Need to upgrade mom's computer. Suggestions?

[TheFuteballer]

Okay so my mom is using a reeally old computer (6-7 years now) and it cannot hold up to anything. Her wireless cards broke down, motherboard is acting up, problem after problem so I've finally convinced her to upgrade.

We have a budget of $300 absolute maximum (including taxes).

All we need to upgrade is the motherboard, CPU, and wireless card. I believe she has DDR ram (256 mb) and a Radeon 9000 which is plenty for her.

She mostly uses the computer to do some word processing, general internet use, watching some videos, music, etc. so it doesn't need to be anything crazy, just a good deal.


ANYWAYS enough rambling. I was thinking of the following setup:

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 - 524 - $90 (http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011641&cid=CPU.84)
Motherboard: ASUS P5PE-VM - $67 (http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010790&cid=MB.157)
Wireless Card: Linksys WMP54GS - $43 (http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=004664&cid=NT.541)
Total = $228


Only problem is I'd like to provide her with something that she could use for a good 4 years at least but also something that I would be able to upgrade if need be without having to replace everything. The latter situation is not feasible with my current setup. Anyways do you guys have any suggestions?

Thanks and sorry for the long post!

[TheFuteballer]

I've also looked at the following option (yes I'd be willing to pay an extra $72 out of my own pocket so I dont have to come and fix her computer everyday haha)

Asus P5L-MX $93 (http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011211&cid=MB.157)

Corsair DDR2 Value Select 512 mb - $70 (http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=008430&cid=RAM.475)

Intel Pentium D 820, 2.8GHz - Dual Core $120 (http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=007304&cid=CPU.84)

Same Linksys card- $43

Total of $372 appx


which one do you think is a better option in the long run?

[Kwirky]

Some other ideas:

A new Dell for $399 - new everything which might be a better thing in the long run, but is overbudget: http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/dt_basic?c=ca&cs=CADHS1&l=en&s=dhs

NCIX has a bundle that fits the bill for $278 (+ wireless): http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21379&vpn=D820-I65G-512-51WBK&manufacture=Others&promoid=1008

AMD option via Tigerdirect for $234: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2665497&CatId=0 + http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=586829 + http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=004664&cid=NT.541 (OR upgrade the CPU to a 3700+ for $60 more: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2717610&CatId=0 )

[rabbit]

I like the NCIX option.

That Asus P5L-MX board only has one IDE controller.

[felix]

I bought one of those $299 Dell deals a few years ago for my mom. Upgraded the ram to 1GB, uninstalled some of the free trial crap, installed all the necessary apps. Never had to come and fix it. Nor did she need to call tech support (as if she knew how to, haha!)

[ullyeus]

get her a gig of ram, she is your mom! :)

[davei]

You're spending too much on the CPU and wireless card. Get a Celeron or Sempron for around $50-60, get a USB wireless key or a no-name brand PCI card for $15-20. You're not cheaping out, you're being practical.

I use an old Airlink USB wireless key on my HTPC, works fantastically and always has from day 1. Just use built in Windows networking and not the included software.

[chicken_little]

I bought one of those $299 Dell deals a few years ago for my mom. Upgraded the ram to 1GB, uninstalled some of the free trial crap, installed all the necessary apps. Never had to come and fix it. Nor did she need to call tech support (as if she knew how to, haha!)

I second the Dell idea. Getting clones for my parents gave me nothing but headaches. Plus you get a genuine copy of Windows which saves you the trouble of explaining why they may be subject to a pirated copy of Windows XP. :cheesygri

[TheFuteballer]

yeah the dell would be perfect... just a little over budget.. do you think they'll have a sale on it again anytime soon?

[davei]

yeah the dell would be perfect... just a little over budget.. do you think they'll have a sale on it again anytime soon?

Definitely yes - just wait until March when Vista is officially released, there will be deals all around.

[Amourek]

Consider a power supply upgrade. 6-7 year old PSU won't cut it.

[teknoluv]

We have a budget of $300 absolute maximum (including taxes).
...
She mostly uses the computer to do some word processing, general internet use, watching some videos, music, etc.
Upgrading a 6 - 7 years old computer is not exactly the cleverest thing to do. For $300, get yourself a used machine; but since your mom's use is minimal, anything you can find in the market should be fine.

[tomtong]

Have you check with those Staples clearance deals recently like the following?

Compaq Presario SR1910NX $247
SKU# 652224
Sempron 3200+ 1.8 GHz/512MB/120 GB/CD-RW DVD-ROM/Mdm
Win XP Home

[felix]

^ Yeah, saw a deal for around $250 + taxes in hot deals, probably Staples I don't recall. Get yourself some discount gift cards to save a bit more.

But really she should up her budget a tad if she really wants your help.

[TheFuteballer]

yeah we just renovated our house though so she's a bit strapped for cash. I've had a look around and for her purposes the dell just looks perfect. Unfortunetly she can't wait until later as she really needs an actual computer to work with right now so I guess I will order it and pay extra myself.

Thanks for all the help guys

[ppl4golf]

yeah we just renovated our house though so she's a bit strapped for cash. I've had a look around and for her purposes the dell just looks perfect. Unfortunetly she can't wait until later as she really needs an actual computer to work with right now so I guess I will order it and pay extra myself.

Thanks for all the help guys

I find the Dells recommended are a bit overpriced. I don't see the fascination about them. For a low end system, Dell, HP, built you own or prebuilt from a computer store, you basically get same stuff and there is little difference in terms of quality of the parts, they are all pretty basic stuff but yet more than good enough for general use. Bottomline is the cheaper the better.

If you really need to refurbish the used parts, consider the ASRock Dual board that does both AGP/PCI-E, also DDR/DDR2 ram, you leave yourself some room for upgrade. It is not mATX however. Get the cheapest wireless card also, I have Airlink and D-Link USB adapters and honestly, both works the same. The Pentium D820 is also a good choice for now.

Jumping from a >5yo computer, even the lowest end system will be a 'wow' :~)