Office/Internet build - Advice Needed

[ridinon0$]

Hey guys,
This is my first post here. From what I have read, this looks like a very helpful place. I have used the Charts on Tom's Hardware forever...

I haven't been keeping up with all the 'Intel vs AMD' and 'PCI-x vs PCI-x 2.0' etc... So I thought I would ask your advice.

My goal is to replace my office PC with something that will last (be upgradeable), run Office, multitask, play pandora, play videos on and offline, and be reasonable in cost. With a little gaming here and there. I will connect it to my HP w2207h monitor (RGB and HDMI connections). Have option to add GPU in the future. I will need to add ram and a new PSU as well. I'd like to stick to Micro-ATX for a smaller footprint.
I have a case, HDDs and Vista Premium.

I spec'd out a few options, a cheap and expensive option (2 CPUs and 2 MBs) for both AMD and Intel.
Most of the MBs I picked have onboard HDMI I could connect to my monitor. If I go with the cheap option I could upgrade at a later date as prices fall.

INTEL

GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128357 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357 $52.99
or
MSI G45M Digital LGA 775 Intel G45 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813130219 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130219 $117.99
with
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q8200 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115055 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115055 $164.99
or
Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E5200 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819116072 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072 $69.


AMD
ASUS M4A78-EM AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131384 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131384 $84.99
or
BIOSTAR TA760G M2+ AM2+/AM2 AMD 760G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813138137 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138137 $79.99
with
AMD Phenom 9850 BLACK EDITION 2.5GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HD985ZXAGHBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103249 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103249 $174.99
or
AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 Kuma 2.7GHz Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core black edition Processor Model AD775ZWCGHBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103300 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103300 $59.99

What do you think?
Thanks,
ridin

 

[xthekidx]

I would go with the AMD build, but use this processor instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.186959
The difference in performance is night and day between the PII 940 and Phenom 9850, and its only $10 more. The integrated grapics on AMD is better than the intel graphics as well. That motherboard is better than the ones you were looking at as well.

 

[ridinon0$]

I would go with the AMD build, but use this processor instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.186959
The difference in performance is night and day between the PII 940 and Phenom 9850, and its only $10 more. The integrated grapics on AMD is better than the intel graphics as well. That motherboard is better than the ones you were looking at as well.

Cool,
Which ram would you pick? http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010170147%20105243140%201052420643&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=RATING
What about a PSU? http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010320058+113142554+1409730089&Configurator=&Subcategory=58&description=&Ntk=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

Those search filters are my guess, feel free to modify them though...

Thanks,
Ridin

 

[xthekidx]

This ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231194

And the PSU depends on whether or not you will add a discrete GPU or not. If you will, then look at this PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817702008

If you will just use onboard graphics, or maybe add a low end GPU, then this one would be good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

 

[ridinon0$]

Can the board support PC2 8800 or do I need to get the PC2 8500 at the same price?
What about a modular PSU? Hows this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036

 

[xthekidx]

If your MB cannot handle it, then the ram will just down clock to a speed it can handle.

No on the PSU. Only CoolerMaster Real Power Pro series and UCP are worthwhile from coolermaster.

If you want modular: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151056

 

[ridinon0$]

It's a done deal! About $350. Thanks for your help!