Advice Please?

[ciwell]

I am going to be building a *budget* computer, where price and stability are the prime concerns. I have all of the components chosen except for the case. I was wondering what would be the best case in terms of quality for no more than $60.00. Aesthetics are secondary as this will be built for a 52 year old gentleman who will NOT be gaming or, needless to say, going to any LAN parties. Remember, quality and price are prime concerns. An included PSU would be nice, but is not necessary. Thank you.

 

[Zepper]

Well, it would be nice to know what mobo you've chosen and any other items that might affect the choice (like an oversize HSF, full length add-on cards, full length optical drives vs short chassis, etc)...
.bh.

 

[ciwell]

CPU AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 1.67GHz OEM
HSF Speeze WhisperRock II CPU Cooler
MB Chaintech 7NJL6 Nforce2 Ultra 400 Socket A
Memory Corsair Value Select 512MB PC-3200 CAS2.5
HDD Western Digital PATA 80GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer
Optical Lite-On 52X24X52X16 Combo Drive


There ya are.

 

[Cheetah8799]

Get a generic case w/ 300 or 350W psu and you'll be fine. I know I can get them at a computer shop here for $35 + tax. I wouldn't spend any more than that for a "budget" computer unless the client really wanted a fancy looking computer...

 

[Zepper]

I don't see a P4-12V connector on that mobo which is recommended by both AMD and nvidia... So if stability is prime, that should be avoided. I'm hearing that the nvidia drivers are less stable than the current Via Hyperion drivers, so I wouldn't even use an nv based mobo.
. So, I would go with either the DFI KM400 based mobo or the Abit VA-10 (see my review Here . And a compact case like the Silverstone SST-38LED (not easy to find, froogle for it) or the SuperFlower/TTGI SF-101 or TT-101 (from Directron et al.). Or one of the AOpen or InWin microATX standard mini towers for the more traditional. All have more than adequate OE PSUs for a mobo with the P4 connector.
. Also you might want to look at the Athenatech A100 (also reviewed at the link above) series for a bit more bling at a budget price (you may need to order an 80mm fan for the front as I'm not sure whether one is included - the dual 60mm rear fans are included)...
. Check the inWin or AOpen for HSF clearance - that HSF (of which I have several) is nice but pretty big - the others should be fine.
. If you must go with a full ATX mobo, then I would suggest the Evercase 42x2 series. One of the quietest cases in stock form per Silent PC Review and can be made even moreso by adding the HD vibe dampers you can oder direct from the mfr. And switch to a mobo with the P4 connector in any case.
.bh.

 

[ciwell]

Hmmm, alright, thanks for the help. :beer: