DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

A PC for my parents within Rs. 20000/-

53 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/a-pc-for-my-parents-within-rs-20000.137918/

Skud
Skud Original post #1
Mar 12, 2011 at 4:35 PM
Hi guys I am going to purchase a system for my parents. Monitor, Mouse and UPS not needed. I am filling up the questionnaire template:-

1. What is the purpose of the computer? (Note: If you are planning to say multimedia, you will have to be more specific as all types of systems are capable of doing that)
A: Basic word processing, web surfing, listening to music etc.

2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers? If not- why?
A:Yes.

3. What is your MAX budget?
A: Rs. 20000/-

4. Planning to overclock?
A: May be.

5. Which OS are you planning to use?
A: Win 7 Pro 64-bit

6. How much hard drive space is needed?
A: 500 GB

7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen you want? If you already have one and want to use it, mention its resolution and size.
A: Dell S1909W; 1366x768; 18.5"

8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10? (1 being the lowest, 5 being you are somewhat in sync with the current performers and 10 being the highest)
A: 9

9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
A: Will be done by a assembler.

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
A: 2nd week of April.

11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
A: Won't mind.

12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
A: Graphics card.

13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
A: Will be assembled @ Kolkata. Local rates from any shop from Chandni (Vedant, Supreme, MD Comp) will be welcome addition.

14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
A:
1. AMD CPU preferred.
2. mATX mobo.
3. Mention a mid-tower cabinet with good airflow that comes with a fan or two and provision to add extra fans if necessary. Include a 2.1 speakers and if possible a webcam. I will provide a APC BackUPS RS 500 and a Logitech optical mouse apart from the montior.
SlashDK
SlashDK #2
Mar 12, 2011 at 5:53 PM
AMD athlon ii x3 440 @ 3.25k
Gigabyte 880GM UD2H @ 4k
Kingston 2 GB DDR3 1333MHz @ 1.2k
WD caviar blue 500GB @ 1.75k
Cooler Master Elite 310 @ 1.5k
FSP saga 350w @ 1.4k
LG DVD writer @ 0.9k
Logitech Multimedia Keyboard @ 0.4k
Logitech Webcam @ 0.9k
Total 14.9k

I'm not sure about the speakers but nothing else is required for your parent's needs.
Ishu Gupta
Mar 12, 2011 at 6:11 PM
Component|Model|Price
CPU|AMD X4 640|4.5k
Motherboard|Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-US2H|3.4k
RAM|Corsair 2x2GB DDR3 1333MHz|2.2k
HDD|Seagate 500GB 7200.12|1.7k
Case|CM Elite 310|1.5k
DVD|LG Sata DVD|0.9k
PSU|FSP SagaII 500W|2k
KB/Mouse|Logitech MK100|0.5k
Speaker|Altec Lancing VS2621|1.5k
TOTAL||18.2k
This will last them for ages :D Mod of Cyber's rig.
Skud
Skud #4
Mar 12, 2011 at 7:35 PM
Thanks Cybertonic & Ishu for quick reply. Combining the two suggestions I get:

Component | Model | Price
CPU|AMD X4 640|4.5k
Motherboard|Gigabyte 880GM UD2H|4k
RAM|Corsair 2x2GB DDR3 1333MHz|2.2k
HDD|Seagate/WD 500GB 7200.12|1.7k
Case|CM Elite 310|1.5k
DVD|LG Sata DVD|0.9k
PSU|FSP SagaII 500W|2k
KB/Mouse|Logitech MK100|0.5k
Speaker|Altec Lancing VS2621|1.5k
Webcam|Logitech Webcam|0.9k
TOTAL ||19.7k

Any modifications on these? What's the price of 2x2GB DDR3 1600MHz? I have found them pretty cheap at online shops.

@ Ishu
Yeah, I really want to build something that should last ages. :D Heck, that CPU-chipset-RAM combo would be much much faster than my 2-year old PC. To hell with Intel... :( No way to to upgrade the CPU without changing the mobo & RAM.

