How does this look?

[strummer]

Next build is for a family member. They want something small - case wise. They are looking for something to surf with and do homework, office work, etc. Not going to be used for much gaming besides some real low level kids stuff.

So I have the following picked out, and I'm looking for comment:

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811119088

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813123262

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817104952

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820141233

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148107

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106992

Don't know what kind of CPU yet - I'm looking at either Opteron 144 or Venice 3200+. Like to hear your comments regarding those two, they're pretty evenly priced. I would like to overclock.

So what do you think -

regards

[Staren]

How small are they looking for in a computer, and is there any posability of adding features down the line? The more I think about this project, the more I think a shuttle type box might be ideal.

As far as overclocking, my view is keep it confined to your own hardware. Not because I don't want to give my friends and family the best deal I can, but because if they are not real techie any little issues are going to be a major problem for them. Something that would be a five minute fix for you, could keep them down for a day or fry their data if a big enough of a screw up.

[Alaron]

What you have looks good. I'd go with the 3200+ Venice chip.

I would switch to two sticks of ram for Dual Channel performance boost, and its cheaper then the single stick. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440

I would also suggest leaving the system at stock speeds. For the uses you described, theres no need for more speed, and you wouldn't want to cause any instability.

[strummer]

Originally Posted by Staren As far as overclocking, my view is keep it confined to your own hardware. Not because I don't want to give my friends and family the best deal I can, but because if they are not real techie any little issues are going to be a major problem for them. Something that would be a five minute fix for you, could keep them down for a day or fry their data if a big enough of a screw up.

Duly noted, and I think you are right. Thanks for the response.

[BrokenKingdom]

Yeah looks pretty good, I too would go with the venice as i tend to favor great CPU's

Other then my opinion about what card to get everyone else just about summed it up

but if your concerned about CPU speeds (ie wanting to overclock) I would opt for a cheap "beige" case for about $20 or so and throw in another thirty dollars to get the AMD 3700+ and dont bother ocing. You'll notice a big increase in speed for what I think is a relatively low cost increase ( about fifty dollars). Its nice to have a snazzy looking case, but I think its nicer to have a faster running machine

[strummer]

Originally Posted by Alaron What you have looks good. I'd go with the 3200+ Venice chip. I would switch to two sticks of ram for Dual Channel performance boost, and its cheaper then the single stick. I would also suggest leaving the system at stock speeds. For the uses you described, theres no need for more speed, and you wouldn't want to cause any instability.

Thanks for the response. I did get the 2 sticks - G Skill, good deal at the egg. And also agree with you about the overclocking.

[strummer]

Originally Posted by BrokenKingdom Yeah looks pretty good, I too would go with the venice as i tend to favor great CPU's Other then my opinion about what card to get everyone else just about summed it up but if your concerned about CPU speeds (ie wanting to overclock) I would opt for a cheap "beige" case for about $20 or so and throw in another thirty dollars to get the AMD 3700+ and dont bother ocing. You'll notice a big increase in speed for what I think is a relatively low cost increase ( about fifty dollars). Its nice to have a snazzy looking case, but I think its nicer to have a faster running machine

You know - I was thinking the same thing. Got a combination case/ 380W PSU from cooler master via Chief Value last night. It was the case I was looking for anyway, and the shipping was cheaper. Saved about 50 skins over the combo I had indicated above. With the price of 3700's coming down into the $215 range, I think they are at a sweet spot. The cooler master PSU isn't as good as the FSP I had been looking at, but it should be fine for this build. Especially if I'm not going to OC it.

Thanks for the reply.

[glc]

Coolermaster power supplies are fine - other than the True Power, they are made by FSP. The True Power is second tier but still decent. 380 is plenty of power, especially considering you are using onboard video. Just make sure the PSU has a 24 pin or a 20+4 pin main connector.

[strummer]

Originally Posted by glc Just make sure the PSU has a 24 pin or a 20+4 pin main connector.

good point