new budget computer advice

[joelmold]

Hi,

I'm helping a family friend to build a new computer and I'd like a little advice. He's upgrading from a PIII 600, so I'd like to build him a nice machine, but it's not essential that he have the most current hardware. He is older and does not play games, though he does do a lot of autocad type stuff.

I would ideally like a motherboard with integrated video because it seems like I'd save a little money, but I'm open to discussion on this. It appears, though, that the only decent integrated video is on the old Nforce2 boards-- is this correct?

Here's what I'm looking at right now: (prices are Newegg)

MSI K7N2GM2-LSR motherboard ($73)
AMD Athlon XP 2700+ 333MHz FSB ($105)
2x PQI Power Series 184-Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700 ($63)
APEX Beige case with Allied 250W power supply model TM-124 ($32.50)
Maxtor 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model 6Y080L0 ($57)
Shuttle USB Digital Card Reader/Writer INTERNAL, Model PC12 ($28)

FYI, he already has a DVD-R, mouse, keyboard, and LCD monitor.

This totals to about $400 including tax and shipping. Can anyone do better than this??

Thanks,
Joel

 

[SrGuapo]

You probably want to get a bit more RAM (512 MB or 1 GB) if he does alot of CAD type of things and he is running integrated video. Also, the XP 2500+ is a bit cheaper and still a great Proc. Also, it is a great Ocer (if you are into that kinda thing). The integrated video should be fine as long as you aren't running any 3D apps or anything. Also, you may want to get a case with a better PSU. You want a good PSU so nothing gets fried. Antec make great PSU, as well as a few other brands.

 

[joelmold]

Thanks for the advice. I actually meant to put "2x" for the memory-- for 512 total. But that's a good point about integrated video using system RAM, I may up it to 1gb if I can get a good deal. Since this is for a friend I won't be overclocking. Also, since the MB is microatx, I'd like to get a small case also-- can you recommend a good microatx case? (250W should be plenty)

Thanks,
Joel