Need help building just a basic PC

[Taera]

I'm looking to build a new PC for my cousin on the cheap. She's only 13 and just needs it for school, MSN messenger, myspace, nancy drew games, you know, that kinda stuff. Nothing ungodly fast with the best graphics or anything. Just a very simple PC that wont be a headache to fix if she screws something up with it. I would imagine something of the sort would probably be pretty cheap but as i've never built a PC from scratch, I have no idea where to start. I saw the stickied thrad above but it seemed more geared tword building a gaming PC and doesnt really apply. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Blabj]

For uber uber cheap, building a PC really isn't a great option, you'd be better off buying something from dell, or a netbook or something. The advantages with going with a name brand is that you'll get lots of support, warranty, and you don't have to deal with the hassle.

If shit goes tits up, they don't have to call you to fix it. They probably will, but I like to think whenever I've suggested this to my family members that they'll do the right thing and not bother me when they manage to get it clogged up with viruses.

[Isiolia]

My general perspective on that is to at least build with the idea that it could be expanded later. Of course, then I usually start nickle and diming my way up to a light gaming machine anyway, since the cost isn't that much different between that and quality parts.

As mentioned, if you're -truly- looking for the cheapest of the cheap, yet totally legit, then buying a Dell or HP or something on sale is probably your best bet. Can watch places like HP Deals, Computer Coupons and Bargains - GotApex? or Ben's Bargains - Bargains, Coupons, Freebies for Dell deals for instance.
The main issues there are twofold. One, usually the cost winds up going up quickly if you decide you want to add options. Two, they usually have rather meager power supplies and things, which could make dropping a decent gaming card in later (for instance) troublesome.

If you want to build comparable to what a decent lower end PC would be these days, probably look at something like this:

Pentium E5200 (or E5300) - $70 - Better n' a Celeron, good performance, still cheap. AMD has similar offerings, but Intel performs better for non-gaming.

The motherboard is one area you could step it up a bit from most OEMs. Most are going to use a board with integrated video, using a budget chipset. Nothing wrong with that, and it'd most likely serve the immediate need. A similar route for a build would be something like this.
You could also opt to go with a more feature-laden board, without built-in graphics, and go with a low/mid range graphics card as well (by necessity). Given that it'd cost a good bit more just for the board, I'll leave it at that...

Memory is good n' cheap. I'd just get 4GB of PC-800, name brand, shouldn't be too expensive. Before rebate, you're looking at $40-50 price range, some have rebates dropping the cost into the $20s...

DVD-RW, similar, you can get one for $20-30, get a retail one with software.

A $60 500GB HD should be plenty.

Case and PSU are really the other main potentially expensive part, and the main key to system reliability that tends to get overlooked. Overheating or poorly powered systems are flakey to say the least. The downside, of course, is that getting quality here does cost a bit.
IMO, at least a good 380W PSU would be good. I'd look at a 500W though, unless the cost difference is large. I've had good luck with Antec Earthwatts series recently, and I like this PC Power and Cooling unit when I used it in my brother's system. Unfortunately, not many rebates goin' around on those right now.
Case has many options, you may need to pick on that your cousin likes, though a simple Antec 300 or similar is pretty good for the cost.

Alternatively, just get an Antec case that includes the PSU. They -usually- are decent, but occasionally a subpar product slips out.

Could also just follow the advice of a budget system guide, such as
Ars Technica System Guide: April 2009 Edition - Ars Technica

[Cjskater]

Newegg has this deal in their latest newsletter: Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
Along with this power supply: Antec earthwatts EA430 Promo code: EMCLSMN27 (it's awesome)

A 3650 should play Nancy Drew fine.

Edit: 7hrs 30mins till this deal ends btw. lol

[Akiyama]

What do you guys know about ZipZoomFly? I found some awesome deals on that site.

[Cjskater]

What do you guys know about ZipZoomFly? I found some awesome deals on that site.

I ordered a graphics card from them before. They shipped it out in about 8hrs... just don't choose Fedex Ground. I think they was a big competitor for Newegg at one time, still pretty much are.

[Akiyama]

Ah, ok. I didn't know for sure. They don't seem to have a review system or anything, but the MSI AM3 card/AM3 chip (Phenom II X3 720) I was looking at has a combo that's about 20-30 bucks cheaper than Newegg.

[The Stig]

Agreeing with Blabj, for such a PC, there's millions out there. Best to hunt down them package deals which throws you a printer/scanner/all in one and a digital camera, webcam, stuff so you don't need to shell out extra.

[Olo401]

I ordered a graphics card from them before. They shipped it out in about 8hrs... just don't choose Fedex Ground. I think they was a big competitor for Newegg at one time, still pretty much are.

<3 ground shipping.. sometimes it gets to you in a day, sometimes 3 days.

[Blabj]

Agreeing with Blabj, for such a PC, there's millions out there. Best to hunt down them package deals which throws you a printer/scanner/all in one and a digital camera, webcam, stuff so you don't need to shell out extra.

Furthering the circle jerk of approval. These are also good reason why it's better to buy complete set ups than make your own at this price bracket!

[Olo401]

Just for kicks I tried to make an extra low-budget, all-inclusive machine with as much free shipping as I could manage.. I didn't go for the cheapest shit I could tho (I won't touch a Celeron or Sempron like Dell does in their $500 PCs) and I didn't include the $99 19-inch monitor I saw:

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/M...px?ID=13454748 - ~$455

Actually it wouldn't take too much to upgrade this to a budget gamer.

[Cephius]

I think it comes down to how much time you're willing to invest. To me, building a computer is more of a hobby than it is a price-effective solution sometimes. Finding the best deals for parts and putting everything together takes a bit of effort. If you just want a PC for a child and don't have the time/patience to invest in building one, it's likely not worth it for you. It'll be much much easier to just watch for a package deal on Dell/Tigerdirect/Newegg for a pre-built system. Especially for someone like a 13-year-old.

[Cjskater]

Furthering the circle jerk of approval. These are also good reason why it's better to buy complete set ups than make your own at this price bracket!

Takes the full 5-7 days for me and they rarely give you tracking info. :/ Plus, afaik, they outsource the transportation to contractors. I'd rather have UPS 3day from Newegg. :< (same price usually)