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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               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
                 our special coffee mugs and mouse pads
              with the PCBUILD logo...  at a great price!!!
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