thanks for all the comments, many have been very helpful.
I can't really advise you on anything AMD, but what jumps out at me is:
1. 380W isn't a lot of power these days. It may be sufficient (barely) if you aren't using the system for a lot of power-hungry devices, but it wouldn't cost you much more for a good one in the neighborhood of 500W. You can almost always find one for $50 or so, even if it's after a mail-in rebate.
It seems that most of you are suggesting a better power supply. I'll definitely look into it.
2. 500 GB isn't a lot of hard drive space, but I'm sure you realize that, so maybe it's enough for you. Are you not using this system for any storage of WAV masters?
I have a media server in the basement with close to 10 TB (all backed up, of course). The new computer will not be used for any real storage of my recordings/audio collection. Rather, I'll process them, or download or whatever, on this new computer, and then copy everything to the media server for storage. On the computer I'm using right right now, I'm getting by with a 40gb internal drive + 320gb external.
I've thought about getting a 1 TB drive for the new computer, because I know that they are not much more money. but, for the money, I'd rather get a drive that is a better drive (not the bottom of line or cheapest), rather than a larger drive, in hopes that it will last longer.
3. 8 GB of RAM might be overkill for you since you said you won't be using it for anything intensive enough to require anything more than the onboard video. Don't get me wrong -- the more RAM the better, especially as cheap as it is these days. But if you're looking to save money, it sounds like you might not use all of that RAM on this system.
I know that 8gb of RAM might be a little overkill. but another goal of mine for this system, that I probably should have mentioned, is to have it go for 7-8 years before needing to be replaced. In the 8 years that I've had my current computer, the only upgrade I've done is upgrading the RAM from 512 MB to 2.5 GB. I figure, 8gb of RAM should go a long way into the future. and with 4 slots for RAM in the motherboard, I can always put in more down the road if I ever need it.
EDIT TO ADD: It looks like that case is well-liked, but notice that it is a bottom-mount PSU design. Many people like this, and I'm sure it all works out the same in the end. I just prefer the traditional top-mount design. I have this case and love it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068
I'll look in to that one as well.
3. I prefer AMD over intel and with this kit it looks like the heat skin and fan are included.
check this cpu out: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103809&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-19-103-809-_-Product
its just one model under the one you picked and its $10 off with a coupon code.
My thoughts with AMD over intel is just based on cost to performance ratio. based on my (fairly limited) experience with AMD, I think I'd prefer intel. but I think the AMD will meet all my needs (and then some), and come in at a lower price point.
5. pretty sure you would need thermal paste unless its included with the mobo or the processor. I just picked this one because its the highest rating...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007&cm_re=thermal_paste-_-35-100-007-_-Product
You and JAson mentioned thermal paste. Please excuse my ignorance, but what am I using the thermal paste for? I assume for something during the actual assembly. I have spent most of my time reading up about the actual components, and I haven't really spent any time reading about the actual assembly, figuring that I would read up on that after everything is ordered.
6. If you have an existing dvd drive, perhaps you could use that.
The only DVD burner that I have now is an HP external USB 2.0/firewire drive. I've been rocking this drive since Fall 2004, and it's served me well. I guess I could continue to use it, but I think I'd prefer to go with an internal drive. The internal that I linked to is an HP, chosen because it has favorable reviews, and because the HP external drive has lasted so long under heavy use.
7. Just a personal question but why windoz 7?
I don't really want to get into Windows 7 vs linux vs whatever else. but the new comptuer is getting Windows 7. The old computer is getting a new life and will be running some form of Linux (rather than Win XP, which it currently has).
If you plan on using this for any audio work don't forget a card reader. In my experience they are much faster than USB transfers. < also good for anything originally written to a memory card - pics and video both transfer much faster than from the device they were recorded with >
I currently have a USB 2.0 card reader that seems to be just fine. I'm sort of getting out of the taping game, maybe just semi-retired. My mics are sold. I'm keeping the PMD-661 for DAT transfers, and so that I'll have a deck and can borrow mics the next time Phish is in town
So the internal card reader is definitely lower on the priority list. That said, it's not totally out of the question, as it might be more convenient. Are you suggesting something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820223103The details on that page say that it's a USB 2.0 interface, even though it's internal. Based on that, I don't see how it would be faster than just continueing to use the external USB 2.0 card reader that I already have. Or is there some other internal card reader that doesn't use a USB interface, and would be faster?
Also curious why only one HD. Are you planning on reusing some you already have or using externals?
< since the MB has an eSATA port you might consider a HD dock if using bare drives as swappable storage and don't want to open the case everytime you want to exchange drives >
you, JAson, and Fatah Ruark all mentioned either a second drive, either a regular hard drive, or a SSD for the operating system and programs. I've thought about it, and I go back and forth. I've got the 320gb (mentioned earlier in this post) that I'll continue to use in addition to the internal drive. With three of you all suggesting it, maybe I'll take another look at having two drives. but that will increase costs by $50-$100, if not more.
what about this one as a system drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136770any thoughts?
2. Budget in for fans for the front of the case(unless you'll only have the 1 drive in it) Also make sure all the case fans are set to exhaust so you're not sucking in dust.
The case I linked to has the following:
"A rear-mounted 120mm TriCool fan as well as a top-mounted 140mm TriCool fan – both with 3-speed switch control – draw air through the case"
so it comes with those.
it also says:
"In addition, there's space for an additional pair of 120mm fans behind the front bezel to cool the HDD’s as well as the option to mount a third 120mm fan on the side of the case to cool the GPU"
Are you saying that I should get one (or two?) 120mm fans for the "front bezel" to coll the hard drives? but not really needed if I go with just a single hard drive? what about a single hard drive + a SSD? the SSD doesn't generate heat like a regular hard drive, correct?
If I did decide to get additional fans, I assume something like this would be good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185054($25 each, or $50 for two) ($13 each, or $26 for two)
what do you think?
Edit to add an anti-static wrist strap is a must for a system build.
JAson - thanks for the tip. I assume this is just so that I don't zap anything as I put it together, is that right?
for 5 bucks, it seems like this one is well reviewed:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899261005that will do the trick, right?
Antec is a good choice for the case and PS. I just put a box together with an antec 620 green PS. Do not strainewegg Power supply, you want some headroom for expansion... I don't think the 620 was much higher cost. Check out the excellent user notes at newegg.
thanks for the suggestion. I assume you're talking about this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031based on all the comments here, 620W should be more than enough for everything.
at $70, that will add $25 to the total cost.
Thanks again to everyone for all the input, it's definitely very helpful!