Spec me a Vista PC

Jamauk · 4 Dec 2006 at 12:24

I have been asked to build a computer capable of running Vista, however I have no idea where to start, the only real requirement is that the case must be as small as possible (shuttle?). It is just the base unit that is required as the user has a keyboard, mouse, monitor, ect.

The other requirement is that it is to be as cheap as possible. The user of this computer will only really be using it to check emails, browse the internet and do a few tasks in Microsoft Office.

So please, Spec Me

Jamauk

Big.Wayne · 4 Dec 2006 at 12:50

Jamauk said:
I have been asked to build a computer capable of running Vista, however I have no idea where to start

Hi Jamauk, have you built any computers before?

If so, you don't need to do anything special in terms of build apart from I think Windows Vista needs 1GB minimum RAM (2GB would be better!) a dual-core CPU would be really handy, and I think you need a DX9.0 graphics card to power the GUI. . .

Bananadude · 4 Dec 2006 at 13:07

Jamauk said:
The user of this computer will only really be using it to check emails, browse the internet and do a few tasks in Microsoft Office.

Begs the question WHY they need Vista? Especially if budget is tight. A system capable of running Vista well will be more expensive than a system capable of running XP excellently. Those simple tasks certainly don't require Vista, and given it's not even out yet and will likely have a few bugs initially, I would question this person's need to have it. XP is a proven and solid OS. Don't get caught up in the hype that everyone NEEDS Vista. This person certainly doesn't by the sounds of it.

Jamauk · 4 Dec 2006 at 13:32

Big.Wayne said:
Hi Jamauk, have you built any computers before?

Yeah I've built a couple in the past but I haven't built anything recently.

Bananadude said:
Begs the question WHY they need Vista? Especially if budget is tight. A system capable of running Vista well will be more expensive than a system capable of running XP excellently. Those simple tasks certainly don't require Vista, and given it's not even out yet and will likely have a few bugs initially, I would question this person's need to have it. XP is a proven and solid OS. Don't get caught up in the hype that everyone NEEDS Vista. This person certainly doesn't by the sounds of it.

I'll suggest it, I personally can’t see why Vista is required, I was just asked to build it, but it would certainly make things cheaper. I might look at building something that can be easily upgraded if Vista is required at a later date.

Jamauk · 4 Dec 2006 at 13:49

OK, this is what I have come up with (for running XP Home):

Shuttle XPC SB81P Aluminium Barebones System - Intel P4 (LGA775) £240.99 (£283.16)
Intel Pentium 4 820 Dual Core "LGA775 Smithfield" 2.8GHz (800FSB) - Retail £59.99 (£70.49)
OcUK Value 1GB (2x512MB) PC3200 184pin DDR Memory Dual Channel Kit £64.99 (£76.36)
BFG 3DFuzion GeForce 6200 LE Turbo Cache 256MB DDR TV-Out/DVI (PCI-Express) - Retail £25.99 (£30.54)
Maxtor DiamondMax 20 80GB STM3802110A ATA-133 2MB Cache - OEM £24.99 (£29.36)
NEC AD5170 18x18 DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter (Black) - OEM £16.99 (£19.96)
Sony Floppy Drive - Black £4.99 (£5.86)
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition inc. SP2 - OEM - 1Pk (N09-01528) £49.99 (£58.74)

Sub Total : £488.92
Shipping : £9.95
Vat : £87.30
Total : £586.17

Looking at the specs it should be able to run Vista if the user decided to upgrade in the future.