New system for friend...

[Sonic587]

Ok, this PC will be mainly net surfing/excel/basic stuff. Absolutely NO gaming. Trying to stay under 350$ max. It's pretty barebones, doesn't need flashy stuff. Already got monitor/KB/mouse.

- Antec Black ATX Mini Tower PC Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK1650B" -RETAIL -Opinions on this case?

-Athlon XP 2000+ Retail/HS&F

-Shuttle AN35N-Ultra

-256MB DDR PC-3200 Mushkin basic green

-Western Digital 8MB/7200/40GIG HDD

-ASUS black 52X CD-ROM

All this comes to just under $300. I am unsure of the videocard, however. I'm thinking maybe pick up a cheap $30ish 8500le and put it in there. Would it be better to just get a motherboard with onboard video? I'm trying to keep as much upgrading possibilities as I can.

Thanks

(P.S. If I forget anything, it's because I'm tired 😛)

 

[Mik3y]

you might as well just get onboard. wiht onboard, you're still able to add a video card to it. i recommend the abit nf7-m.

 

[Sonic587]

That's true. With the NF7-M, it comes to $348 shipped...Awesome price. How does everything else look? Still want opinions on that case.

 

[sharq]

If no gaming then go with onboard video. You can use the extra money to get a cdrw or more ram, I almost feel like cdrom's are a waste since you can get a cdrw for $10 more normally. If you get onboard video you may want to look into more ram as that would take away from the OS. If you will be using winXP a minimum of 256mb is recommended just for xp. Or spend 30 bucks on a vid card and you're done with what you currently have.

 

[sharq]

You could go for an Enlight case with a 360watt PSU, you will end up saving $10 on the case, and I find enlight to be reliable.
Example: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-116-150&depa=0

 

[dtrostli]

Yep. if theres no gaming or 3d stuff involved u should alwaqys go with onboard video.