*Insert Generic Title Here*

[Mo0by]

O hai tech guys, I have a fun* propisition for you.


Basically, I've persuaded my dad that the rip-off peice-of-crap that he got after being essentially conned by PC World 5 years ago needs to be reaplced. I dont know the specs exactly but it was something like 256mb RAM, 2 (?) ghz athalon processer, a (very) old graphics card etc, etc.

Importantly, he uses the computer for work only, so things like word, exell, browsing the internet - nothing graphically demanding.

I told him that for 300 pounds he could get an up to speed PC if he let me build it. What I need you guys to do is tell me what parts I should get. :awes

I appreciate this is cuting it very close, so I figured I could reuse my old nvidia Geforce6300, or if thats not fast enough, my old ATI x1900xt (although I'd rather save that for a second PC I might build for myself). I also assume that I can reuse the Hard Drives/CD Drives. Please note he has all the peripherals, Mouse/KB, Screen so its just the case itself.

So what I need is:

• Motherboard
• CPU
• RAM
• PSU
• Case - NOTHING over 40cm high, 25cm wide or 50 deep (this might be a problem)
• OS - If someone could direct me to a cheap XP, as he's getting old (bless) and doesnt want to get confused.
• Cooling? Probrably not necessary...

Budget: £300

Remember, he just wants things to load quickly for doing his job.


Thankyou very much :awes2




*may not be fun

[=98=]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

I'll draw something up. You can re-use the old XP license. Xfire/msn me for details.

[=98=]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

Leaves you roughly £24 for a disk drive and any peripherals and a beard trimmer.

[Mo0by]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

Looks good aside from the case... must be under 40cm high x 25cm wide x 50cm deep, as he has a woodern thing that he puts the tower in. Thats essentially his only speified requirement. :x

[=98=]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

45.8 (H) x 46.5 (D) x 20.5 cm (W)

You sure that wont fit?

It's as near as dammit?

[Mo0by]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

nope, I got out my tape measure, and used my own Antec 300 as a template for an average sized case, it wouldnt fit.

The exact dimensions of the space are 42x23x50, so it would need to fit in there and allow a little room for air flow round the edge of the case.

[=98=]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

Well, I couldn't find anything suitable for that sort of size. I guess you could go for midi, but then we're talking Micro-ATX which I can't be arsed to discuss.

Can't you just not use the wooden thing. We built one for our PC, but no longer use it...

[AvalancheDiode]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115556&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-34-115-556-_-Product

problem solved.

[Mo0by]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

Alright, I'll convice him to raise up the space so he can fit the case. I'll report back with news :awes

No laptops please :)

[AvalancheDiode]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

Alright, I'll convice him to raise up the space so he can fit the case. I'll report back with news :awes

No laptops please :)

I don't see any problem with laptop for work, but if you insist, then it seems that the only solution for you is to build a mATX to fit that size. I don't have any problem with mATX. Get a board with GPU on it and save you a fortune for having no discrete GPU.

[=98=]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

No point in getting a laptop if you have the monitor and peripherals. May as well get some decent spec machine.

[Flt. Sgt. Powderhound]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

[AvalancheDiode]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

No point in getting a laptop if you have the monitor and peripherals. May as well get some decent spec machine.

It's cool to use dual monitor and use existing peripherals for comfort.

edit:

Plus the freedom of doing his work at location of his choice.

[Mo0by]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

^ahaha, you dont know my dad, he loves his desk.

Nice contribs Powerhound, gives me an idea of what the specs would be like if he doesn't want do move a shelf 4cm upwards.

[[USAC]S|Cpl.TinFoil]

Re: *Insert Generic Title Here*

Leaves you roughly £24 for a disk drive and any peripherals and a beard trimmer.

I lol'd.

1. Enormous Hard Drives. An average workstation-type-thing only needs around 40GB. Get an 80GB drive.
2. Why 4GB of RAM? Hell, why 2GB? 1GB is enough, and even that has space to spare on a regular XP machine. Running IE, Word, and Excel at the same time doesn't require much.
3. With a processor that old, you could even get him an Athlon 64 X2 4400+ and he would be amazed.
4. Try this tiny thing, just because.