New build after many years

[web1723]

Haven't built a system in 4+ years, and after the divorce, I got stuck with an even older hand-me down. Most usage will be internet/email, multimedia (music/CDs, pictures, video), MS Office 2007 (Access, Excel, Word), and maybe a few games. My budget is around $500 US. I would like a stable/reliable system since I won't be upgrading for 4-5 years. No need to OC, but will test it anyway just for grins, and I'm ready to build now.

Hear's what I'm keeping... 19in LCD monitor (not Hi Def), 320GB USB2.0 external HDD, wireless keyboard and mouse, and a Brother b/w laser printer (parallel port only).

Afer reading various threads and buying guides, here is what I'm thinking about:

Case:
1. COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Item #: N82E16811119068 ($49.99 + $18.99 ship)
or
2. Rosewill R5604-TBK 0.8mm Japanese Cold Rolled Steel Screw-less Dual 120mm Fans ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Item #: N82E16811147033 ($56.99, free ship)

<<<Is either significantly better?

PSU: Antec earthwatts EA430 430W ATX12V v2.0 Power Supply - Retail Item #: N82E16817371006 ($29.99 after $30 rebate, free ship)

Mobo: BIOSTAR TFORCE TA780G M2+ AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail Item #: N82E16813138105 ($69.99 after $10 rebate + $8.97 ship)

CPU:
1. AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADO4800DOBOX - Retail Item #: N82E16819103212 ($58.99, free ship)
or
2. AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor Model ADH4850DOBOX - Retail Item #: N82E16819103255 ($79.99, free ship)

<<<What do I really get for $20 with a lower wattage CPU? I've read about faster boots and lower temps, but is it worth it?

Memory:
1. CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 - Retail Item #: N82E16820145184 ($66.50 after $20 rebate, free ship)
or
2. OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR800C44GK - Retail Item #: N82E16820227267 ($56.99 after $35 rebate, free ship)
or
3. G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail Item #: N82E16820231122 ($79.99, free ship)

<<<Is it worth saving some $$ by going with 2GB? Is there any real difference between the Corsair, OCZ, and G.Skill? These prices are really nice!

HDD:
1. Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Item #: N82E16822136218 ($89.99, free ship)
or
2. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3500630AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Item #: N82E16822148136 ($79.99, free ship)
or
3. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Item #: N82E16822148262 ($59.99, free ship)

<<<Considering the 320GB external drive I have, is the 500GB or 640GB worth it?

Optical: SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N - OEM Item #: N82E16827151154 ($26.99 + $6.99 ship)

OS:
1. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32-bit English 1pk for System Builders DSP OEI DVD - OEM Item #: N82E16832116485 ($109.99, free ship)
or
2. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM Item #: N82E16832116488 ($109.99, free ship)

<<<Should I go for the 32-bit or 64-bit? What do I need to have in order to buy/install from a system builders version?

If I pick the most expensive options, I come to a total of $571.89 including shipping and $485.88 with the least expensive options.

Are there any cables or utility software that I need to consider?

TIA for your responses and for all the help, via posts etc., to get me this far. :beer:

Edit - added links (thanks for the constructive criticism boomerang)

 

[boomerang]

A few generic thoughts;

CASE
I like cases with 120mm fans. Bigger = quieter. I'm assuming you've picked a case for looks. (Nothing wrong with that) You could go with a mATX case with PS and end up in the same price bracket. Just something to think about. I really like the looks of that Rosewill. With the free ship, I think it's a no-brainer.

PS
Good choice IMO.

MOBO
I like motherboards with 3 year warranties. I briefly looked around at the Biostar website and could not find their warranty terms. I would look it into it. Umm, just noticed the board you picked out does not have a parallel port. Might have a header for an add-in though. (Just checked, it does)

CPU
I'm ashamed to admit that I don't know much about all the particulars of Processors. Having said that, I've been building systems lately with 45W processors. They have of course fit the needs of the individual I've built the system for.

MEMORY
Nowadays, I like motherboards with 4 slots. If you're going with Vista, go for 2 x 2GB sticks. I buy based on ratings and compatibility. Be sure the memory will run at the voltage recommended by the motherboard manufacturer.

HD
Only you know how much capacity you need. I like my Hard Drives with a 5 year warranty.

OPTICAL
Fine choice IMO.

OS
I'm running Vista 64-bit. I think for the long haul it's the way to go. You want to make sure your hardware is compatible if you go with 64-bit. Older printers, PDA's, etc., most likely will not work. (Check on that printer) System Builders version is the same as OEM. You've more than met the requirements with the hardware you're buying.

These are my opinions, others may disagree.

Edit: A little constructive criticism. Links for the above hardware would have been helpful. Oh, and I hate rebates.:brokenheart:

 

[ther00kie16]

Case: Rosewill looks fine
PSU: Earthwatts are good enough for 90+% of the people out there
MB: Biostar's 780g is decent
CPU: You can undervolt the Brisbanes to hit about the 45W mark so no point in getting a 45W CPU
RAM: Get the Reaper as it's good stuff if you don't mind the rebate
HD: 640GB should be more efficient and faster, not to mention better GB/$ ratio
64-bit to take full advantage of ram. you may have to find fixes for certain things along the way but you might as well get the 64 bit OS if it's the same price.

 

[web1723]

boomerang and ther00kie16, thanks for both of your comments. They have helped clear the decisons greatly. I will have to look into the warrantys' of the MOBO and HDD, especially since I am looking for a longer-term system.

Both of you had not so positive comments on my MB pick. What boards have you used that you like?

Yeah, rebates are a pain, but my experiance has been very positive with them as I've never had one denied or not received it (knock on wood).

 

[ther00kie16]

There's nothing wrong with 780g and Biostar's one of the better ones. There really isn't a better integrated graphics solution except for maybe the nvidia 8200 in a couple of scenarios.
8200 is weaker in games but uses slightly less power. It also can pass lossless surround over HDMI while 780g is only capable of stereo.

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: web1723
Both of you had not so positive comments on my MB pick. What boards have you used that you like?

It's more money but I like;

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128090 I've built three systems around this board.

You might want to look into a 780G board from Asus too. I'm rather fond of both Asus and Gigabyte.

Remember, you still have to deal with connecting your printer. You're not going to find a 780G board with a parallel port. You need one of these. Can't seem to find one at Newegg. Not to say they don't have them.