idea for a windows/ubuntu build

[BustedDread]

I plan to build a new pc by end of year.

Before I spell out the specific components I'm considering, here are the points that are important for this particular build.

- Much of what I've listed in my components below are derived from scavenging this forum. If they don't match my needs, please correct.
- This build will not include a monitor (I'll use one I already have). But I would like to move up to a 22in monitor within the next 6 months, so the video card needs to be up to that task.
- Will also stick with a keyboard and mouse i already own
- Will not be over-clocking and not a gamer (well, poker but that just stresses one's emotional stability - not the computer)
- Mainly web-surfing, intensive spreadsheet/database work, some photo editing/storage, mp3 playing/storage.
- I want a 2 HD set-up: one running Ubuntu and the other one running XP or Vista (not sure which one yet - I'll have XP on another computer in any case).
- Since this box will be running linux sometimes, I would naturally like ALL components to be compatible with that OS (this is a bit challenging since there's not much of a hardware compatibility list for Ubuntu).
- Everything should fit into a mid-tower case no higher than 17.5 inches.
- Would like cost not to exceed $1,000.

CASE (don't care how it looks, sturdiness and ease of working inside more important)

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119068


PSU

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX ATX12V V2.2 450W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139003


MOBO

ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131180


CPU

Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6750 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115029


HDD [2 of these]

Seagate Barracuda ES ST3320620NS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148215


RAM

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590


Optical

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072


Video Card (have no idea if this would run a 22-inch monitor)

EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130062


OS (1 of these 2 plus Ubuntu)

Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202

Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116059


Thanks for any wisdom you can drop.

[flanzig1]

The 7600GT is a bit dated for a video card. This may be a more up to date choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130091

[Lespaul20]

Just a note, the 7600GT would run a 22" monitor just fine but what flanzig linked is better in the long run. Onboard video could run a 24" assuming you aren't playing any fancy games.

For Ubuntu hardware support I would may do some googling, 7.10 is supposed to support more hardware.

On Vista versus XP, I would check to make sure any software you want to use works with Vista. After that, it's personal choice. I like the look and feel of Vista but I tend to use XP more.

[BustedDread]

Thanks for the video card suggestion.

I'll replace the one on my original list with an EVGA 8600GT.

I'm sure I'll be seeking recommendations for 22+" monitors as well - something of midrange quality.

[Lespaul20]

For monitors I would look as Samsung, Viewsonic or Acer. I've heard good things about a few other brands as well. Personally I will tell everyone who asks to stay away from Sceptre, had a bad experience. Oh, and try to look for a 8Bit panel(16.7M colors) if you are doing any video/photo work.