Hello,

Hugh Vandervoort gave some perfect advice.
You might also look around at hardware review sites such as
http://www.sharkyextreme.com
and/or
http://www.tomshardware.com

There are many others but those are a couple I use.

Try this link and go from there if you like.
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20051014/index.html

or this
http://www.sharkyextreme.com/guides/MVGSBG/article.php/3550661

and then adjust accordingly.  For example if you are sure about not needing
much in a way of graphics, then you could back off a bit which will help
your budget.

For graphics cards, try this:

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20050524/vga_charts-05.html

You can scroll down the page for a huge list, now just look at those models
and find a Price/Performance point you want.

Also, concerning the power supply that comes with your case, make sure it's
connector is the newer 24-pin rather than 20.  OR you can purchase and
adaptor to go from 20 - 24 pin.

You may also wish to check out

http://www.resellerratings.com

Here you can check out other peoples ratings of stores you might purchase
from.  Oh, and for your OS yes go with Windows XP while looking at Vista.
Unless you were going to use one of the many variants of Linux that are out
there.

Best of luck and have fun.

David A. Abbe




On 11/26/05, Hugh Vandervoort <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> You'll want a 64 bit Chip, and you'll get more bang for the buck with
> AMD. I've just built two systems with ASUS and AMD 64, and both are
> rock-solid. I've never owned an Intel computer.
> Cases are cheap-if you don't have front USB/Firewire, get a new one.
> Let the components decide the size of the power supply. Many new cases
> come with a power supply.
> Onboard sound has come a long way, and is OK with me. I got an excellent
> set of speakers (Logitech) with a subwoofer from Best Buy for $40.00.
> Win98 should not even be considered, and a 64 bit chip will be a big
> advantage by the time Vista comes out.
> MS recommends a minimum of 64 MB of graphics memory, and 512 MB of RAM.
> I'd double both of those numbers if past experience is any factor. I'd
> say that means you need Video card.
> Might as well get a DVD burner while you're at it-I'm in favor of dual
> drives, and have both on all my machines.
> There's a page on Vista hardware here:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/vistahardware.mspx
>
> Venkat Viswanathan wrote:
> > Basic pupose of the system:---
> > (1) word processing (2)a bit of cd writing (3)surfing the web (4) fairly
> long voice/ written chat almost daily with web cam.(5)occassional music
> playing.
> > (6)no gaming except solitaire/chess
> >
> > shall appreciate very much some recommendations:-
> >
> > mobo--- AMD OR GIGABYTE or INTEL (not very happy with asus though have
> tried only one-p4ge mx)
> >
> > mobo chipset--intel or some other
> >
> > Processor---around 2.5 Ghz--- celeron or sempron
> >
> > power supply-- thinking of 400W
> >
> > on board video or stand alone (any pros/cons for web cam?)
> >
> > speakers--not  hi fi but decent sound output. hereagain on board audio
> or stand alone sound card?
> > RAM- 512 MB
> >
> > have a samsung monitor and atx case with a case fan and will make do
> >
> > finally the million dollar qoestion--o/s win xp or load win9x for time
> being and await "VISTA" MID 96?
> >
> > BUDGET-- AROUND $500.(feasible?)
> >
> > TIA----good day---Venkat
> >
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> >
>
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>                 our special coffee mugs and mouse pads
>              with the PCBUILD logo...  at a great price!!!
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               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
                 our special coffee mugs and mouse pads
              with the PCBUILD logo...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml