What case / PS to get?

[batter]

Age old question I guess on this forum. I am in the process of spec'ing my new machine and for now it looks it'd be something KT400 based with XP 2000, firewire, 1 large drive, CDRW, DVD. In the future (1or 2yrs down the road) probably adding another drive, DVD writer and upgrade to video card like the current 9700 Radeon, or Ti4600. Also probably swapping the CPU for whatever AMD has available at that time for a good price.
I am not terribly interested in colorful, see-thru, disco lights and all that other eye-candy, I would like front USB/IEEE althought that is more a high-want than must ($$ is more important).
Should the PS have a minimum of 400 Watt? What cases/PS's can you guys recommend that doesn't force me to take out a 2nd loan on my house (i.e. < $100)?

TIA,
batter

 

[jarsoffart]

This case is superb. I ordered one for 35 bucks +20 bucks for the 420watt PSU + 17 dollars shipping. The case has 5 places for fans (2 front, 2 back, 1 side). It also comes with 2 clear quiet 80mm fans, AND 2 thumbscrews! I got the black and it looks fabulous. All the edges are rounded and there are removable drive cages and rails. This is thought to be made by the same manufacturer that makes the reknowned Antec cases. Although there is no removable motherboard tray, there is plenty of room. The case also has plenty of space. The one negative point could be that it is excessively heavy, but that's because the steel is really thick and strong. The PSU is also thought to be made by the company (Channel Well Technology) that makes the reknowned Antec PSU's too, but that could all be false. Although I don't do any weirdo PSU tests, I think it is great. It has 6 4-pin molex connectors and 2 floppy connectors. It is compatible with AMD Athlon XP and Intel Pentium 4 motherboards. The main power connector for the motherboard is also wrapped in mesh. The PSU comes with two clear fans too.

 

[mastay]

I you don't plan to get a video card that requires a second power supply other than your mobo (i.e. Radeon 9700), you can do for under 350W given that the PSU is a name brand, i.e. antec. Otherwise, you probably need something like a 400W PSU. Also, power supply qualities vary greatly. My antec 300W puts out more power than my generic 420W... I see a raidmax 400W in newegg for under $40. It should be sufficient.