Jump to content

A computer for my Mom

TheNuzziNuzz
 Share
Posted

My mom is currently running an 10 year old dell desktop on windows XP. She uses this computer for practically everything a mom could use it for. Emai...Lots...and lots (She receives over 250 emails per day) and I mean lots of email. She is a heavy microsoft office user, and stores hundreds of gigs worth of pictures and documents on her computer. She doesn't game at all, but needs a machine built for productivity.

 

I have a few things in mind, but none are solid. I could build her a desktop, buy her something prebuilt from, like, bestbuy, or maybe try something new and go for an all in one? What do you guys thing a mom would like best? What kinds of machines have you gotten for your moms?

Computers r fun

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Since she stores hundreds of gigs worth of pictures and documents on her pc i would get a 2nd hard drive for backups or go for RAID.

 

What's ur budget? prebuilt are often overpriced and come with bad powersupplys.

 

 

Budget Rig "Curable":     | FX 6300 @4.5Ghz | Asus R9 270x | Asus Crosshair IV Extreme | 16GB HyperX Beast | 120GB PNY SSD
 

Tablet "Buddy":                 Trekstor Wintron 10.1|

 

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8016045
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

Its all about what is cheapest, prebuilt or self made. But, yeah, I agree.

 

The Hard drive isn't an issue. I'l just get a 240gb  850 evo, and a TB barracuda.

 

There isn't really a budget, but this computer isn't supposed to be beast, its supposed to last, and to work. So, probably around 700-800 USD

Computers r fun

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8016065
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

Why no SSD? Boot up times would be so much faster, and 250gb is enough for her email (Faster Loading) and the larger drive will be fore docs and pictures.

 

Also, this system must be really stable, so I was thinking in i3 would make sense. Would that be overkill? I want it to last. Also, Intel integrated graphics should be fine.

Computers r fun

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8016137
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Depends on budget, an i3 will last ages with 8GBs of RAM and a 1-2TBHDD ( maybe sshd with OS on SSD part ) and since she has important documents and pictures, set something up for backing up storage or in case of failure.

If cheaper is better, an Athlon 860k everything similar. Get something cheap but decent for the case like a Fractal Core series or whatnot and a reliable PSU.

 

 

i7-6700k  Cooling: Deepcool Captain 240EX White GPU: GTX 1080Ti EVGA FTW3 Mobo: AsRock Z170 Extreme4 Case: Phanteks P400s TG Special Black/White PSU: EVGA 850w GQ Ram: 64GB (3200Mhz 16x4 Corsair Vengeance RGB) Storage 1x 1TB Seagate Barracuda 240GBSandisk SSDPlus, 480GB OCZ Trion 150, 1TB Crucial NVMe
(Rest of Specs on Profile)

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8016138
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
4 hours ago, TheNuzziNuzz said:

Alright, Here is what I have so far: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/ZHwRGf

i'd get something like this for her:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-7860k 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($104.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: ASRock A68M-ITX Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard  ($63.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: PNY Anarchy 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory  ($31.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: PNY CS1311 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($54.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($44.00 @ Amazon) 
Case: Inwin BP655.FH300TB3 Mini ITX Tower Case w/300W Power Supply  ($57.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Total: $357.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-05 21:29 EDT-0400

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Heatsink: Gelid Phantom Black GPU: Palit RTX 3060 Ti Dual RAM: Corsair DDR4 2x8GB 3000Mhz mobo: Asus X570-P case: Fractal Design Define C PSU: Superflower Leadex Gold 650W

 

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8017810
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
6 hours ago, TheNuzziNuzz said:

Alright, Here is what I have so far: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/ZHwRGf

You're much better off with an AMD APU than an i3 and they're the same price. I'd guess she needs an upgrade on a monitor too so I threw one in plus an optical drive, just edit them out if not. And on the purple case thing, maaan idk, I'd stick to a usual sleek black.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-7860k 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($104.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: MSI A68HI AC Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard  ($81.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: PNY Anarchy 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($23.98 @ Newegg) 
Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($56.99 @ NCIX US) 
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($47.49 @ OutletPC) 
Case: Corsair 250D Mini ITX Tower Case  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.88 @ OutletPC) 
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.88 @ OutletPC) 
Monitor: Acer R240HY bidx 23.8" 60Hz Monitor  ($126.49 @ Amazon) 
Total: $593.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-05 22:34 EDT-0400

 

1 hour ago, herman mcpootis said:

i'd get something like this for her:
Case: Inwin BP655.FH300TB3 Mini ITX Tower Case w/300W Power Supply  ($57.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

I would have gone with this too if it weren't for the complaints of very loud stock fan noise.

  • Quote people's post else they won't know you replied.

Crapware | 4670k | Hyper212X | GSkill RipjawsX 16GB | Sapphire R9 280x VaporX | 840EVO 120GB | 1TB BLACK + BLUE

Logitech G102 | Corsair K70 MX Brown | HyperX Cloud

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8018122
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

Firstly, She specifically asked for purple, so I themed the whole thing towards purple. As for going with intel, I wanted stability, and cpu performance, and the most graphically intense things she will be doing is watching some videos on youtube, scrolling on web pages, and edit pictures with windows picture viewer. If I find that it isn't enough, I have a Geforce GS 8400 1gb laying around that should do fine. So that's why I chose a regular CPU. Also, I chose the Motherboard for the USB ports, as you can see, it has tons.

 

I already had a monitor included in the original build, but I like the acer better, and the optical Drive. Are Corsair CXM PSU reliable? This system needs to last long (3+ years) and never crash or die.

 

Hard Drive wise, I wanted a 2 TB drive, so I don't that I am going to change that.

 

Fan noise isn't really much of an issue comparing it to the computer she has right now that hasn't been cleaned in 10 years.

 

So, would you have any better purple cases in mind?

Computers r fun

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8020031
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
4 minutes ago, TheNuzziNuzz said:

Firstly, She specifically asked for purple, so I themed the whole thing towards purple. As for going with intel, I wanted stability, and cpu performance, and the most graphically intense things she will be doing is watching some videos on youtube, scrolling on web pages, and edit pictures with windows picture viewer. If I find that it isn't enough, I have a Geforce GS 8400 1gb laying around that should do fine. So that's why I chose a regular CPU. Also, I chose the Motherboard for the USB ports, as you can see, it has tons.

 

I already had a monitor included in the original build, but I like the acer better, and the optical Drive. Are Corsair CXM PSU reliable? This system needs to last long (3+ years) and never crash or die.

 

Hard Drive wise, I wanted a 2 TB drive, so I don't that I am going to change that.

 

Fan noise isn't really much of an issue comparing it to the computer she has right now that hasn't been cleaned in 10 years.

 

So, would you have any better purple cases in mind?

for simple tasks like youtube, webpages, a cpu from either intel or AMD(and no, AMD is just as stable as intel) will do perfectly fine. the iGPU in AMD's apus and intel cpus will be more then enough, no need for your 8400gs. corsair CXM grey units are reliable, but their green ones aren't. purple is not an easy color to find for pcs, go with the typical black instead.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Heatsink: Gelid Phantom Black GPU: Palit RTX 3060 Ti Dual RAM: Corsair DDR4 2x8GB 3000Mhz mobo: Asus X570-P case: Fractal Design Define C PSU: Superflower Leadex Gold 650W

 

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8020050
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
9 minutes ago, TheNuzziNuzz said:

Oops, It appears I linked the wrong build... Wow...

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/pLVM8K

you're way overpaying for the mobo, will she actually need all those usb slots? just get a usb hub if you really needed those slots(i don't think you do). and for your pc, no need for such an expensive psu. its very good, but it's overkill for your pc. also, extremely overkill ram, just get 1x8gb of cheap ddr4 will do.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Heatsink: Gelid Phantom Black GPU: Palit RTX 3060 Ti Dual RAM: Corsair DDR4 2x8GB 3000Mhz mobo: Asus X570-P case: Fractal Design Define C PSU: Superflower Leadex Gold 650W

 

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8020060
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
6 minutes ago, TheNuzziNuzz said:

I will consult the mother on choosing a different, better color, It will be a few hours. She doesn't really care though, so blue may just have to do.

