Building a PC for web browsing and Microsoft Office - thoughts?

So, I’ve been tasked with putting together a PC for browsing the web (you know, the usual stuff), running Microsoft Office, and maybe the occasional game of Solitaire. 😁

The only place I can actually order from is Best Buy (since nothing else really exists around my neck of the woods...).

Here’s what I’ve pulled together—I have a bit of a thing for Dell motherboards and an Intel processor. Also, definitely going with an SSD because I am way too old to be dealing with 60s-era tech.

Mobo:

CPU:

RAM:

PSU:

SSD:

Total comes to $550.

I went ahead and grabbed a power supply that's probably overkill, but hey, better safe than sorry! And I figure the integrated graphics should totally do the trick. Already got the case and optical drive covered.

Is 4GB of RAM enough, or should I play it smart and grab 6GB for the long haul?

Let me know what you guys think! Is this build solid for what I need it for?

It’s a decent choice if you're on a tight budget. Totally fine.

You meant 8GB, right? Getting 6GB makes zero sense. Those 2GB sticks end up being expensive, and you'd basically just be buying two identical ones anyway.

Personally, I'd jump to a newer platform. With DDR4 and a newer Pentium, it won't cost you much more, and you get way better upgrade paths down the road since it's the current generation.

https://www.amazon.com/motherboard-example-link

https://www.amazon.com/processor-example-link

https://www.amazon.com/memory-example-link

Grab 2x4GB. Buying a single 8GB stick isn't any cheaper at Best Buy, and you shouldn't need more than that anyway.
You could try getting by with 4GB, though. If you aren't running heavy software, you probably won't notice a massive difference—especially since you included an SSD, so 4GB won't slow you down too much.

The price gap for the motherboard and processor combo I linked is $55. Honestly, I think the newer platform is worth it for the slight performance bump, but it's not mandatory.

The PC Power Supply you picked is fine. You shouldn't go any cheaper than that unless you absolutely have to. It’s not about the wattage; it’s about the build quality.

P.S.

Here’s the link for the 1x4GB memory module.

https://www.amazon.com/memory-example-link-single

I’ve been chewing on that idea of grabbing a new motherboard and CPU just to get onto the latest RAM generation... but honestly? Since I’m gonna push this setup to its absolute breaking point and probably never touch an upgrade again (just like my current Dell Inspiron😁), I’m not sure if it’s even worth paying extra for future-proofing... 🤔

I was thinking specifically about 6GB. 4GB feels way too stingy for the long haul, but then again, 8GB is basically stepping into hardcore gaming territory. 🤔

If you were already aiming for 6GB, then you don't really need any advice from me since you clearly know what you're doing.😵

Look, if I actually knew what I was doing, I wouldn't be hanging out here asking for your "super helpful" advice... 🤦

I haven't really kept up with all the new hardware lately, but hey, I still know my way around a screwdriver... plugging in a processor and bolting down a motherboard is still in my toolkit! 🍿

ASRock H110M HDS
Intel Celeron G3900 2.80 GHz 2 mb Kingston Technology SSDNow UV400 120
Kingston Technology SSDNow UV400 120GB 120GB
Corsair 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory
PC Power Supply

$558 Best Buy

I’d probably go with this setup, even if there isn't a store like that in your neck of the woods.

If you grab that setup from Best Buy, for example, getting 6GB (4+2GB) ends up being $104, whereas 2x4GB is $117. Just a heads up: that 6GB configuration won't run smoothly in dual channel, and honestly, there isn't a single scenario where that's worth the headache.

You can totally go with what crimsonstag84 suggested regarding the 4GB. It's a new platform, and with an SSD, you aren't going to need more than 4GB of RAM for what you're doing. He found you the absolute best value for your needs. That Celeron is only marginally weaker than a Pentium for basic internet browsing. If you're planning on playing high-res video on big screens—like a 4K TV—down the road, then maybe opt for the Pentium

If you really want to walk into a physical store, you could pick up what I listed at Best Buy or stick to your original plan (just please, don't do the 6GB 🙏)

But if you're ordering from Best Buy, I'd still recommend placing the order online and just picking it up in-store. That way, you get that 14-day return window where you can send stuff back without even giving a reason. If something feels off or you just change your mind, returning it won't be a nightmare.

wiredotter14 said:If you grab that setup from Best Buy, for example, getting 6GB (4+2GB) ends up being $104, whereas 2x4GB is $117. Just a heads up: that 6GB configuration won't run smoothly in dual channel, and honestly, there isn't a single scenario where that's worth the headache.

You can totally go with what crimsonstag84 suggested regarding the 4GB. It's a new platform, and with an SSD, you aren't going to need more than 4GB of RAM for what you're doing. He found you the absolute best value for your needs. That Celeron is only marginally weaker than a Pentium for basic internet browsing. If you're planning on playing high-res video on big screens—like a 4K TV—down the road, then maybe opt for the Pentium

If you really want to walk into a physical store, you could pick up what I listed at Best Buy or stick to your original plan (just please, don't do the 6GB 🙏)

But if you're ordering from Best Buy, I'd still recommend placing the order online and just picking it up in-store. That way, you get that 14-day return window where you can send stuff back without even giving a reason. If something feels off or you just change your mind, returning it won't be a nightmare.

