[First Time] Building A Computer

[billenium]

Hello;
I want to build my own computer. I do a lot of multi-tasking (usually 10-12 windows/programs open at a time). I do not do a lot of gaming, so a do not need a very high end graphics card. Although i would like to be able to run Beryl/Compiz on a linux distro. I do some video editing. Also i store a lot of files on my computer. I'm thinking around 320-500gb. For RAM i guess 2gb would be good?
I'm really only stuck on the processor, mobo, and graphics card (integrated would be fine).
My budget is around 400-500 dollars. Here is my ideas so far

000.00 * PC Case -  BOUGHT
079.99 * Hard Drive - 320GB
020.99 * CD-ROM Drive - ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T OEM
139.99 * Processor -  AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Processor
~~~.~~ * Processor Cooling Fan - (comes with above)
069.99 * Motherboard -  BIOSTAR TForce TF7025-M2 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 7025 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard 
044.99 * RAM - 2gb Kingston DDR II
039.99 * Power Supply - 400watt
395.94 * Total Price For Setup

or

000.00 * PC Case -  BOUGHT
099.99 * Hard Drive - 500GB
020.99 * CD-ROM Drive - ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T OEM
139.99 * Processor -  AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Processor
~~~.~~ * Processor Cooling Fan - (comes with above)
069.99 * Motherboard -  BIOSTAR TForce TF7025-M2 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 7025 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard 
044.99 * RAM - 2gb Kingston DDR II
039.99 * Power Supply - 400watt
415.94 * Total Price For Setup

Any ideas, suggestions or add ons to what i have would be great. Heck, brand new ideas would be great too!

[Blind_Arrow]

what's the difference in H/D in 2? dont buy Maxtor at least. and 2GB will be good if on XP, and will as well be OK on Vista. if you are multi tasking and video editing, why not get Intel Quad Core

[billenium]

I said i was using Linux and AMD lol... thats probably why im not going to get the quad... also like i said... im on a budget

[aetherh4cker]

I think I'd get a semi-decent video card... just so Compiz / Beryl run like a dream. Have a really flashy system... one you'd be proud to show off. Hmm... and I also think nVidia has better Linux support... right?

I'm also a fan of Intel lately... and maybe not the best choice for those afraid to over clock... but I still recommended getting an E2160 and overclocking it like crazy.

Maybe somthing like this:

E2160 (overclocked to over 3.0 ghz)
Gigabyte P35-DS3L
Some good G.Skill or Crucial Ballistix 2x 1GB kit
7200.10 500GB Seagate hard drive (or 7200.11 if you can afford it)
Whatever cool power supply you can find in b1gapl's recommended components thread
I want to say get a nVidia 7900GS. Overclocks well, will run Compiz flawlessly. Also, you might want it for ID's upcomming OpenGL games! Though... this will weigh in at $120, so maybe something cheaper would be better.

What I have listed above will come to about $400-450 before shipping, but it would kick ***.

[billenium]

Thanks so much. I will take you suggestion into GREAT consideration.

[vernong1992]

Originally Posted by aetherh4cker

I think I'd get a semi-decent video card... just so Compiz / Beryl run like a dream. Have a really flashy system... one you'd be proud to show off. Hmm... and I also think nVidia has better Linux support... right?

I'm also a fan of Intel lately... and maybe not the best choice for those afraid to over clock... but I still recommended getting an E2160 and overclocking it like crazy.

Maybe somthing like this:

E2160 (overclocked to over 3.0 ghz)
Gigabyte P35-DS3L
Some good G.Skill or Crucial Ballistix 2x 1GB kit
7200.10 500GB Seagate hard drive (or 7200.11 if you can afford it)
Whatever cool power supply you can find in b1gapl's recommended components thread
I want to say get a nVidia 7900GS. Overclocks well, will run Compiz flawlessly. Also, you might want it for ID's upcomming OpenGL games! Though... this will weigh in at $120, so maybe something cheaper would be better.

What I have listed above will come to about $400-450 before shipping, but it would kick ***.

why not the e2180.. so its a guaranteed M0 stepping...

[aetherh4cker]

Originally Posted by vernong1992

why not the e2180.. so its a guaranteed M0 stepping...

Maybe the guaranteed stepping is worth it...

... I was just basing my opinion off of Tom's Hardware's review of the processor. They overclocked a couple E2160's to 3.4 GHz (I think) on stock cooling, and in it they claimed that they didn't think the E2180 would achieve a better overclock.

[vernong1992]

I'm thinking they got an M0 one.. because the guaranteed ones.. are made on or after July 22nd.. and some stores still carry out the old L2 Steppings..

[billenium]

Thanks for the input.
i cant find the 7900GS, can you give me a link to it? and did you say it cost 120 USD?

[aetherh4cker]

Correct, $120 USD.

Was your origina budget in USD?

Here's the Newegg links:
Newegg.com - Foxconn FV-N79SM2D2-OC GeForce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail (better one)
Newegg.com - PNY VCG7900SXPB GeForce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

The 7900GS is an outstanding card that overclocks well and delivers plenty of 'value for your dollar'. However, if you really intended to never play a game... it might be a bit much... Compiz alone will be far from maxing out that card.