My First Budget Build in a While

[mdunk]

Purpose of the build: Update my Pentium 2.4 build.

General usage: Web design (heavy multitasking with multiple browsers open, dreamweaver, photoshop, etc). I rarely game.

Processor: E4400 - $135.20
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R - $137.36
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracude 7200.10 500GB - $109.99
RAM: Kingston 2GB (until vista sp1) Hyperx PC2-6400 - $129.99
GPU: Bfg Geforce 8600GT Oc - $99.99
PSU: Antech EA500 - (inlc w/case)
Case: Antech Sonata III - $123.68

Total Cost: $735.14 (CAD) $683 (USD)

I know my processor is my weak spot but I chose the E4400 for 3 reasons:
1) I can always upgrade because the mobo supports future high end processors
2) I have heard that the e4400 is a good overclocking platform (although I will probably never get around to overclocking)
3) I am still rocking a Pentium Northwood 2.4Ghz and the e4400 is quite an upgrade to that.

I would appreciate any advice or approvals, Thanks

 

[InflatableBuddha]

A few thoughts:

What's your budget?
OS - Windows XP or Vista? You'll want 2GB RAM for XP, maybe 4GB for Vista (at which point a 64-bit version makes sense)
RAM - I'm assuming this is for 2GB? Here's a better deal Corsair XMS2 - I have XMS RAM in my system and it's been great.
GPU - The 8600 series is good for HTPCs, but for a workstation, this is a better value: 7600 GT.

Anyone have any thoughts about that PSU? I like the rest of the setup.

 

[mdunk]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
A few thoughts:

What's your budget?
OS - Windows XP or Vista? You'll want 2GB RAM for XP, maybe 4GB for Vista (at which point a 64-bit version makes sense)
RAM - I'm assuming this is for 2GB? Here's a better deal Corsair XMS2 - I have XMS RAM in my system and it's been great.
GPU - The 8600 series is good for HTPCs, but for a workstation, this is a better value: 7600 GT.

Anyone have any thoughts about that PSU? I like the rest of the setup.

Buget: Around $750
OS: XP - until Vista SP1
I will look into the XMS ram and compare it to the hyperx
I think you are right about the graphics card. I thought it being an 8xxx series it would be a step up over the 7600 GT, but its seems like I am wrong after reading a few comparisons.