Can you build a decent complete system for ~500?

[myowngod]

My parents are in dire need of a new computer... all they really need is something basic.. they have a 2.8Ghz AMD single core, 15in CRT monitor, and everything else is from 5 years ago - my mom wants something a little faster... and I've found a few package deals with monitors (pre-made) for ~500-600 dollars.. I have a hard time not selecting higher end parts for a build... can you build a complete system (that's better than buying from a manufacturer) for around 500? a cheap 20-22in lcd is ~120... I was figuring a <$50 case... but beyond that I have no clue what to aim for... was figuring a dual core AMD build to keep the price down... but wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations before I started pricing stuff out...

 

[hikaricloud]

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
Newegg.com - A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3320613AS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives
Newegg.com - LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners
Newegg.com - Acer X223Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2500:1 - LCD Monitors
Newegg.com - APEX DM-318 Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case Computer Case ATX12V Flex 275W Power Supply - Computer Cases

$472.51 with shipping. And you get a neat little case that doesn't take up a lot of room.

 

[Baez]

LOL Pete. Nice case choice it's awesome.

 

[philbar71]

good build hiki. and that is a pretty cool looking case.

 

[hikaricloud]

Thanks. I actually surprised myself with how cheap that build was...

 

[veedubfreak]

You didnt include windows though. Thats another ~100 bucks.

 

[hikaricloud]

...darn you veedub. :[

 

[Trotter]

If they trash their current system, scavenge what they can (opticals, hard drives), you could harvest the license from the old machine and use it on the new one.

 

[hikaricloud]

Trotski to the rescue. The optical drive probably isn't a DVD burner if it's 5 years old, but the license might be a viable option.

 

[veedubfreak]

If its a 5 year old system, odds are its windows 2000 also