Please comment on these parameters for a non-gaming build

[r0n]

Hi guys. I want to build a replacement for my six year old Dell Pentium 4. I don't expect to do any gaming, just email, web, iTunes, photos, documents and spreadsheets.

I already have the following components to use in this build:

Intel Core2 Duo E600 2.4 Ghz
Hitachi SATA 400G HDD
Samsung 19" LCD monitor
M-Audio PCI sound card (has RCA jacks so I can connect to my stereo system)
ATX mid tower case, no PSU
Windows XP Home

With that in mind, can you offer any advice as to the following things that I'm thinking about to complete the system:

MOBO - the ASUS P5B is a frequent recommendation on the forum. Any other suggestions?

Memory - how much? The forum often recommends Corsair Value Select memory. I was thinking 2G.

Video - Will I benefit from a PCI-Express video card, or is that overkill for my purposes? Some MOBOs have video built-in. Would that be sufficient?

PSU - how big? I've read the post on good vs. bad PSUs and should be able to pick a good one once I know what wattage to use. Is 400W enough?

DVD - is there any reason not to go with SATA? The forum seems to prefer Lite-on DVDs. What speed should I be looking for?

Keyboard - I know, not a high-tech issue. But I need a good basic one that doesn't feel squishy. Any preferred brands? Any preferences as to PS2 vs. USB?

Case - I'm assuming that an ATX mid tower case will be more cost-effective than something smaller. But since I'ill probably never need more than one 5 1/2 bay and two 3.5 bays, a smaller case would be possible. Any thoughts on whether that would add significantly to costs?

Many thanks for any contributions.

[freakitchen]

Welcome to PC Mech!

Here's a quality motherboard that would work well for your build. You really don't need a dedicated video card for that use, and this one comes with on-board video. The only disadvantage is that on-board video steals system RAM, though if you install 2GB, that won't be a problem.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131043

2GB of Corsair Value Select DDR2-667 would be a good choice at a good price

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098

You SHOULD get a SATA DVD Burner. Here's a good one by Lite-on

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106046

Here's a quality case and power supply combination. The included PSU would be good for a low-mid range video card, should you choose to upgrade

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155

For a Keyboard / Mouse - look not much further than logitech. Most of them are USB and PS2 capable.

[chuck4456]

this -

[r0n]

Thanks, those comments are very helpful.

I'm a little concerned about the PSU that comes with that case though, it's got pretty bad user reviews:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103936

[freakitchen]

The Antec Smartpowers aren't the best, I'll agree, but they're certainly not the worst. I've used plenty of these in the past with only a couple of failures, and they're of sufficient quality to 'die quietly', and not take any components with them.

That said, wanting a top quality power supply is by no means a bad thing! You'll just have to buy a case & PSU separately. Choose a case that you like, and get something like this to go in it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954

[r0n]

That sounds like a good one.

So to close the loop, I've ordered the MOBO, PSU, memory and DVD as recommended. But I made one tactical change and went for a micro ATX board and this "media style" case, which user reviews said will accommodate a regular ATX PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811204004

Since I'll only have one HDD and one or two small expansion cards, I think it will come together well and look pretty cool.

Once I get it working I'll follow up and let you know how it is.

Thanks again for your help!

[freakitchen]

That case looks fine - I'm curious as to what board you went for, though - the P5B-VM I linked to IS a micro ATX board.

Good luck with the build.

[r0n]

You're right - I went with the board that you linked to. I had been thinking about the regular ATX board and then switched back, forgot that was the one that you had originally flagged for me.

[glc]

I believe the new Sonata with a 500 watt Earthwatts power supply will be out pretty soon.