Small computer build

[MindoverMaster]

I'm talkin' cheap here, a desktop for my grandpa to replace his old "guest" computer.

The old desktop is a HP P4, can't remember model. Anyway, it's so slow that a reinstall of XP took ages. I just want to strip that thing to shreds.

There are two ways I can go about this.

I have a PSU, case, optical.

1. Use my old trusty ASUS P5E 775 board, get a new CPU, and other parts. Problem here is that I want at least a C2D or slightly under. Well, they are about $120.

2. I get a combo of AMD (AM3) Semperon 140 and Biostar motherboard. Total $79. Has onboard graphics. Get 2 x 1GB of DDR3 1066. I'll just use the stock h/s. Will be used for nothing more than web surfing, e-mail.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

Let me know what you think

 

[Fat.Clown]

AMD w/ onboard graphics is probably your best bet.

 

[kmote]

$120 sounds way too steep for a processor for a web surfing machine.

 

[MindoverMaster]

My thoughts as well, Kmote. Once I get a lil money, I'll go ahead and get that AMD.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

I'm talkin' cheap here, a desktop for my grandpa to replace his old "guest" computer.

The old desktop is a HP P4, can't remember model. Anyway, it's so slow that a reinstall of XP took ages. I just want to strip that thing to shreds.

There are two ways I can go about this.

I have a PSU, case, optical.

1. Use my old trusty ASUS P5E 775 board, get a new CPU, and other parts. Problem here is that I want at least a C2D or slightly under. Well, they are about $120.

2. I get a combo of AMD (AM3) Semperon 140 and Biostar motherboard. Total $79. Has onboard graphics. Get 2 x 1GB of DDR3 1066. I'll just use the stock h/s. Will be used for nothing more than web surfing, e-mail.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

Let me know what you think

Newegg.com - Intel Celeron E3400 Wolfdale 2.6GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80571E3400

That would be a good choice if you re use the lga 775 board, it's a lot better than the Sepron and is just a 45nm Core 2 Duo with less cache.

 

[MindoverMaster]

What's a Sepron? j/k

Only problem is, that it doesn't have onboard video. But it shouldn't matter. I have some older video cards I can use. An x800 perhaps.

Wish I could get a e2140. That thing can overclock almost 100%!

 

[Fat.Clown]

e2200 $30 shipped. holler
FS: Pentium Dual Core e2200 - $30 shipped

 

[Puddle Jumper]

What's a Sepron? j/k

Only problem is, that it doesn't have onboard video. But it shouldn't matter. I have some older video cards I can use. An x800 perhaps.

Wish I could get a e2140. That thing can overclock almost 100%!

My bad on the spelling, I used to have on so you'd think I would member the correct spelling for it.

Yeah, the lack of on board video is a downside but if you can reuse a card like that it might save you a little money.

I wouldn't be surprised if the e3400 could out overclock the e2140, most of the e2xx0 chips hit a wall at 3.2-3.3ghz that you couldn't get past without using excessive voltage for relatively small gains in speed. The e3400 on the other hand has a higher stock multiplier with the same low FSB and considering how mature Intel's 45nm process is at this point it should be a piece of cake to overclock.

 

[MindoverMaster]

OC won't be necissary. But if it is faster on stock, that would be better.

BTW, are those blueish (color blind) computer gloves just like the ones they use in hospitals, ambulances, etc? I hate scratching up my hands inside a case.
Found out, they were Nitrile gloves.

 

[MindoverMaster]

Something else I noticed. None of my other PSUs have a p8. Only my Tagan 750W does, and that would be a waste.

So, looking at PSUs, I think this one would do:

Newegg.com - Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Any thoughts?

Edit: Change of thought. I'm getting two systems. One for my grandpa, one to sell off. So essentially. I need two. One will go with the 775 board, the other, use an AMD combo.