Building this computer for my aunt, what do you think?

[Teh_total_newb]

Mission: Build a decent computer on a very small budget for my aunt. Most important features should be qualityrice ratio (value), reasonably adequate sound, stability, and aesthetical appeal.

Results:
Motherboard - BIOSTAR M7VIG PRO (57)
FD - Panasonic (6)
RAM - Kingston 256 pc2100 ram (38)
Inputs - Microsoft keyboard/intellimouse pack (23)
CPU Cooling - Thermaltake Volcano 9 (21)
Chassis Cooling - Antec clear fan x2 (10)
CPU - AMD Athlon 1800 xp (56)
HD - Seagate Barracuda 30 gig 7200 rpm (55)
Monitor - KDS 15" LCD (255, unfortunately she was insistant upon an lcd monitor )
Speakers - Logitech z-640 (65, is there any better value than these? really?)
Chassis & PSU - Emerex: http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....124-049-18.JPG
Power Strip $7
Optical Drive - Liteon DVD-Rom (33)

Total cost + s/h: $721

What do you think guys? Did i do good?

[Hans Moleman]

I'd just use a 2.1 speaker system and save some money. If you could afford it I'd build her a Shuttle XPC system.

[OS-Wiz]

I've built a couple "least cost" systems using this case, has pretty good airflow, and much better than the case you're considering: http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....124-015-11.jpg

ENERMAX CS-003-A102USB (WHITE/BLUE) ATX 10-BAY MID-TOWER CASE with ENERMAX (EG301P-VB) 300W P-4 POWER SUPPLY - RETAIL.

You won't need the Volcano, the retail HSF will do just fine and the 1700+ seems to be a very reliable CPU. I've never used a BIOSTAR mobo; have you considered the lower cost Asus, Epox, or Abit mobos?

[Harbinger]

I agree with the cooling. Just leave the retail on there, run everything at stock and that comp won't have to sound like the windtunnel I call a computer. I also agree that a name-bran motherboard is key, I wouldn't want to take my chances with a smaller brand, just not worth the hassle if something goes wrong. Oh, and did you look at samsung lcd's? I hear there excellent. Looks good on the whole though.

[bluesfusion]

Originally posted by Harbinger
I agree with the cooling. Just leave the retail on there, run everything at stock and that comp won't have to sound like the windtunnel I call a computer. I also agree that a name-bran motherboard is key, I wouldn't want to take my chances with a smaller brand, just not worth the hassle if something goes wrong. Oh, and did you look at samsung lcd's? I hear there excellent. Looks good on the whole though.

Umm. Biostar is not a no-name motherboard. They are OEM manufacturers and I think (not completely sure) that some MSI boards are actually rebranded Biostars cause they look too alike. Sort of like how Epox boards are rebranded FIC boards.

And Biostar quality is top notch. If your budget allows it, go for a Biostar M7NCG nForce2 IGP board. You can build a real cheap system with that while getting very good video and audio. The M7VIGPro is also a decent choice and I am planning to build a system based on it for a friend who is on a really tight budget.

Your speakers are too expensive. Get a 2-4 speaker set by Altec Lansing. The money you save on the speakers you can put towards buying a nForce2 motherboard. Also get a retail XP2000+ for $66 (from Newegg) instead of the Volcano HSF and XP1800+ for $77.