Trying to break into the Intel Core 2 Duo without breaking my wallet. Would appreciate any help you could give towards mixing/matching my system. I'm trying to build a work-spec system with the following goals:
1. Break into the Intel Core 2 Duo world.
2. Assemble the system into a micro case (something boxy that looks good on the desk, maybe even stackable).
3. Have enough graphics power to run Ubuntu Beryl and/or Vista "glass" environments smoothly.
4. Gigabit LAN built-in.
5. PCI-E, Sata 3 and other features that allow me to grow in the future.
I don't play any games to speak of, so that is of little concern. Here is what I had in mind:
Case: Ultra Black MicroFly MicroATX Tower w/400w PS $39.99
MB: Gigabyte 8I945GZME-RH Intel Socket 775 MicroATX Motherboard $69.99
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 $189.99
RAM: Ultra 1024MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz Memory $69.99
HD: Maxtor 320gb ATA 16mb (already own)
CDROM: Sony dual-layer DVD burner ATA (already own)
So as you can see I could be there for roughly $370, but do you think the integrated graphics would cut it? I also saw reference to the PCChips P23g (3.0) board bundled together with the Ultra case and wondered what you thought of that as well. Thanks everyone for your help.
1. Break into the Intel Core 2 Duo world.
2. Assemble the system into a micro case (something boxy that looks good on the desk, maybe even stackable).
3. Have enough graphics power to run Ubuntu Beryl and/or Vista "glass" environments smoothly.
4. Gigabit LAN built-in.
5. PCI-E, Sata 3 and other features that allow me to grow in the future.
I don't play any games to speak of, so that is of little concern. Here is what I had in mind:
Case: Ultra Black MicroFly MicroATX Tower w/400w PS $39.99
MB: Gigabyte 8I945GZME-RH Intel Socket 775 MicroATX Motherboard $69.99
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 $189.99
RAM: Ultra 1024MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz Memory $69.99
HD: Maxtor 320gb ATA 16mb (already own)
CDROM: Sony dual-layer DVD burner ATA (already own)
So as you can see I could be there for roughly $370, but do you think the integrated graphics would cut it? I also saw reference to the PCChips P23g (3.0) board bundled together with the Ultra case and wondered what you thought of that as well. Thanks everyone for your help.