Opinions on new computer build

[Rory725]

My dads thinking of a new computer, he would use it mainly for work on spreadsheets and over the internet so it needs to be very reliable, he would like to watch TV on it and HD movies. What components would be best value which suit his needs? His budget is £1000 max, but that includes software like windows 7 and microsoft office and monitor etc. Any cheaper though would be better. So im after best value for money components that are reliable and will last, he would also be open to future upgrades but wouldnt do so often. What are your thoughts?

 

[red1776]

Hi Rory,

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/242140 CPU 76.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173804 HDD 40.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173122 Mem 40.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/241003 MB 50.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/240999 PSU 47.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/192756 op/BR 100.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/113946 TV 68.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/198821 VGA 65.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/143854 Case 50.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/174584 mon 180.00

For your consideration;
You didn't list any video rendering,editing, or the like. If that is what he does, then i would go Intel without a doubt. For what you listed however, this will handle things splendidly.
I included a 24" monitor as you said he works on spreadsheets and 24" is where you can get two of them side by side with relative ease. The total is 651.00 quid, so you have a lot of room for OS and keyboard.
Hope it helps

 

[Rory725]

Thanks Red,
I don't know if this will make a difference but does photo editing change anything? Also, would it be better getting newer technology that would last longer or would there not be that much of a difference in better components?

 

[red1776]

For photo editing not much no.
As far as newer tech, that really depends on how often you upgrade and how much you wish to increase the budget. Are you talking about waiting for Ivy Bridge/Bulldozer to come out?
It does not look like you are doing anything real intense with this particular machine, so you could get faster, more state of the art components. But you will not realize an appreciable difference in performance for your dollars spent. Were you referring to any components in-particular?

 

[Rory725]

He would wait for bulldozer but not ivy bridge. You think he should get a bulldozer? He probably wont upgrade it and he will keep it as long as he can, that's why I'm wondering if he should get better tech.

 

[red1776]

Well assuming Bulldozer works anywhere as well as advertised, it will be A LOT faster and will be around for a while. You and Dad have to determine if the wait is worth it for you.