$300 build

[JamesMW]

Hi all

I have a family member who has requested that I build her a computer for around $300. This is my first budget build and I don't really know what the best parts are. Here's what I put together just from browsing newegg but I am sure there is better stuff out there. Any help is appreciated.

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5S-2GBNT - Desktop Memory

Newegg.com - Linkworld PRESCOTT 43701-222FU Black SECC/SGCC MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners

 

[Muffin Man]

totals $311

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864AA800 - Desktop Memory
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners

also, if you are ready to order or the family member is ready to order soon, newegg has this limited shell shocker deal, 640gb hdd for $49.99, same price as the one i listed above. but who knows how long that will last.
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Green WD6400AACS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

 

[JamesMW]

Thanks! that looks a lot better then what I found. Tiny nitpick, I chose the single 2GB stick so it wouldn't have to be replaced when my relative is ready to upgrade. Will the two sticks run faster than one? Just wondering.

 

[Muffin Man]

oh, i listed that set so that it would run in dual channel. but the mobo has 4 ram slots so you could still upgrade later on to another 2x1gig set, totaling 4gigs of ram, which is enough for average users and gamers.

but you could go with your original ram if you still want though.

 

[X2Xtreme360]

I'd say 4 gigs is pleeeennnnntyyyy... average PC user can easily get by with 2 gigs. Dual channel has a huge advantage over one DIMM as well. Plus if you have one stick of RAM and it dies... you're screwed till you can get another one. With two sticks, it's much easier to troubleshoot memory problems and you can still get by with one stick if one craps out on you.

 

[Leeter]

I would first and foremost ask what your family member is going to use the computer for? Is it mainly websurfing and office work? Will it be used for media (movies, music, editing?) and to what extent?