would be pretty good already, so go for it.
 
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