Basic $400 budget; no gaming; no rendering

[CaptainCuidado]

I've been mostly out of touch since I built my own i7 computer 4 years ago, and my dad wants me to help him build one for his own use to replace his laptop. So, I could use the help of some people who are up to date with the current tech.

Here is the best I could find so far: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2Erzr

It is needed only for very basic things, like web browsing, music listening, and watching high-res (1080p) video. No gaming or video rendering or anything heavy like that. We would like it to run at a comfortable, modern speed. A small to medium size case would be best. We do not need an ODD for everyday use; we have an external one for installing the operating system via USB port.

We would like to spend about $300-$400 for everything.

In my opinion, the most money should be spent on the CPU, and optional SSD, with everything else being of minimal monetary consequence. Intel or AMD are fine. Please feel free to make your own informed recommendations. If you can point to specific merchant deals, that would be very welcome, and appreciated.

Questions: Are these prices still good? Can better be done?

Is this a good SSD? I've done a little research and at this price point, there is mixed reception. I was looking at a Kingston drive for around the same price, and it had bad firmware recently. This A-Data drive has had reports of decreased performance over time, and sometimes running slowly out of the box.

Is this a good processor? More money is available to be budgeted towards it or the SSD.

Thanks for your help fellas.

-Cap

 

[Cru]

doesn't seem too bad
imo the SSD is fine, got the 256gb version running in my main rig and can't complain at all
you could go down to 64/60gb though as 128 is quite big for that kind of budged and spend the extra money towards something like 2x4gb RAM or a better case, as the one you chose has literally 0 cable management options

 

[cooperman]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2HfK0

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus H81M-E Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($57.93 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.67 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $377.55

 

[WYP]

I think you would be better off with a FM2+ motherboard, it will offer some more upgrade room if needed.

as for the case, here is a cheap silverstone case for around $30 dollars, still not a great case but better than what you were thinking at the same price.

here is a NZXT case for $43 dollars, it has decent cable management options and can fit pretty much anything you will ever need.

 

[Tripp]

you should try an stick to two sticks of ram, eg: if you want 4gb get 2x2gb sticks