Micro ATX - Gaming Box - Looking For Advice

[ArbY]

Hi,

This build is more in theory, I'm not sure when I'll be able to buy it ... but, I do know that I want to upgrade sooner or later. I'm interested in taking the Micro-ATX route this time around. I've built three other systems in my past, 2 of which being Full Tower ATX, while the other being a Mid Tower.
If you glance over my build you can see that I included 2 HDD and 2 CPU options. I would like to have the nicer of the two options, but as of now, I can't justify the price difference. Though if prices fluctuate, those will continue to be considerations.
I was hoping for any opinions on my hardware selection. Perhaps any changes you might make, personally.
I'd also need to pick out an LCD monitor ... but I am not familiar with that area.
This computer would be used for occasional Photoshop and Video Editing. More often for gaming. (CS:S, HL2, F.E.A.R., etc.)
Thanks for taking a look.



Motherboard
ASUS M2NPV-VM Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Newegg Link
($84.99)

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Processor
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ Windsor 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor
Newegg Link
($568.00)

OR

Processor
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Orleans 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor
Newegg Link
($119.00)

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Memory
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400), 4-4-4-12
Newegg Link
($250.00)

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Hard Drive
Western Digital Raptor 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150
Newegg Link
($259.99)

OR

Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
Newegg Link
($94.99)

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Video Card
HIS Hightech Radeon X1900XT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16
Newegg Link
($369.99)

Power Supply -- I'm a bit iffy about this.
Athena Power MicroATX 450W Power Supply 115/230 V FCC, TUV, CSA, CE, UL
Newegg Link
($65.99)

---------------------------------------------

Optical Drives
[ 1 ] - SONY Newegg Link ($19.99)
[ 2 ] - SAMSUNG Newegg Link ($34.99)

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Floppy Drive
SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Model MPF920 Black
Newegg Link
($7.99)

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Tower / Case
ASPIRE X-QPACK-AL/420 Black/Silver Aluminum MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 420W Power Supply
Newegg Link
($84.99)

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TOTAL COST = $1,737.94
(with more expensive HDD & CPU; not including S&H or taxes)

TOTAL COST = $1,132.92
(with less expensive HDD & CPU; not including S&H or taxes)

 

[k-]

I was looking for SFF cases that fit standard atx psus.

dont get Q-xpack as it is older than Microfly and is worse

They look alike anyways.

Either get Ultra Microfly or Silverstone SG-01 Evolution (looks the best)

Shuttles are gay.. too expensive w/ lil ps.

PS. Your pricing is WAYYY to high... 4600+ for $5xx.... get a conroe E6600..

 

[shadowduck]

Hey Arby, thanks to the AMD firesale, the 4600+ is now $285.00. I am sure that will help your considerations. Do not buy a Raptor they are not worth the cost. Get the Seagate drive.

The case comes with a PSU which is probably better than the one you linked to.

 

[The_Prophecy]

Hey Arby, thanks to the AMD firesale, the 4600+ is now $285.00. I am sure that will help your considerations. Do not buy a Raptor they are not worth the cost. Get the Seagate drive.

The case comes with a PSU which is probably better than the one you linked to.

Well gosh darn it... wadda ya know. We are in agreement yet again.

 

[ddrum2000]

You can get the Ultra Microfly Case on Amazon/TigerDirect for 59.99 plus shipping.