For my kids (girls)

[Gordylll]

Ok so my 2 oldest daughters are turning 11 and 12 in the next few months. They have crashed my wifes laptop twice since I have been deployed and have my vista machine running like a snail. So what better way to introduce them to this wonderful world of technology then to build them their own (and they wont touch ours haha) Now my issue is I have no idea how to build a non high performance cpu. I know that sounds dumb but as I was making a build list it started reaching 900.00 and I know that is way to high for what they need.

So my request:
2 PC's that will reflect them (colored cases lighting ect <they are going to help me build it>)
They wont be on the cutting edge of gaming, it will be used for homework, net surfing, email, chat ect. Onboard video is fine with the exception that I would like it to be able to play some games if that becomes their fancy. If I buy them prebuilt from Dell or something I guess that is ok but I would prefer parts so they can learn this process and hopefully learn a bit about troubleshooting as well. Thanks in advance

 

[NoNameNY]

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OS: Ubuntu 64bit (free)
Productivity Suite: Open Office (free)

Total: 511.91

just a touch over your limit

 

[CalcProgrammer1]

I wouldn't ever recommend a 1366x768 monitor or anything by Compaq, even for basic use. That resolution is just too small these days for much use especially with only 768 vertical resolution. A good 20" 1680x1050 monitor should work much better or you can get a 1920x1080 (1080p) monitor so web browsing and multitasking will be easier. I picked up 3 Dell ST2210 monitors (1920x1080, DVI/VGA/HDMI, 21.5") for $140 each so for just a bit more than that tiny monitor you can get a nice one.

I do second the Ubuntu OS choice, for non-gaming-or-business tasks it is perfectly fine. It has Firefox, Pidgin (AIM/Yahoo/MSN/etc messenger client), and OpenOffice which is compatible with MS Office 2003 and some of 2007 formats. Plus they'll be able to learn how to use a Linux system which is a good skill to have.

 

[NoNameNY]

I was trying to find a price point monitor for him--seeing that I already went over budget. I really have never had issues with HP/Compaq monitors, had a few with Dell's. I actually wanted to find him an Acer--I have had a lot of those and never had an issue

 

[patonb]

He has no budget actually.

You've also fluffed the build with good speakers.

I've tossed a nice pink build together for $587 before $40 mailins and a $15 code ending the 1st......... And it has Win7.

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The monitor has 1W speakers but added a simple set of speakers.... The kids are only 12... inexpensive means they can get broke and it won't matter too much.

 

[Muffin Man]

^ cpu and motherboard wouldn't work, and you'd need a separate cooler for the oem cpu.

you could swap out the old phenom for a retail athlon ii and your build would be good to go.

 

[NoNameNY]

@patonb--the speakers were because they are reaching an age where music becomes very important and I saw the $900 and it just stuck that it was his budget for both

 

[patonb]

^ cpu and motherboard wouldn't work, and you'd need a separate cooler for the oem cpu.

you could swap out the old phenom for a retail athlon ii and your build would be good to go.

Oops, well sorta oops... I originally had an X2 245 setup there, but then went the tri so as to be same same with NNNYs build...

Now why won't the cpu/mobo work... Thought Am3 mobo could have a am2 chip?

@patonb--the speakers were because they are reaching an age where music becomes very important and I saw the $900 and it just stuck that it was his budget for both

At 11 and 12, I was thinking still of breakage, If alittle older, yha the speakers for sure.

 

[Muffin Man]

Thought Am3 mobo could have a am2 chip?

you've forgotten (gasp), tsk, tsk .

am3 cpu in am2 board, compatible.

am2 cpu in am3 board, not compatible.

 

[patonb]

you've forgotten (gasp), tsk, tsk .

am3 cpu in am2 board, compatible.

am2 cpu in am3 board, not compatible.

Oh...Actually thunked it was both ways.... But honestly, I think I might have mis-read the PII as am3..... but thanks for the lesson.