Daniel, what is your budget for this computer?  You can spend from $500 to 
$5,000 on a new build.

Surfing the  net requires a fast internet connection, but the computer 
doesn't have to be too fast.

Photoshop can eat up cpu power, memory, and disk space.  If you use it very 
much, you want high-end.  If you are willing to accept slow performance, you 
can rachet down considerably.

Digital camera will "probably" need a usb interface, which all new 
motherboards should have.  If you want to store a lot of pictures, you will 
want a larger disk drive.  Also a dvd writer for backing up your photos.

Scanners are not too expensive - the more detail, the more expensive.  You 
might like an all-in-one printer/scanner/fax.  Depends on how much scanning 
you will do.

Conversion to MP3 takes cpu time, but the converters are getting fast.  Each 
(music) file will take space - say, from five to fifteen megabytes, unless 
the piece is very long.  Again, you will want to be able to back your stuff 
up.

I suggest that you purchase your motherboard, cpu, and memory from the same 
vendor.  In case something goes wrong, they cannot finger-point.

Antec makes good power supplies and cases; look for sharp edges on the 
inside of cheap cases.  PC Power and Cooling is the "Cadillac" of power 
supplies.

It is hard to give more detailed advice without knowing your budget.

Dean Kukral


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "daniel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 7:30 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] New Build


I am looking to build a computer around the AM2 processor. I do not really 
know which components would serve my needs. My needs are as follows.
Surfing the net.
Possible later use of Photoshop.
Digital Camera
Scanning
MP3 Audio files
Ready for Microsoft Vista
I do not play games
I would appreciate recommendations on the following.
Motherboard selection.
Processor Selection, would I need a double core for Vista?
Which Ram, and how much
Power Supply and case

                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>