best mobo/cpu combo

[BDAWBTP]

I am getting ready to build a conputer for my mother in law. Can anyone reccomend a good setup ?

[tinwindow]

Find out what the most important use she expects with the computer.
Ask alot of questions to make sure you can easily upgrade her computer, down the line,
to keep her happy with you...ha....ha...
This is about all I got untill you figure out her wants and needs of a computer...
Cost is the biggie or what?

[wyvrn]

The first thing to do is ask her what she wants to do with the computer and determine her needs/budget. If she is a typical first time or light user, pick up a celeron or AMD K63 500. These systems can be had for a nice price, will be able to handle email, word, internet browsing, etc.., and should last her several years before you will need an upgrade. Spend the extra money you saved by purchasing a nice 19" monitor, which should last for a lot longer than the other components and save her a lot of eyestrain.

As far as upgrading goes, the platforms are constantly changing (socket 7-ss7-socket-slot-back to socket) and it is doubtful anyone knows what platform will be around 3-4 years from now. I usually recommend buying one or two generations behind the curve when buying for someone who does not play the latest games or is a power user.

[This message has been edited by wyvrn (edited 12-12-2000).]

[BDAWBTP]

Thanks for your replies. The main thing I was looking for, and I should have mentioned this the first time, was if there was a reccomendation as far as what brand of mobo I should look for.
I saw some good deals on pricewatch, but They were from makers that I'm not familiar with, such as Amptron and PC Chips.
I want one that is reliable with good customer support.
Again, thanks for the replies

[wyvrn]

Abit, Asus, soyotech, Microstar, Aopen, Fic, Supermicro, Iwill, and gigabyte are some popular manufacuters. Are you gonna use a T-bird, duron, PIII, or celeron? Give more information and we can help.

Personally, I would stay away from PCChips. I had an Amptron board once and it worked well, but not sure how quality they are now days.

[This message has been edited by wyvrn (edited 12-13-2000).]

[sharder8]

I love my MicroStar 6195 K7Pro for stability! I did a lot of research before I picked this one, and there are a lot of super boards out there. I also have an IBM with a propritary MoBo made by Acer, V75M, and although it does okay, it really can't be up-graded much (tops out at 475MHz).

Look around and go with a good name brand that has room for future up-grading, has stability, and will do what you want. Remember, extra's add cost and complexity adds possible problems.

[Techie Dude]

I had a Chaintech mobo, and now have an A-Bit mobo. Can`t say I had any problems with either, as far as quality or actual mobo features goes.

Stick with a fairly decent make, and I`m sure you`ll be ok.

If you can afford it (she can afford it, lol) go for a mobo less than 6 months old. It might be a little more expensive, but it will garantee a few years use out of it.

Thing is though, it`s like everything else! As soon as you buy something, something better comes along! Best thing is to make a good choice to start with, and be happy with it. No point in complaining when something new comes out, that`s a losing battle I`m afraid!

DT.

[Richard_Cranium72]

If you're wanting to build a surfer & generic usage unit,,
I would consider a AMD K6-3 450 With a FIC motherboard.

Case here, comes with power supply and 3.5 floppy-- $20 >>http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=205-4241

MOBO-- $70 >> http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10067089&loc=241

128 MB Crucial RAM -- $67 >>
http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10228209&loc=401

Hard Drive 30gb Quantum 7200 price BEFORE $30 Rebate-- $127 >> http://www.us.buy.com/retail/computers/product.asp?sku=10243355&loc=450


CD-ROM -- $38 >> http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10023594&loc=2062

Coupon for $30 off $150 ->> www.techbargains.com (http://www.techbargains.com) expires 12-14 **


CPU 450 mhz AMD K6-3+ -- $50 >> http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?sku=cp2-k63-450p%20c

lotsa luck

DrVette

[Krymson]

Get a Duron(600-800 i believe) for like 50 bucks, and get a microstar K7T Master for 100
Yeah i know the mobo is more expensive than the cpu, but hey, its really good.

[howste]

The problem with the K6-2 and K6-3 are that they are Socket 7 chips. They are the last of the line that use Socket 7 boards, so she won't be able to upgrade later without buying a new mobo. I'd recommend an AMD Duron system. The CPU is cheap, and I believe the Socket A KT133 boards will support up to 1.5Ghz processors for upgrading later.

Steve