So when it comes to building a solid mid range to high end computer I know exactly what parts I need to use. Not so much for lower end parts.

Now I'm building a cheap PC for my Step Dad since their home computer just fried and the guy is looking at an $800 Dell...

This PC is only used for web browsing.

It just so happens I was at BestBuy two days ago and they had a decent Dynex case on clearance for $18. It includes a junky 500W PSU I am still undetermined whether or not I will use. (I figure if using a mobo with onboard graphics, 1 HDD, 1 DVD drive, and 2 sticks of memory, a junky PSU may just be fine. I've also found that Dynex PSUs are made by some company in China that is actually somewhat known for making decent quality PSUs. I can't find the link to the article that tested them but they were comparable to OCZ.)

I also have 2 spare 1GB DDR2-800 memory DIMMs laying around as well as a copy of XP 32-bit. I will rip the DVD burner out of my step dad's old computer as that will still work fine. I will also reuse his monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

I was looking at this board, not sure if its really any good. Newegg reviews should be taken with a grain of salt.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131172


And like I said, I'd do Intel as well if its cheap enough. Thanks for the help.

So all I need for this build is a CPU, HDD, and mobo. Which I'm hoping to get for about $200. I plan on getting a 250GB Seagate Barracuda for the HDD and have been looking at AMD CPUs for the processor. The AMD 64 X2 4000+ can be had for $55 shipped. At 2.1Ghz this will be more than adaquate for the usage of this machine. But with this promo code EMCADCHAC at Newegg you can get the 4800+ for $75 shipped. I'm not sure if the extra 400Mhz is worth $20. I may or may not OC the CPU, I'm undecided. Again, performance is not a big issue here.

I've also considered the E2180 CPU but it appears decent Intel boards are more expensive than AMD boards as well. If you can find a solid Intel board with good onboard graphics cheap let me know though. And I do know a slight FSB tweak to these things will get a good OC with the stock heatsink.

This is what the mobo will need. It needs to be a good manufacturer, Gigabyte, ASUS, etc. It needs decent onboard graphics. It only needs 1 PCI-E X16 lane (No SLI or Xfire will ever go on this machine). I may eventually put a card in it to run video from the PC to their HDTV but definitely not this month. It needs to have SATA 3GB/s (even if its only 2) The mobo needs to be able to use DDR2-800 memory as I already have it. I'm hoping to find a decent board like this for under $70. If its possible, great, if not, I understand. Like I said, I really don't know much about these lower performance parts and any help will be appreciated.



Or how about this Intel Mobo for $60 with the E2160 for $70.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128079

For AMD - This is a Great Board - A Little More, but it's Built-In Graphics are real nice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128090

This Intel is nicer than the one you selected I think....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128078

The AMD board is nicer than anything Intel has to offer for intgrated graphics so that is why it's higher.

And Here is an OK boxed system for $349.
It ships with a 19" monitor you can sell for about $150 which should drop the total for the system to $200.

If you need and OS, that will cost you $100.
So the actual hardware may run you only $100.