I talked my cousin into building a PC (more likely he'll buy the parts and I'll build it). His usage is centered around internet browsing, media playback, ex. music, video (@1080p).. He said he would like to game lightly as well, no need to OC. His budget is in the ballpark of $300-$400. The closer to $300 the better! He only needs 2 specific things, a windowed case and an optical port for his soundbar. I went with a micro-atx MOBO because it seemed appropriate, since he wants this set-up in his living room I figured a small set-up with a little punch would do the trick. Now, I have been troubled looking for a MOBO with an optical port and I've failed to find a small windowed case. Can I get a PCI card with an optical port? if so, how much? He would prefer that the case be as small as possible. For the time being I selected a corsair mid tower in the set up since I couldn't find a small windowed case and I'm at ~$340(!!) without a MOBO. None of the parts are set in stone, have fun. Hopefully the gurus can work their magic with this one.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vB8xCJ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vB8xCJ/by_merchant/
CPU: Intel Pentium G3430 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.19 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.23 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 630 2GB Video Card ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($98.96 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Touch k400 Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Touchpad ($26.43 @ Amazon)
Total: $343.66
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vB8xCJ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vB8xCJ/by_merchant/
CPU: Intel Pentium G3430 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.19 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.23 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 630 2GB Video Card ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($98.96 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Touch k400 Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Touchpad ($26.43 @ Amazon)
Total: $343.66