 

7 minutes ago, TheNuzziNuzz said:

I wanted ram the was black. I know its a funny reason, but It seems like all my plans are falling apart to to the lack of a case to set a theme.

alot of ram sticks have black pcb/heatspreaders. just get a black case, they're the most common out there now.

i'd just get this imo.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Motherboard: ASRock H110M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($67.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Memory: G.Skill NT Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($29.98 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($92.00 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 7K2000 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($48.25 @ Amazon) 
Case: Antec VSK2000-U3 HTPC Case  ($40.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80+ Bronze Certified TFX Power Supply  ($24.44 @ Amazon) 
Monitor: Dell SE2216H 21.5" 60Hz Monitor  ($117.69 @ Amazon) 
Other: Windows 10 OEM ($28.99)
Total: $561.32
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-06 10:03 EDT-0400

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Heatsink: Gelid Phantom Black GPU: Palit RTX 3060 Ti Dual RAM: Corsair DDR4 2x8GB 3000Mhz mobo: Asus X570-P case: Fractal Design Define C PSU: Superflower Leadex Gold 650W

 

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8020099
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

Okay, so, Here are my new ideas for a theme/case:

 

Due to the lack of purple cases, The case will be BLACK with a side pannel window. All the fans on the case must be Purple preferably with LEDs.

 

I also would like some internal lighting that is purple, and on the lines of this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16800888038&cm_re=LED_Liquid-_-00-888-038-_-Product

 

So that means and purple products you guys know of are much appreciated.

Computers r fun

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8021027
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
14 hours ago, TheNuzziNuzz said:

Oops, It appears I linked the wrong build... Wow...

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/pLVM8K

This whole build is like putting neon lights, installing mod kits and adding racing wheels to a volkswagen beetle.

Awful case. The 2TB drive is only 5400RPM. And the monitor isn't an IPS panel with bad response time. The MOBO, RAM, SSD and PSU are way too expensive for an i3. You can allocate those funds instead for an i5 and 480gb SSD.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Motherboard: MSI CSM-H170M-A Pro Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($87.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($39.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($91.08 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 7K3000 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($69.00 @ Amazon) 
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Blue) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($66.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.88 @ OutletPC) 
Case Fan: Thermaltake CL-F043-PL14SW-B 51.1 CFM  140mm Fan  ($54.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Monitor: Dell SE2416H 23.8" 60Hz Monitor  ($120.98 @ Newegg) 
Total: $701.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-06 23:55 EDT-0400

 

Taking into account most of what you asked for

+All black mobo, ram, ssd, psu and cables in matte black/blue S340 case

+Mobo with plenty of usb slots

+Got an identical monitor but this time 24" IPS panel with good response time

+Triple thermaltake riing RGB case fans for your purple lighting

-No optical drive slots. If you really need it you can opt for the Enthoo Pro M but it's gonna look too spacious on the inside

  • Quote people's post else they won't know you replied.

Crapware | 4670k | Hyper212X | GSkill RipjawsX 16GB | Sapphire R9 280x VaporX | 840EVO 120GB | 1TB BLACK + BLUE

Logitech G102 | Corsair K70 MX Brown | HyperX Cloud

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8023913
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
14 hours ago, TheNuzziNuzz said:

Oops, It appears I linked the wrong build... Wow...

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/pLVM8K

27 minutes ago, antisleep said:

The MOBO, RAM, SSD and PSU are way too expensive for an i3. You can allocate those funds instead for an i5 and 480gb SSD.

Seems like the sensible thing to do. http://pcpartpicker.com/list/YDgYr7

  • Quote people's post else they won't know you replied.

Crapware | 4670k | Hyper212X | GSkill RipjawsX 16GB | Sapphire R9 280x VaporX | 840EVO 120GB | 1TB BLACK + BLUE

Logitech G102 | Corsair K70 MX Brown | HyperX Cloud

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/621447-a-computer-for-my-mom/#findComment-8024060
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing New Builds and Planning

×