=================================================================================================================================
Also guys I want to purchase a mouse. Please check this thread and reply:
*www.thinkdigit.com/forum/hardware-q/137699-help-me-buy-mouse.html
=================================================================================================================================
sparx
sparx #5
Mar 12, 2011 at 7:44 PM
Do you really need 1600 MHz RAM,your parents won't even understand thw performance difference between 1333 & 1600
Skud
Skud #6
Mar 12, 2011 at 7:55 PM
@ sparx
Not about parents' understanding or need, if the price difference is only 200-300 bucks I think its better to put something speedier. In all probability, this PC would not see any upgrades throughout its life. That's why I want to make it as much top-end as possible within the budget. I am leaning towards the quad-core for this reason only. You never really know how future software or OS upgrade would behave, just in case.
sparx
sparx #7
Mar 12, 2011 at 8:02 PM
As you wish, but those frequency difference matters in gaming and high end PC, it will not show even 5% increase in performance in normal pc usage, as far as I know. Thats why I was telling
Skud
Skud #8
Mar 12, 2011 at 8:07 PM
OK, I think I would take a decision after getting the prices from the shops. In any case, don't want to overshoot the budget as its pretty meaningless. As far as performance of RAM goes I also think you are pretty much right, its only that the prices are very close.
saswat23
Mar 12, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Ishu
can u not suggest OP a i5 config instead.
I know u can do it..
sparx
sparx #10
Mar 12, 2011 at 11:07 PM
i5 under 20k is of little use
skeletor
skeletor #11
Mar 13, 2011 at 12:30 AM
Ishu
can u not suggest OP a i5 config instead.
I know u can do it..
Don't joke really. i5-2400 + motherboard itself costs 16k. :|
Skud
Skud #12
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:09 AM
LOL ;)
Ishu Gupta
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:27 AM
And you don't need SB for word and internet.

EDIT: Posted in your mouse thread.
Skud
Skud #14
Mar 13, 2011 at 8:45 AM
exactly...

thanks ishu for the feedback on mouse.
Piyush
Piyush #15
Mar 19, 2011 at 12:36 PM
so the rig finalized?
Skud
Skud #16
Mar 19, 2011 at 6:00 PM
more or less... any other suggestions???
saswat23
saswat23 #17
Mar 19, 2011 at 7:38 PM
Dont you need a GPU for watching HD movies.
Radeon 5450 @ 2.3k will be more than sufficient.
topgear
topgear #18
Mar 20, 2011 at 5:36 AM
^^ I think that mobos onboard IGP is more than enough to handle HD movies.

@ OP - I have doubts about the availability of FSP psu in local market ( though if you find one don't forget to post ) - so my recommendation for the PSu is Corsair CX400 @ 2.4k and don't forget to buy and add a 120mm fan on that CM Eliue 310 cabby for proper air circulation.
Skud
Skud #19
Mar 20, 2011 at 8:05 AM
Dont you need a GPU for watching HD movies.
Radeon 5450 @ 2.3k will be more than sufficient.

^^ I think that mobos onboard IGP is more than enough to handle HD movies.

@ OP - I have doubts about the availability of FSP psu in local market ( though if you find one don't forget to post ) - so my recommendation for the PSu is Corsair CX400 @ 2.4k and don't forget to buy and add a 120mm fan on that CM Eliue 310 cabby for proper air circulation.

I also think that IGP is powerful enough to handle HD movies.

@ topgear Does that CM Elite comes with any fans or not?
masterkd
masterkd #20
Mar 20, 2011 at 8:20 AM
in elite 310 Rear 120 x 25mm fan x 1 / 1200 RPM / 17 dBA is provided!!

buy a front 120 mm fan with that and air circulation will be better!!
MegaMind
MegaMind #21
Mar 20, 2011 at 8:26 AM
I also think that IGP is powerful enough to handle HD movies.

@ topgear Does that CM Elite comes with any fans or not?

The IGP of Gigabyte 880GM UD2H can easily handle HD movies....

Is Bijli cabby avail near u? If so take a look at it... Has great VFM for 1K
masterkd
masterkd #22
Mar 20, 2011 at 8:43 AM
^i have doubts if bijli is available anywhere now..if someone finds one he is really lucky!!
saswat23
saswat23 #23
Mar 20, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Local brands like Zebronics, Intex, IBall, Frontech, Mecury, etc are available in all local shops in plenty.
So, surely they must be having a Zeb. Bijli.
MegaMind
MegaMind #24
Mar 20, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Local brands like Zebronics, Intex, IBall, Frontech, Mecury, etc are available in all local shops in plenty.
So, surely they must be having a Zeb. Bijli.

