Build a $400 PC for Mom @ ExtremeTech

Vikingod · Sep 6, 2007, 02:02 PM

Source: ExtremeTech
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I haven't purchased an off-the-shelf computer in, oh hell, probably 12 years. Neither has most of my family. I build computers for my father, my sisters, my wife, and my mother.

Speaking of Mom, her computer wasn't aging well. We (meaning my father and I) had upgraded it a few times over the years, but it was a relic with a stuffed hard drive and some bizarre problems that even the strongest spyware and virus defenses couldn't work out. I found out when I tore that sucker apart that the CPU, an ancient Athlon, had a manufacturer date of 1999. It was time for a new computer for my mother, Janice Durham.

Matth · Sep 6, 2007, 03:50 PM

If the old system was otherwise serviceable, a bigger hard drive and a re-install would have transformed it.

Interestingly, the new build had a couple of hardware issues, a graphics card problem and bad memory (though maybe the memory was the cause of all the problems).

A salutory lesson to memtest a new build, though Windows is normally pretty good at falling over memory problems.

CDsDontBurn · Sep 6, 2007, 04:05 PM

if he really wanted to be nice to his mother, he would have shelled out the $400 it cost him to build the new machine

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Sep 6, 2007, 02:02 PM	#1
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Build a $400 PC for Mom @ ExtremeTech Source: ExtremeTech ___________ I haven't purchased an off-the-shelf computer in, oh hell, probably 12 years. Neither has most of my family. I build computers for my father, my sisters, my wife, and my mother. Speaking of Mom, her computer wasn't aging well. We (meaning my father and I) had upgraded it a few times over the years, but it was a relic with a stuffed hard drive and some bizarre problems that even the strongest spyware and virus defenses couldn't work out. I found out when I tore that sucker apart that the CPU, an ancient Athlon, had a manufacturer date of 1999. It was time for a new computer for my mother, Janice Durham.

Sep 6, 2007, 03:50 PM	#2
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	If the old system was otherwise serviceable, a bigger hard drive and a re-install would have transformed it. Interestingly, the new build had a couple of hardware issues, a graphics card problem and bad memory (though maybe the memory was the cause of all the problems). A salutory lesson to memtest a new build, though Windows is normally pretty good at falling over memory problems. __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread Last edited by Matth; Sep 6, 2007 at 03:56 PM.

Sep 6, 2007, 04:05 PM	#3
CDsDontBurn Lurking DriverHeaven Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,801 Rep Power: 235 System Specs	if he really wanted to be nice to his mother, he would have shelled out the $400 it cost him to build the new machine . __________________ Her First Day \| A year later