Sweetspots for building a family PC?

Question

I want to build a computer for family use

Can anyone recommend the best value parts to use? & what I should install - for starters I was thinking of the items listed below but would welcome suggestions. The computer will need to last 3-4 years.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 CPU
Motherboard with Intel G965 Chipset
2GB RAM
Graphics card so that the kids can play games
250GB hard drive
DVD burner
20 inch screen
flywire
keyboard & mouse
5 USB points
Modem

Answer 1

I went through all this last December.

I priced all the premade computer brands that I could think of and more...

Then I went out and priced all the component parts that I thought I wanted, added up all those prices, and make sure you include shipping on each item and see what the total is.

For the money involved, I found the best deal for me was a Dell XPS 410 at the time. I bought it and it has been all that I wanted in a PC.

One recommendation I'd make if you decide to purchase a PC: Make sure it is FULLY UPGRADEABLE. Don't buy something that will only take a specific manufactures parts and accessories. You should be able to go to any computer store and purchase what you want for it.

The only thing I've changed is I upgraded the RAM from 1GB to 3GB. I found a good deal on an additonal 2GB so I purchased it. It will hold 4 GB on this particular motherboard.

NOTE: This was only the PC I purchased and not a monitor also. I recently opted for a nice 24" widescreen for $350.

These days, unless you are really enthused about building your own, it's makes more sense (in my opinion) to purchase what you want.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

do you have a budget?
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750
GPU Geforce 8800GT good bag for the buck gaming graphic card.
or you can wait a little to see more of the new gen intel
CPUs 45nm.

Answer 3

You will get more, for less, if you buy a Dell.

If you insist, look at Newegg.com for your parts.