Computers & Electronics

Cheap computer for parents

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  • Jun 15th, 2018 12:24 pm
Deal Addict
Apr 13, 2006
4384 posts
482 upvotes

Cheap computer for parents

Have been out of the "scene" for a while now. Parents want a computer to do basic browsing (banking, youtube, etc.), maybe some word processing (resume), and unlikely to do any gaming. I threw this together:

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 2200G 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($126.95 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: MSI - B350M GAMING PRO Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($92.00 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($111.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Crucial - MX300 275GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($102.87 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Cooler Master - N200 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($54.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA - BT 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Optical Drive: Asus - DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($25.50 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($117.75 @ Vuugo)
Total: $677.04

Any feedback? Am I missing anything? See any compatibility issues? (besides all this BIOS nonsense that I've been reading about).

Budget is under $800 if possible, will reuse external peripherals like monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc.

Thanks!
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19 replies
Deal Addict
Mar 12, 2011
1577 posts
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You shouldn't be building a custom PC for basic web use, it's overkill.

Any $300 laptop is probably all they need.
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Feb 6, 2003
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willy wrote: All they need is a off-lease Dell Optiplex .... They go on sale 25-40% off often ...

Like this ... https://www.dellrefurbished.ca/desktop- ... rder=price
THIS. They're 25% off right now (expires today). Grab one for ~$200 after tax, pop in an SSD and an extra stick of RAM and you're golden.
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Dec 18, 2017
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GVA
I am building almost the same exact build for my mom - I'm waiting for the mobo and RAM to come in as it is being shipped from ON to BC. Maybe a $300 laptop would suffice, but I want something a bit better and I have a disdain for laptops. About the only major difference is that I bucked up for a 250GB 970 EVO. My mom is always complaining how slow her PC is which is a PC I built for her years ago that is running an Intel Q6600.

Also, I've recently found I can still use Win7 keys with new Win10 setups (OEM at least) so if you have a Win7 key around, try that first with a Win 10 USB install drive before buying a Win10 key. Might save you $100+.
Deal Expert
Jan 27, 2006
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TheGreatGazoo wrote: I am building almost the same exact build for my mom - I'm waiting for the mobo and RAM to come in as it is being shipped from ON to BC. Maybe a $300 laptop would suffice, but I want something a bit better and I have a disdain for laptops. About the only major difference is that I bucked up for a 250GB 970 EVO. My mom is always complaining how slow her PC is which is a PC I built for her years ago that is running an Intel Q6600.

Also, I've recently found I can still use Win7 keys with new Win10 setups (OEM at least) so if you have a Win7 key around, try that first with a Win 10 USB install drive before buying a Win10 key. Might save you $100+.
A Q6600 should still be fast enough for general browsing, Youtube, emails... In fact, I'm typing on one now. You should just upgrade the hard drive to an SSD if it doesn't already have one and reinstall the OS.
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Apr 13, 2006
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Thanks for the quick replies!
willy wrote: All they need is a off-lease Dell Optiplex .... They go on sale 25-40% off often ...

Like this ... https://www.dellrefurbished.ca/desktop- ... rder=price
I'll take a look but it looks like the sale is over :(
elfen2 wrote: You shouldn't be building a custom PC for basic web use, it's overkill.

Any $300 laptop is probably all they need.
I asked about a laptop and they prefer the bigger screen/keyboard/etc. Laptop isn't going to work for them so I didn't push it.
Amourek wrote: THIS. They're 25% off right now (expires today). Grab one for ~$200 after tax, pop in an SSD and an extra stick of RAM and you're golden.
Missed out! :( Will take a look though to see.
TheGreatGazoo wrote: I am building almost the same exact build for my mom - I'm waiting for the mobo and RAM to come in as it is being shipped from ON to BC. Maybe a $300 laptop would suffice, but I want something a bit better and I have a disdain for laptops. About the only major difference is that I bucked up for a 250GB 970 EVO. My mom is always complaining how slow her PC is which is a PC I built for her years ago that is running an Intel Q6600.

