I'm looking for a regular sized desktop computer for my parents. Either pre-built or custom. Doesn't need to have an OS. They already have a monitor and keyboard and mouse. All they want is a computer that runs Windows 10 smoothly, Netflix/YouTube HD, Microsoft Word and maybe some flash/browser games.I also already own an SSD that I'll be installing. Something under $200 would be great. The cheaper the better!
Yeah I'd look into Dell refurbished PC's. Used to buy them all the time at my old job at a local PC repair shop. These days you can get a slightly older (2nd gen maybe) intel i5 or for sure some Core 2 Duo systems with Ram, HDD, and OS certified refurb for super cheap. Usually no screen but depending on where you buy from most come with cheapy mouse and keyboard. (I also suggest this because since its certified refub,m it will have a warranty for at least 1 year usually.)
Here is an example - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883158170&cm_re=dell_refurbished-_-83-158-170-_-Product
Agree, older office desktops cost peanuts and will literally work forever.
New is... possible
Neither include storage as you've mentioned you have a spare SSD.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/RWxBcc - AMD A6-5400K - $180.74 (With dual channel memory as recommended by @Streetguru)
CPU: AMD A6-5400K 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($29.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A68M-DG3+ Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($44.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.88 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($34.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($35.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $180.74
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-19 12:12 EDT-0400
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/6jv9NN - AMD A6-5400K - $175.74
CPU: AMD A6-5400K 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($29.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A68M-DG3+ Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($44.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin ECO2 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.88 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($34.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($35.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $175.74
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-19 07:43 EDT-0400
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/VTZbhq - Intel Celeron G1840 - $184.73
CPU: Intel Celeron G1840 2.8GHz Dual-Core Processor ($39.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($43.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Mushkin ECO2 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.88 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($34.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($35.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $184.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-19 07:45 EDT-0400
You could probably find wayyyy better in a used office machine though.
Whatever gets them the most powerful build for the price. Under $200 would be great. Cheaper the better.
I've looked into the Dell OptiPlex pre-bult computers on ebay. There's 1 going for $93 that comes with a q9550 and 8GB of memory. Of course warranty is only for 30 days. I'll check out Newegg refurb rigs as well. I've also thought about building them a custom rig featuring an Intel G4400 3.3GHz Dual-Core and 8GB for around $190. Costs more but they'll have warranty on the parts and the option to slap in a quad core if they ever need 1 in the future. Hmmm....
Here's the pre-built computer from ebay that I mentioned, http://www.ebay.com/itm/262579088086?rmvSB=true
So go for that and save a good amount of change but a risk without warranty, build a custom rig for $100 more or look for a refurb on newegg for around $140 that has warranty?
That's not bad
Gave parents a choice of used dell off eBay or new build. They went with the new custom build. Thanks everyone!
Ya...one of the refurb Dell system is your best bet,
@SpaceCat
That APU is a beast, with a small OC it can emulate some PS2 games, including kingdom hearts and Budokai 3
Other option aside from the FM2+ APU rig, is AM1 if you want a super tiny low power PC, it'll get the job done just fine
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/cMcZ4D
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/cMcZ4D/by_merchant/
CPU: AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor ($36.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI AM1I Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard ($33.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($37.74 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 350W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($31.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $179.70
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-19 12:01 EDT-0400
The AM1 system can even fit into a case like this which is NUC sized, PSU should be fine....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G2HM7437&cm_re=In_win_PSU-_-11-108-416-_-Product
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If not AM1 I'd stick to FM2, just in case it ever needs to run a real game if family comes over or whatever
but the system @SpaceCat posted needs dual channel memory, otherwise the iGPU will be at half speed effectively
Ended up getting an Intel G4400 Skylake CPU, 1151 Micro ATX mobile, 2 x 4GB 2400Mhz DDR4, EVGA 430w PSU 80+ and a case. Total came out to $190. Thanks everyone for your help.