My Second Build (Compatibility/Cost Advice)

[ChappyEight]

(Disclaimer: I've copied this post onto a couple other forums as well, in case you think you've seen this before.)

I'm going to be building my second machine in 2 years in the very near future. Things have already changed so much in the short time since I built my last machine that I am hoping you all can steer me in the correct direction. This machine will replace my parents 6 year old Dell and they will be reusing the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So, this build is tower only. Also, I already have Vista Ultimate to install.

I'm looking for input on compatibility of the parts I've chosen and then maybe how I can cut the cost by about $200 without sacrificing too much in performance.

Primary uses for this machine will include basic stuff like heavy internet usage, photo/video storage, moderate Photoshop use, moderate video editing, and digital music storage/iTunes. They won't do any gaming aside from good ole solitaire and Facebook based games.

I tried to choose equipment that would give them at least a 5 year life with simple RAM expansion, maybe another HDD at some point, etc.

So, without further adieu:

CPU: Intel Pentium E6300 Wolfdale, 2.8GHz, Dual-Core - $80.99

Mobo: ASUS P5QPL-AM Intel G41 MicroATX - $64.99

RAM: Corsair XMS2 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $88.99

PSU: OCZ Fatal1ty 550W - $69.99

HDD (For OS/Programs): WD Caviar Black 500GB - $69.99

HDD (For Media Storage): WD Caviar Green 1TB - $94.99

DVD (x2): Sony Optiarc DVD Burner (2 for disc-to-disc copying) - $61.98 ($30.99/ea.)

Card Reader: Rosewill 40-in-1 - $14.99

Case: CoolerMaster Centurion 534 - $54.99

Total: $596.90

I'm hoping to get that total closer to $400 if at all possible.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for helping me out.

[Spools]

I don't see a way to get you down to $400 with any quality hardware that will perform well given your tasks.
I've read that many video editors stay away from Green HDDs because of the variable spin speeds.
You also don't have an OS listed. Do you have one to transfer?

[ChappyEight]

Yeah, I agree it will be tough, if not impossible to get down that low. I may just have to have them leave out a HDD for now or something to that effect. Just hoping for a miracle.

Also, my apologies, yes I have Vista Ultimate already.

[faint545]

You could only put in 2GB of RAM right now and get a less powerful PSU. Given your tasks, 4GB is a bit overkill in my opinion. On top of that, my rig takes up roughly 300-400 watts of power so if you really wanted to you could probably get away with a 400W PSU.

[glc]

Buy a cheap 25 buck Rosewill or other offbrand case and this Antec EA380 PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371033

Cut the processor back to a Celeron E3200.

Just get a single hard drive - a WD Blue 500. Also just get one burner, disk to disk copying is plenty easy enough by swapping disks.