Basic budget build

[CactusJoe]

First of all, happy Xmas and happy new year!
I was not around for a while so its nice to be back home!

I'd also like to tank everyone who helped me so far. It all started with one computer build for my own use. Then, I was asked to make one for a friend then for another for another friend and now, more and more people are asking me to build them a nice setup.

As I said, I wasnt around at all for the last 2 months. So I really dont know how the prices are right now and if theres new parts or anything usefull. I guess the best way to go is by filling this good old form.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
- Basic use. Internet browsing, microsoft office, music listening, cd burning. Nothing too hard to run. No gaming. So if the price is best, I'd definitly go for integrated video... As long as it runs.. freecell and.. diablo 1?

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
- 300-350$ Cant go much around 400$. Anything closer to 300$ is best. It dosnt mather if the performance is not maxed because the computer will most likely be used in some work office.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
- Canada for the win. / Most likely from NCIX for the price comparison.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.
- I really dislike AMD/ATI (I'd rather go intel+nvidia.) but if its best for price/perfomance then I'll go for it.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
- The only thing I will be reusing is my legit OS.. which for some reason I never used...

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
- Not for the last 2 months or so

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
- IF overclocking is possible then i'll go for it, its 100% sure. If its not possible then, too bad. I hope the speed will be nice tho. Even if the bubget is low.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
- Now. And I'm most likely going to build 3-5

Thanks everyone
Peace!

[CactusJoe]

I went trought all the "new year promos" here is what I have found so far.

Note : all prices were checked only by shopbot.ca.

Mobo - Biostar GF8200 M2+ GF8200 mATX AM2+ DDR2 PCI-E 2PCI SATA2 RAID Video HD Sound GBLAN Motherboard $79.99

Or Buy Gigabyte GA-M78SM-S2H GF8200 mATX AM2+ 1PCI-EX 2PCI SATA W/RAID Video Sound GLAN 1394 Motherboard ?

Processor - AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Dual Core Processor Socket AM2 2.6GHZ Retail Box$59.99

Ram - G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ PC2-8000 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1000 CL5-5-5-15 240PIN Dual Channel Memo *IR-$4* $55.67

HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive OEM 5YR MFR Warranty $49.99Maye throw in a 500gb for 10$more.

Dvd Writer - Samsung SH-S222A/BEBS 22X DVD+-RW IDE DVD Writer Black OEM $26.43

Possible case - nGear TK-6330B 18IN ATX Case Black 4X5.25 2X3.5 5X3.5INT 450W Front USB $42.90

Your total $314.97
Plus shipping and taxes = roughtly 350$ which is perfect.

I like that board with the Geforce 7100 video chipset (Costs 20$ more than my initial idea but it believe its worth the switch 6100 -> 7100). Its powerfull and yet cheap. I wasn't able to find any better integrated board around that price.

The hdd is Ok. The dvd writer is standard.

The ram could be a little bit cheaper, 5-10$ at least. G.Skill is a good brand tho.

I have 3 questions lefts.
1) About the processor. I know the ram will definitly help but im not sure its powerfull enought. Will it overclock? (I bet it wont.. haha). Is there an intel processor I can switch to for almost the same price but a bit stonger? Any recommendations on the cpu?

2)About the case + psu. I KNOW FOR A FACT someone will tell me that this psu is crap and I shoulnt risk breaking the whole computer because of the psu blabla. Its 100% legit and 100% real. So, what case+psu would you recommand?

EDIT : 3) Will there be any compatibility issues within the mobo/cpu?

Other than that, ALL recommendations, comments are welcome.

Thanks alot!

EDIT : OCZ Gold XTC PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-800 CL5-5-5-18 DDR2 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit *IR-$21* $34.99

Saving 20$ on the ram. ddr2 800 should be enought.

YOUR TOTAL $294.29

[joeperson]

Using ncix pricematching is about the only useful tip. You could probably go for the cheapest option for everything if your going to stick to internet, office, and music.

[CactusJoe]

Yes... I know..

I really have no clue for the case/psu tho.

I do not know any model/brand which would be cheap and reliable (under 60$ for both).