Budget PC Upgrade/Build For The Folks

Arbitrary

Hi,

I had a look over older threads and they're a little outdated at this stage. I'm on the hunt to upgrade my folks machine. I'm open to buying it built or in parts, though I'll probably get someone to build it for me due to time constraints (happy for someone on here to do it for a fee if anyone is interested).

I've been looking at the following options and I'd appreciate some input on them, or if I'll find anything better.

Budget: 250-300 EUR

What will the machine be used for: Browsing, Word docs, Email and Skype.

OS requires: Preferably included and windows 7, but 8.1 one will do and I can install windows 7 shell.

There's two options from Dell.

1.
dell(.com)/ie/p/inspiron-3646-small-desktop/pd?oc=cd64610&model_id=inspiron-3646-small-desktop

I reckon that processor will struggle to load up a web browser though, great price but reviews certainly don't cover it in glory.

2.
dell(.com)/ie/p/inspiron-3847-desktop/pd?oc=cd84701&model_id=inspiron-3847-desktop

Very tempted to go ahead with this one, with a 10% discount it will work out at 290 and it has a semi decent processor with a better HD.

From other online shops I've been looking at here's a few more options I've been considering

Laptopsdirect(.ie)

laptopsdirect(.ie)/Zoostorm_mATX_Pentium_G3240_500GB_4GB_DVDRW_Windows_8.1_with_Bing_Desktop_7280-8028/version.asp

I've read a lot of complaints about component quality with this manufacturer, I realise I will get what I pay for but the last thing I want is problems with the machine in the immediate to near future.

Lastly, I'm quite tempted by this but I've no idea how the CPU performs and can't find much info about it...

Lenovo

shop.lenovo(.com)/ie/en/desktops/lenovo/h-series/h30-05/

I've concerns about the CPU and performance. While they don't need anything lightning fast, I at least want it be nice and responsive to all the basic programs they run.

I'd greatly appreciate some advice on the above and perhaps some alternative suggestions.

Apologies for the changed links, I can't post links yet.

Thanks.

TerrorFirmer

Number 2 will last absolutely years, the others are using inferior budget processors - not that they can't do what your parents needs, but their processors are very inferior by comparison.

Avoid Zoostorm, extremely poorly built machines. We have one in work for whatever reason we came by it, and it has the loudest power supply I've ever heard - something I hear a lot about Zoostorm, but couldn't believe it when I heard it. On normal desktop use it sounds like a processor/video card fan running at 100%.

Arbitrary

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Number 2 will last absolutely years, the others are using inferior budget processors - not that they can't do what your parents needs, but their processors are very inferior by comparison.

Avoid Zoostorm, extremely poorly built machines. We have one in work for whatever reason we came by it, and it has the loudest power supply I've ever heard - something I hear a lot about Zoostorm, but couldn't believe it when I heard it. On normal desktop use it sounds like a processor/video card fan running at 100%.

Thanks Terror, I'll go with that one, I don't see the point of buying parts for the tiny savings I'll make and the time it takes to build, if it was my gaming rig it would be a different matter.

Haha, on par with a hovercraft is what I read about the Zoostorm builds. Cheers.