Decisions, Decisions....

[Q-Ball]

Hey all, long-time lurker, first-time poster. Was hoping you guys could help me decide on a couple of things for a new system I'll be building. It'll be my 2nd self-built rig.

So I really want to wait until around Christmas to see what happens with Socket 939 and NForce4 (like, if it will actually be out by then...), but I also just got back from a year abroad and I need (read:want) something else besides my used Dell laptop (850mhz PIII). So what I was thinking I'd do is build a lower-end system that I felt like I could use for a couple of months and then pass it off to my mom when I build a new one, because she needs a new computer soon.

Anyway...background story rambling out of the way - here's what I'm thinking:

-AMD 2500+ CPU
-512MB of RAM (PC3200, probably Mushkin Green)
-80 GB HDD
-Antec case with 350 watt PSU (Solution Series SLK3700AMB)
-Add in Ti4200 and 120GB HDD I have sitting around already

Now, here's where I really nead your help:

Mobo: I can't decide between the Shuttle AN35 or some flavor of KT600. Since I'm not keeping this rig forever, I guess it doesn't really matter between dual-or-single-channel memory, so I'm curious to know what you all think. Is there anybody who's had good experiences with the AN35 or any kind of KT600 board? Please share.

Case: Anybody out there used this particular Antec? How's the PSU? Is it reasonably quiet/stable?

Total cost of what I need to order will be anywhere from ~$350-375 depending on parts

Any input you guys can offer would be great

 

[4keatimj]

Good choice of CPU - cheap and can overclock if you need it faster.
Antec PSU's are good, 350W is a good wattage for that system.
The Shuttle boards are pretty good ingeneral, but I haven't had any personal experience with that board, or the KT600. Good luck there...
If you are looking to play the latest games, you might want more than the Ti4200.
Otherwise, pretty good system.

 

[Q-Ball]

If you are looking to play the latest games, you might want more than the Ti4200.

Sadly, this is all I can really afford at the moment, because I already have it.

However, it gives me an excuse to save up for a really nice card in the future. My plan was to grab a 6800 GT when the prices come down sometime after NVidia gets its next product release out the door. I crave performance, but I'm also a cheap bastard.

But as far as performance is concerned, it covers me for all of the games I play right now, nothing being more advanced that the UT2K3 engine.