Ok, I am building two identical computers for a friend's kids... for about $1000 all-together. Since the kids don't play games or do anything too intense on the PC's I've decided to try and build a Micro-ATX system (well, two.) However, I've only built one computer before, and it was mine, and that was a "normal" PC. Here is what I've thrown together, as far as parts go. If someone could look this over and tell me whether or not this will work, or make any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. My computer-friend is on vacation, and I usually ask him for input on this kind of stuff. Anyway, here's what I've got:

Case: APEX DM-318 Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case

Mobo: ASUS M2V-MX Socket AM2

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+(65W)

HD: WD Caviar SE 200GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s

RAM: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800

GPU: ASUS EN6200TC 512/TD/256M GeForce 6200TC 256M

CD: LG Everything Drive

Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech LX 710

I don't know what to get as a PSU, the case comes with a 275 Watt one, but I don't know how good quality it is, or if it's powerful enough. This was the other option.

If someone could offer any suggestions, I would be grateful, or at least make sure I didn't leave out anything crucial, lol. Thanks a lot for your help!

Oh, and they already have two brand-new Asus 19" flat panels.

Looks like a good system. I'd go with the M2N-MX SE motherboard with nforce chipset and onboard 6100 graphics here.... http://www.newegg.com/Product/ ... aspx?Item=N82E16813131183

I'd probably go for a 250GB drive because you can get a good deal on the CPU with it through newegg, atm 250 is the sweetspot where you pay the least per gig.

You don't need that graphics card as the motherboard comes with onboard video, since the kids don't play any games the onboard should be fine for everyday use.

For that type of system I'd expect 275W to do the job fine, also I'm not sure that other PSU you have will fit in that case properly. It looks like the mirco ATX case has a rectangular PSU compared with the sqaure one. It could be a hard task to find a PSU that fits with more power available but imo 275 will do the job of powering this system. If it had a beefy graphics I"d be more worried, but for what the system is it should be plenty fine.

That's about it from me, you'll probbaly get some better ideas from other people that have actually built a micro atx system, but those parts would be my pick.

Hi,
the system looks fine and the PSU should be sufficient unless its overrated as the whole system would not suck more then 150W at full load.

You dont need the extra graphic card as the GPU is intergated already in the chipset so withouth that 6200TC you save some heat in that small case and less energy will be drain from the PSU.

Also buy some SATA DVD writer as you will save wiring in the case with SATA data cable so the airflow will be better.The Pata cables are so huge.You need to only check if the motherboard support booting from SATA drive.

Alright, thanks guys. I'm gonna go with your suggestions. That's a nice motherboard too!