And besides, just order online because the prices are actually lower. Walking into a store to place an order is the worst move you can make; they won't give you the online discount, so you're basically leaving money on the table.

analogtiger19 said:And besides, just order online because the prices are actually lower. Walking into a store to place an order is the worst move you can make; they won't give you the online discount, so you're basically leaving money on the table.

I've been doing exactly what's in the Links for about 2 or 3 years now. 😁

Robert Rodriguez2 said:I've been doing exactly what's in the Links for about 2 or 3 years now. 😁

True. But Best Buy has this interesting little loophole. You walk into the store and ask if you can get the online price. Naturally, they say no. So, you just head out, grab a coffee, place the order online, and then walk right back in to pick up the gear. They have to honor it since it's sitting there in stock anyway. The whole catch is that you’re supposed to wait three to five days for shipping after an online order. Honestly, what a bunch of amateurs. Heh.

mellowtiger83 said:True. But Best Buy has this interesting little loophole. You walk into the store and ask if you can get the online price. Naturally, they say no. So, you just head out, grab a coffee, place the order online, and then walk right back in to pick up the gear. They have to honor it since it's sitting there in stock anyway. The whole catch is that you’re supposed to wait three to five days for shipping after an online order. Honestly, what a bunch of amateurs. Heh.

I just order from my couch and swing by to pick it up immediately. No waiting around for anything.🙂

Ordering online but paying at a 7-Eleven?

Quote : Robert Rodriguez2

Robert Rodriguez2 said:I just order from my couch and swing by to pick it up immediately. No waiting around for anything.🙂

That’s just how it is.👍Every single time I stop by my local Target, they give me the same old runaround. It’s been five or six times now where they tell me I have to wait a few days for something that is clearly sitting right there on the shelf. Honestly, what is wrong with these people? I look them in the eye and point out that the stock is right there in front of them—absolute jokers—but they just won't budge. They are incredibly stubborn. So, I just tell them I'll be back in an hour, then I walk back in an hour later with the order already paid for, laughing right in their faces. I made sure to let them know: lying isn't a good look, guys. Not at all.😛

Bryan Taylor6 said:Ordering online but paying at a 7-Eleven?

I have actually done that a few times myself. Just place the order from home and select payment upon pickup at the local branch. It is quite simple.

mellowtiger83 said:Quote : Robert Rodriguez2

That’s just how it is.👍Every single time I stop by my local Target, they give me the same old runaround. It’s been five or six times now where they tell me I have to wait a few days for something that is clearly sitting right there on the shelf. Honestly, what is wrong with these people? I look them in the eye and point out that the stock is right there in front of them—absolute jokers—but they just won't budge. They are incredibly stubborn. So, I just tell them I'll be back in an hour, then I walk back in an hour later with the order already paid for, laughing right in their faces. I made sure to let them know: lying isn't a good look, guys. Not at all.😛

haha, I order stuff and don't even rush over there immediately. I'll head in later that same day, and honestly, I've never run into an issue.👍

crimsonstag84 said:ASRock H110M HDS
Intel Celeron G3900 2.80 GHz 2 mb Kingston Technology SSDNow UV400 120
Kingston Technology SSDNow UV400 120GB 120GB
Corsair 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory
PC Power Supply

$558 Best Buy

I’d probably go with this setup, even if there isn't a store like that in your neck of the woods.

Me too. You've also got more PCE discount options and the ability to pay cash on delivery when your order arrives.

David Wood2, I think it would be a mistake to pass up the massive upgrade potential found in these Intel platforms. Unlike back in the Pentium 4 era, you can literally drop in a much more powerful CPU later on—even upgrading all the way up to those upcoming Kaby Lake i7s. Of course, we're talking about the distant future; just whenever the current CPU starts feeling sluggish in a few years...

Kimberly Gomez34 said:Me too. You've also got more PCE discount options and the ability to pay cash on delivery when your order arrives.

David Wood2, I think it would be a mistake to pass up the massive upgrade potential found in these Intel platforms. Unlike back in the Pentium 4 era, you can literally drop in a much more powerful CPU later on—even upgrading all the way up to those upcoming Kaby Lake i7s. Of course, we're talking about the distant future; just whenever the current CPU starts feeling sluggish in a few years...

Well... For the person I'm agreeing with here, being able to run their Diners card for 12 monthly installments is a huge deal. So, ordering through the internet is just off the table, no matter what. 🥱 Honestly, I doubt there will even be a need for an upgrade—this current Pentium 4 has been kicking butt for ten years now. 🤣

Thanks everyone for the comments and the advice! 👍