Build Advice requested

[Captk]

I will be putting together a new pc for my son as a xmas gift. I have been researching mb's, cpu's etc and am getting a headache. He currently has a AMD 2200 anthlon with 512 mb of memory on an MSI mb. The pc has been totally reliable for 5+ years but he is having issues while working on his masters project, slow response etc. He isn't a big game player but is due for an upgrade. What do you think and suggest. I am just trying to put together a reasonably priced solid PC that will serve him for a few more years.
What I have selected so far is

Intel E7200 cpu
4 GB Kingston 800 memory
MSI P35 NEO-F MB
Samsung 20x DVD rw/dual layer
MSI 8400 gs video card
WD 250/320 GB hd

He did ask for a micro case but I have recommended a mid tower, I don't know anything about the cases smaller then the mid towers, pro's/con's?

Thanks, Ken

 

[Roguestar]

For a smaller case you'll need to look at getting a micro-ATX board. Most good motherboard manufacturers have them for the latest chipsets on both sides; Asus and Gigabyte have P35/G35 and P45/G45 based boards.

Any particular reason you're going with Kingston? There's A-DATA brand DDR2-800 on newegg now, 4GB for $70 IIRC.

If you felt like splashing out you could get the Western Digital Caviar 640GB; it's a great performer and obviously it leaves a lot of space for stuff in the future.

 

[DSF]

How much gaming does he do? Some, or none at all?

If he does play games occasionally I'd consider the ATI HD 4670 as the video card, which isn't too expensive. (Should be less than $70 with a rebate.) If he really doesn't game at all, then there's obviously no need to spend extra money there.

 

[Denithor]

He doesn't really sound like a gamer at all. If this is the case, less is better.

X2 4850e $65
Foxconn 780G $76
mushkin 2x2GB DDR2-800 $50AR
WD6400AAKS $75
SonyNEC DVD burner $22
InWin microATX case $82

Total: $370

This will be more than adequate for general use, including watching bluray movies if he decides to upgrade the dvd burner (or add a second drive). The integrated video is ok for light gaming (especially older games) and there is a PCIe socket if he wants to add a real video card later (I'll second DSF's recommendation for the 4670).

As an alternative you could go with a Q-pack sff case for about the same price if he wants a really small footprint.

 

[Captk]

Thanks for the feedback, I am open to suggestions. The parts I picked I thought were good deals and fit well together. I will looka t what was suggested. No, he is not a big gamer but does play on occasion.
Ken