Ideas for new build please!

[roomwithamoose]

Hello! A couple of years ago, thanks solely to these forums, I was able to put together my first PC. Now that computer has served me well, and since then I purchased a new PC. I didn't build my own simply because I got a great deal somewhere.

Well my brother has been using the first computer for some time now. It has since developed a few problems that I can't seem to get rid of. Regardless, it is outdated and old now, so my brother has asked for my help to build a new one, with him buying the parts of course! And now that I have a work full time and school full time I do not have the time to dedicate to researching, so I am asking for help.

Intended usage will be internet, music, word processesing and moderate gaming including EVE Online and WoW. He's a lot like me and doesn't care about incredible graphics, more important is no-lag and smooth video.

I would like it to be AMD based. At this point price is not neccasarily a factor as we are still in the research stage, but the mid to upper-mid price range is the most likely.

The only parts that I have are mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers and a case that my brother has already purchased. A power supply came with the case, but I would like to purchase a more reliable brand.

I would like for the mobo to have onboard graphics and audio.

References to online retailers would be appreciated. Last time I did this I bought everything through PriceGrabber.com (I think) and I remember it being very annoying recieving everything one at a time!

I really can't think of anthing else to mention. Let me know if I've missed anything!

[newbuilder14]

Newegg.com < That's where it's all at.

How much are you willing to spend? That would give me an idea of which route you should take.

Right now the Core 2 Duos by Intel are the sweet spot, surpassing anything AMD has on the market.

[roomwithamoose]

If I had to give a price, I'd probably have to say between $500 and $750 US dollars.

Don't know why, but I've never been an Intel fella. I'd prefer to stick with AMD.

[glc]

Moose, things go in cycles. Intel is on top these days once again. If you go AMD, socket 939 is a lot more stable than the new AM2, but of course is a dead end for future upgrades.

[roomwithamoose]

Hmm, good point. Well, considering that I guess whats more important than AMD is both reliability and upgradability. If that means Intel, than that is certainly ok.