Opinions requested on build list

[TechGaloot]

My wife's computer just died and I need to build her a new one. Although I've built about 10 over the past 8 years (with a lot of help from this board - thanks), parts just keep changing enough that each time feels like the first time. So if you all would be so kind as to comment on my parts list before I purchase I sure would appreciate it.

The computer will be used for internet, some excel work, and an occasional game (pre-2005). She likes a dual boot system with Linux and Windows 2000; Linux being the default. We have the following that will be re-used: monitor (19in LCD), keyboard, mouse, DVD drive, and this power supply which I just bought in an attempt to fix her old machine - ThermalTake / Litepower / 400-Watt / ATX / 120 mm Fan / 20/24-Pin / SATA Ready / PCI-E Ready / Power Supply. We also want to install her old hard drive in the new machine to preserve her old data. It's an 80gig Western Digital Ultra DMA133, which I plan on installing as a slave. We are trying to keep the cost down while still providing decent power & speed.


Rosewill R5717-P SL 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case withTool-Free kits - Retail $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147057

ASUS M2N AM2 NVIDIA nForce 430 MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131042

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103774

Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136075

GIGABYTE GV-RX24T256H Radeon HD 2400XT 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail $47
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125076

OCZ Gold GX XTC 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227126


Total $307 (before shipping)

[Cricket]

I don't build AMD computers anymore and haven't been keeping up with their processors and chipsets so can't comment on the CPU and motherboard, but the other parts look okay. I'd pass on the Western Digital SE hard drive though...it's the SE models that were having so much problems a few years ago (I had to replace a bunch of WD 80GB SE HDDs and that left a bad taste in my mouth) and would go with Seagate SATA HDD instead.

Cricket

[Dave21]

I say spend a little bit more and go with a dual core intel processor so you can future proof your machine. Due to the fact that intel is a lot stronger than amd at the moment.

Go with a asus p5k board and a processor of your choice.

[pam123]

I have a similar set up, see sig, and it works well.
You may need to get the High Definition Audio Package from Microsoft for the on board to install correctly, or Asus may have fixed that by now, but it's a stable set up.

I don't remember OCZ being recommended for the board though.
Avoid headaches, use the Asus recommended ram, the price should be about the same.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Dave21 Due to the fact that intel is a lot stronger than intel at the moment.

Huh?

Cricket

[doubledragon5]

Switch ram to this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 $54 after rebate $34 and you double the ram from 1gig to 2 gig and this ram is highly recommended

[Dave21]

Originally Posted by Cricket Huh? Cricket

Lol. Too early to type. I meant intel is ahead of amd.

[TechGaloot]

Thanks for the feedback and recommendations. I've changed the RAM to that suggested by DoubleDragon5 - thanks.

I know Intel has overtaken AMD and their processors outperform AMD. But I have always been an AMD/Nvidia kind of guy and it was hard enough selecting an ATI video card. I felt like such a traitor. But I can never buy from Intel. I will not support their predatory business practices.

I really appreciate the time you all have taken for your responses. I have always really depended on this forum for all my computer needs and problems, and I have learned so much. You all are GREAT!!!! Thanks!

[doubledragon5]

I would also suggest replaceing the HD with a Segate 7200.10 or .11 their much more reliable than WD and have a 5yr warranty..