Parts recommendations

[mcp555]

This will be my first real system build in quite some time so I wanted to get some feedback. I haven't picked out a case or power supply yet because I'm really not sure what my best options are. I was thinking about doing used on both to help keep costs down but if I can get new for just as much that's fine. I'm partial to the old Antec Super Lanboy and the new Nine Hundred because of the 120mm fans (good airflow but quiet). I'm not looking to OC or get the latest and greatest, just a solid system that won't break the bank.

Based on what I'm seeing for good parts I'm looking between $100-$150 for both combined.

GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2 motherboard
EVGA GeForce 7900GS 256MB (or X1950Pro? 7800GS?)
Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Brisbane retail
Mushkin 2x1GB DDR2-800
Seagate 7200.10 320GB SATA
Lite-on 20X DVD-R Lightscribe SATA

This will run me around $500 without the PSU and case. I was hoping to go with onboard sound for now since I don't do any heavy gaming. Already have a decent 19" widescreen LCD and speakers. This will be running XP Pro.

**Update** Copied and pasted my reply below

Looks like my local Micro Center has the Nine Hundred for $99.99 ($89 with rebate). The Sonata III looks nice too, includes an EarthWatt 500 PSU for $139.99.

I was also looking at a Coolermaster Centurion on Newegg with front/rear 120mm fan openings.

If I wanted to purchase a separate PSU to handle what I've got listed what brand/models would everyone recommend?

Also, should I look at getting an aftermarket HSF or will the stock HSF be fine for running stock speed?

Thanks again.

 

[bamacre]

Budget for a case and psu?

 

[Juno]

you pick the case, no one is going to bother you about case.

but be careful with the selection of psu, you need to read some articles at jonnyguru.com. this site is very useful and i hope it'll help you to decide.

 

[zerocool84]

I picked up the 900 case at fry's when it was on sale for $99 and it was a great upgrade for me. It cools great and is decently quite for the amount of fans I have in it. PSU is something you don't want to skimp on.

 

[mcp555]

Looks like my local Micro Center has the Nine Hundred for $99.99 ($89 with rebate). The Sonata III looks nice too, includes an EarthWatt 500 PSU for $139.99.

I was also looking at a Coolermaster Centurion on Newegg with front/rear 120mm fan openings.

If I wanted to purchase a separate PSU to handle what I've got listed what brand/models would everyone recommend?

Also, should I look at getting an aftermarket HSF or will the stock HSF be fine for running stock speed?

Thanks again.

 

[goatjc]

I'm still in love w/ my Centurion 5 case.

 

[Roguestar]

Hit up the x1950Pro instead of that 7900GS, assuming you haven't bought the other parts yet.