Help with new build - Opinions appreciated

[rajaiyer]

I intend to build a computer which is atleast as good as the ones
that I have used. I have used 3 desktops previously

1) Dell dimension 8300
P4 3.00 GHz revision 2 stepping 9 with Hyperthreading
3 Gb RAM ( 512 MB * 2 + 1 GB * 2 ) DDR 400 MHz bus speed

2) Dell Inspiron 531
AMD Athlog(TM) 64 M2 X2 Dual Core 5600 + (K8 Windsor 90 nm 2.0-3.0GHz )
- 2.81 GHz
2 Gb RAM ( 1 GB * 2 ) DDR2 800 MHz bus speed

3) HP d330 ut
P4 2.4 GHz -Revision 2 Sptepping 9
2.25 GB ram ( 1GB * 2 + 256 MB Ram )DDR 400 MHz

I dont know what else effects CPU performance (may be I am missing
mentioning some important spec)

My experience has been the best with Dell Inspiron 531
I wanted this build to be better than the ones I have used.
I am not a gamer and wanted a reasonably performing desktop
for all the regular ( not so demanding processes ).


My budget is around 400 USD ( can put some more if need be)

I am presently considering this
CPU : AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W
Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX
Mobo : ASUS M4A78-E AM2+/AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.211695

I am also looking for a screen resolution that is over 1200.

APEVIA X-SUPRA G-Type X-SUPRAG-RD Black / Red SECC Steel
ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144221

Let me know of your opinions and I will be glad to incoroprate
good suggestions.

Thanks
Raja

 

[gkay09]

^ The combo is very good...

If you can, reuse the DDR2 from the Dell 531...

And don't go cheap on powersupply...
Atleast get Antec EA380W or Corsair 400CX...

And the onboard graphics can handle pretty high resolutions but not for games...though you can game at very low resolutions...

And give your options for the HDD...

 

[Proximon]

Yep +1

I would say though that a higher quality case might be in order:

Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066
This one comes loaded with blue fans already... very good looking.

gkay's PSU recommendations are right on the money.

 

[xthekidx]

Did you chose that case because you like how it looks? There are some much better deals out there, like this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024
Great QUIET case and a very good PSU, not cheap garbage.

If you don't play games, then an IGP is for you, something like the MB you chose, or these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128379
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.211759 <==better processor

Will you be reusing an old HDD, DVD drive, ect?