*UPDATED* Suggestions needed on parts for an inexpensive computer. Input greatly appreciated...

[onesNzeros]

Hi all. I'm looking to build a pair of basic computers for family members and aiming for no more than a $550 price point including Windows XP Home OEM, so call it $450 for hardware if at all possible.

My primary goal is good speed and absolute stability (within the limitations of Windows and the software running). Based on my experiences with VIA chipsets I'd prefer to stay away from them and go with an nVidia-based board if there's a good option. Integrated sound, video, and NIC are a must to keep to this pricepoint for now but a PCI-e slot to accomodate adding a video card later would be preferred, or at the very least an AGP slot.

I was thinking of an GeForce 6100 or 6150 board but am getting a little lost in the endless stream of model numbers for the various components on the boards. Can you guys suggest a budget board to run, probably, an Athlon 64 3200+ CPU?

 

[nick1985]

PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING

Case - Black antec case w/ 350 watt PSU $69

CD/RW-DVD player - Black Lite-On $33

Hard Drive - WD 80Gig 7200 RPM 8meg cache $54

RAM - 512 PQI PC-3200 $38

Motherboard - Gigabyte 6150 Onboard video motherboard $86

CPU - Athlon64 3200 Venice retail $166


Grand Total: $446

 

[onesNzeros]

Do you work on commission? 😉

Actually you're kind of close to what I was thinking of with your build which is probably a good sign. I was actually looking at the 6100 version of that Gigabyte board but for $9 more the better one seems worth the upgrade. For the case I was considering either the case you pointed out and the SLK3700-BQE. The SLK1650B includes a different PSU from the 3700-BQE and I'm trying to figure which is better for this application.

So onto question #2:
Which PSU is a better choice for a system like this that isn't going to have add-in video cards or extra lighting, etc.? It looks like the one in the 1650B has two 12V rails versus one more powerful one in the 3700-BQE's PSU along with more powerful 3.3V and 5V rails. See links below for full specs. So at the end of the ride, what's the benefit of one over the other?

Antec SLK1650B
Antec SLK3700-BQE

Thanks