Also, I've recently found I can still use Win7 keys with new Win10 setups (OEM at least) so if you have a Win7 key around, try that first with a Win 10 USB install drive before buying a Win10 key. Might save you $100+.
Thanks for the tip. I think I have a Win7 key so I'll try that if I proceed with this given the new information provided here.
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Mar 23, 2009
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Just buy them a decent pre-built desktop with Win 10. You’ll save money and you’ll get a third party warranty for the entire machine. If your time is precious, consider getting them a 3-year warranty.
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Mar 12, 2011
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ipxxx wrote: I asked about a laptop and they prefer the bigger screen/keyboard/etc. Laptop isn't going to work for them so I didn't push it.
You can hook up all of those things to a laptop.

But if you want a desktop, don't build one yourself. It's better to buy a pre-built system that has Windows included and free support. Will be cheaper too.

Any desktop (with an SSD) will be fine.
Deal Guru
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Mar 10, 2005
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Do not custom build a desktop. As suggested by willy above just get them a refurbished dell, you can get them for very cheap. Spend the extra on a good monitor and you're all set.
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Jun 10, 2006
497 posts
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This question comes up every once in a while, and my own advise is always to consider a Chromebook -- simple-to-use and quick-to-boot for them, and hassle-less support for you! :)
Deal Guru
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Jul 12, 2003
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They don't need to budget $800 for a daily browsing use PC.
Get a preassembled one from Canada Computers, NCIX, Best buy etc.... for something less than $500.

Trust me, save the extra $300 and bring them for a nice dining, they will be happier.
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Jun 30, 2010
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Markham
OP, I'd highly suggest looking at Lenovo's M710 business PCs instead of building your own. My parents just upgraded their 10 year old PC with the M710 tower and it's perfect for this scenario. The following configuration is $514 via their friends & family EPP site. You will just need to add 4GB RAM separately. They also offer a 3 year on-site warranty for $58.50, which is good if you don't want to be their tech support.
Configuration Details
Processor : Intel Core i3-7100 Processor ( 3M Cache , 3.9GHz )
Operating System : Windows 10 Home 64
Operating System Language : Windows 10 Home 64 English
Form Factor : Tower 85% Power 210W
Memory : 4GB DDR4 2400 UDIMM
First Video Adapter : Integrated Graphic Card
First Hard Drive : 1TB Hard Drive, 7200 RPM, 3.5", SATA3
M.2 Storage Card : 128 GB Solid State Drive M.2 PCIe
Optical Device : Slim DVD Burner / CD-RW, SATA
Networking : Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
WiFi Wireless LAN Adapters : Intel 8265 2x2AC+Bluetooth Version Non-vPro
Card Reader : 7 in 1 Card Reader
Keyboard: None
Mouse: None
Parallel Cable : None
Additional I/O Ports : None
Speakers : Internal Speaker
Publications Pack : Publication English
Warranty : 1 Year On-site

Web Price: $704.00 Sale Price: $513.91
Go here for the EPP discount https://www3.lenovo.com/ca/en/ibmeppfri ... Gatekeeper

Passcode: FNDEPP
Deal Guru
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May 9, 2006
12805 posts
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I built my parents 2 SFF PCs, but that was because I wanted to try out a particular case (In Win Chopin). Pricing didn't really matter so much, but my build had cheaper CPU, mobo (with rebate), and RAM. PSU came with the case, but overall more expensive. Storage was the same price. I got the same one, but in 3,5 form factor. Didn't need an optical drive and Win 10 was... ahem... $10. Overall roughly $500 before tax (each).

But if cheap is the goal, then pre-built machines can't be beat. Especially refurbs.
Sr. Member
Oct 26, 2006
585 posts
63 upvotes
East GTA - Durham Re…
Go for a refurb. Get an i5, 4GB ram, Close to $200 with warranty and Windows license. Lenovo.
Newbie
Dec 27, 2017
98 posts
30 upvotes
Vancouver, BC
darethehair wrote: This question comes up every once in a while, and my own advise is always to consider a Chromebook -- simple-to-use and quick-to-boot for them, and hassle-less support for you! :)
Same advice I give too. And yes, I bought my mom an Asus Chromebox; she already owned a monitor, and doesn't travel.
Sr. Member
Jan 16, 2005
797 posts
303 upvotes
yvrmike wrote: Same advice I give too. And yes, I bought my mom an Asus Chromebox; she already owned a monitor, and doesn't travel.
And they’ll never call you again and say “it’s not working”

Love my chromebook, it just works.
Sr. Member
Mar 26, 2008
563 posts
282 upvotes
as others have mentioned, basic computer use doesn't require much processing power. a sub 300$ computer is more than enough power to just browse, etc.

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