Zeb bijli is a fast moving cabby...
So as masterkd said there may be scarcity of this case in some places....
Skud
Skud #25
Mar 21, 2011 at 7:21 PM
If there are good cabbies from any local brand will definitely check them out. BTW, both the Athlon II X4 645 & Phenom II X4 840 (basically "Athlon II X4 650") are selling at around 5K. Is it better to go with the higher clock models or I just save 500 bucks and go for the 640?
saswat23
saswat23 #27
Mar 22, 2011 at 8:09 AM
Really
But when OP can get Phenom II for 500 bucks more, then why should he get an Athlon II.
Skud
Skud #28
Mar 22, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Really
But when OP can get Phenom II for 500 bucks more, then why should he get an Athlon II.

Actually that "Phenom II 840" is basically a Athlon II. It comes without L3 cache and have a max TDP of 95W. That Phenom II moniker is just a marketing ploy from AMD.
saswat23
saswat23 #29
Mar 22, 2011 at 12:50 PM
If no L3 cache, then why spend 500 bucks more then. Better toi go with Athlon.
Cilus
Cilus #30
Mar 22, 2011 at 1:13 PM
For the extra clock speed, I guess
saswat23
saswat23 #31
Mar 22, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Better spend 1k more and get a PhenomII with L3 cache.
MegaMind
MegaMind #33
Mar 22, 2011 at 8:37 PM
How about this?
Component | Model | Price
CPU|Phenom II 955|6.3k
Motherboard|Gigabyte 880GM UD2H|4k
RAM|Kingston 2GB DDR3 1333MHz|1k
HDD|Seagate/WD 500GB 7200.12|1.7k
Case|CM Elite 310|1.5k
DVD|LG Sata DVD|0.9k
PSU|FSP SagaII 400W|1.8k
KB/Mouse|Logitech MK100|0.5k
Speaker|Altec Lancing VS2621|1.5k
Webcam|Logitech Webcam|0.9k
TOTAL ||20.1k
topgear
topgear #34
Mar 23, 2011 at 6:33 AM
^^ nice config though I think going for 2x 2GB DDR3 modules make more sense ;-)
Skud
Skud #35
Mar 23, 2011 at 8:13 AM
How about this?
Component | Model | Price
CPU|Phenom II 955|6.3k
Motherboard|Gigabyte 880GM UD2H|4k
RAM|Kingston 2GB DDR3 1333MHz|1k
HDD|Seagate/WD 500GB 7200.12|1.7k
Case|CM Elite 310|1.5k
DVD|LG Sata DVD|0.9k
PSU|FSP SagaII 400W|1.8k
KB/Mouse|Logitech MK100|0.5k
Speaker|Altec Lancing VS2621|1.5k
Webcam|Logitech Webcam|0.9k
TOTAL ||20.1k

^^ nice config though I think going for 2x 2GB DDR3 modules make more sense ;-)

I also think increasing the RAM would be better than a more powerful CPU with lesser RAM.
MegaMind
MegaMind #36
Mar 23, 2011 at 11:18 AM
RAM can be added anytime in future thats y suggested 2Gb...
Skud
Skud #37
Mar 23, 2011 at 9:09 PM
Got your point, but not interested in any upgrades as this will be used by my parents. They are not going to spot any difference between an Athlon and a Phenom. Having more RAM may be helpful for the 64-bit OS.
MegaMind
MegaMind #38
Mar 23, 2011 at 9:24 PM
^^Agreed...

Component | Model | Price | Comments
CPU|AthlonII x4 640|4.5k
Motherboard|Gigabyte 880GM UD2H|4k
RAM|Corsair 2*2GB DDR3 1333MHz|2.2k
HDD|Seagate/WD 500GB 7200.12|1.7k
Case|CM Elite 310|1.5k
DVD|LG Sata DVD|0.9k
PSU|FSP SagaII 400W|1.8k
KB/Mouse|Logitech MK100|0.5k
Speaker|Altec Lancing VS2621|1.5k
Webcam|microsoft lifecam vx-2000|1.2k|Great webcam for its price
TOTAL ||19.8k
skeletor
skeletor #39
Mar 23, 2011 at 9:25 PM
Got your point, but not interested in any upgrades as this will be used by my parents. They are not going to spot any difference between an Athlon and a Phenom. Having more RAM may be helpful for the 64-bit OS.
Why not give your current E7400 based PC to your parents and keep the Athlon II X4 machine with you?

