Spec thread - £450

[Tasocahtfu]

Hi,

Been asked to build a system for a friend, who has a budget of £450. Included in this will need to be a 22" TFT and Vista Home Premium. It will be used primarily for browsing the internet, downloading, music library etc, as well as some work (but we're only talking Office). He doesn't play games, but it will need a decent amount of storage.

Needs to be as quick and quiet as possible, last thing I want is for him to start moaning that it's slow when he's downloading, playing music, and trying to burn DVD's at the same time! Won't be overclocking it.

Can anyone help?

Cheers

 

[Tasocahtfu]

Just to let you know what we're dealing with, here are a couple of quotes from his emails!


"games not that bothered but will be downloading **** loads so massive memory and fast download er speed thingy"


"yes please flat screen has to be flat 22 inches with tft etc etc ?"

 

[Tasocahtfu]

And a fast download speed depends on his internet connection, lol.

Well aware of that, hence my post

I know, I have tried to explain that the screen choice will severely limit the options, but he is adamant. Will have another go.

@ Billy - Thanks for that, I appreciate it's difficult with the requirements given, that looks pretty good. Am going to see if I can convince him to drop the screen size, hopefully he'll see sense

 

[Tasocahtfu]

Thanks for that hp7909, looks good also. I've just emailed the guy to suggest bumping up his budget to £500 as well to try and help. So difficult when people don't understand the performance difference between an ok component and a decent one.

 

[Tasocahtfu]

That's not what he thinks, he just gets his words mixed up a bit. I've explained to him about downloading before, it's the actual speed of the computer he is talking about - moving around Windows, speed of things opening etc.

He isn't upgrading from another computer, he currently has a laptop which he has had for a while, this will be his first proper PC.

Managed to convince him to drop to a 19" monitor, and I think he would be happy budget wise as long as it doesn't break the £500 barrier. Does this help much, or would it be better to do as supernova suggests? I have always found their stuff to be a bit slow, but if it's a better bet for the money then fair enough.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Tasocahtfu]

Would this be any good? Worth doing over a system from that well-known online-only retailer, or not really, based on what it will be used for?

Cheers

 

[Tasocahtfu]

Nice one Vintastic

Do you reckon that system would be worth doing based on it's intended use, or shall I just tell him to go to you know where?

Cheers

 

[Tasocahtfu]

Cheers mate, very helpful posts.

That's a good point about ending up as his support, although I suspect it will happen regardless! And I'm hoping he won't have too many problems!

I spoke with him about the monitor and he's decided upon a standard 19" one. Will speak to him about the ideas you have suggested and go from there.

Thanks again for you help

Cheers