Advice needed for Basic Budget Rig (for non tech savvy)

[noangel7]

Hi, so my relative's i5 2400 pre-built by Dell desktop computer is dying. I'm still trying to diagnose the problem but see what options to purchase first.

Usage: Web surfing (likes to open a few tabs), word processing, youtube watching
Relative is elderly (more than 70 years old) so any troubleshooting/repairs/building will be done by me

Budget: below $1k. but considering the age of user and usage needs, looks of parts etc is not important so if can be done for lower, it will be good.

Options:

1) Purchase prebuilt dell/acer etc. any recommendations? Noticed that prebuilt desktops these days are 4gb ram and 1 year warranty.

2) Purchase Intel NUC/MSI Cube

3) Build a rig- what are the recommended (budget) parts?

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Keep things simple and get MSI Cubi/Intel NUC...

 

[noangel7]

Any recommended models for Intel Nuc/ MSI Cubi/ Zotac type?

 

[runningman.snsd]

Buy those Hp itx prebuilt. Then extend the warranty.

Aio also okay

 

[Encrypted11]

Think an NUC-like form PC will be the best for simplicity / ease of installation / maintenance as well,
they even have a wireless NIC installed that blend well in homes that have multiple wifi devices like phones and tablets hooked up onto a common network.
In older homes, LAN points are also a non-issue if you already have WiFi.

Probably an NUCi3 + SSD + an 8GB RAM stick will be more than enough for that use case.

On warranty, pretty sure the base warranty on an NUC is already 3 years if that matters.

 

[noangel7]

Thanks for the replies. Update on the situation, PC is ok after I reset so no need to purchase hardware for now.

Many thanks!