Athlon II X4 is much much faster than E7400. :)

Or are you planning an upgrade for yourself too?
Jaskanwar Singh
Mar 23, 2011 at 9:43 PM
a better idea by ico if you will upgrade too.
MegaMind
MegaMind #41
Mar 23, 2011 at 10:27 PM
ICO's suggestion s good...
If u r not planning on upgrading ur pc, u can do as ICO said..
Also x4 640~=C2Q Q8400
Skud
Skud #43
Mar 24, 2011 at 12:04 AM
@ico, jas, manju, sam

Nice idea and had earlier toyed with the same, but my Mom won't approve it. You know she wants something new. And new means NEW!!! ;)

Otherwise that would have been the best idea. :(


As far as my upgrade plans go, that's obviously not before next year. I hope by that time AMD would really come out with some bad-ass CPUs or as they like to call now, APUs.
skeletor
skeletor #44
Mar 24, 2011 at 12:09 AM
Give her the new cabinet then with E7400 inside. ;)
Skud
Skud #47
Mar 24, 2011 at 8:15 AM
Give her the new cabinet then with E7400 inside. ;)

Superb idea :D :D :D

If only I was in Kolkata instead of Patna :(

Better wait till next year. Moreover, I don't know what my parents would do with a Crossfire capable mobo ;)
Skud
Skud #48
Apr 18, 2011 at 9:11 PM
Finally bought the following from MD Computers for my parents:-
Component | Model | Price
CPU|AthlonII x4 640|4450
Motherboard|Gigabyte 880GM UD2H|4200
RAM|Corsair 2x2GB DDR3 1600MHz XMS3|2600
HDD|Seagate/WD 500GB 7200.12|1650
Case|CM Elite 310 Blue|1450
DVD|HP Sata DVD|925
PSU|Corsair CX430|2550
Speaker|Altec Lancing VS2621|1550
Webcam|Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000|1000
KB/Mouse|My old Microsoft KB & Logitech Optical |-
Monitor|My old Dell S1909W|-
UPS|My old APC 500VA|-
TOTAL ||20375
VAT @ 4% ||815
GRAND TOTAL ||21190

Thanks to all for their valuable suggestions.
R
Rahul01 #49
Apr 18, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Have u checked/compare prices other shops before purchasing. Athlon 2 640 @4300 and 880gm ud2h(not sure about version) @ 3750 at vedant computers two months ago.
A
akshayt #50
Apr 18, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Buy 1600mhz. PERIOD

You don't lose anything. 200 bucks out of 20k is nothing.

But it may just help somewhere down the line, especially with Windows 8. And probably it does help Windows 7 a bit too!
Skud
Skud #51
Apr 18, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Have u checked/compare prices other shops before purchasing. Athlon 2 640 @4300 and 880gm ud2h(not sure about version) @ 3750 at vedant computers two months ago.

Supreme quoted closer to 24K for the same, Eastern Logica 22.5K with a UD3 mobo. Could not find Vedant, so just bought from MD Comp as its rates seem fine. Can you please tell me its exact location for future reference???

Buy 1600mhz. PERIOD

You don't lose anything. 200 bucks out of 20k is nothing.

But it may just help somewhere down the line, especially with Windows 8. And probably it does help Windows 7 a bit too!

I completely agree. Whether it help Windows or not, the price is just spot on.
topgear
topgear #52
Apr 19, 2011 at 6:48 AM
^^ Is it Corsair or Kingston 2GB DDR3 1600MHz XMS3 - as far as I know Kingston don't make XMS series only corsair has XMS series and Rs.2.6K for 2GB DDR3 1600Mhz ram seems overpriced.

BTW, congrats on your new purchase - eager to see some cool pics ;-)
Skud
Skud #53
Apr 19, 2011 at 8:24 AM
^^ Is it Corsair or Kingston 2GB DDR3 1600MHz XMS3 - as far as I know Kingston don't make XMS series only corsair has XMS series and Rs.2.6K for 2GB DDR3 1600Mhz ram seems overpriced.

BTW, congrats on your new purchase - have to assembled it and gave it a run - eager to see some cool pics ;-)

Oops, just goofed up the RAM details. Corrected now. ;)

Thanks...