[pnh102]

As you are not a gamer, I would suggest just getting the best deal on any prebuilt laptop that you can get. Building computers these days is far more expensive than getting something prebuilt, and is far more hassle generally. I remember being big into building my own computers, and over time I just said "screw this" because of the frustration factor.

The process went something like this:

1. Wow, my CPU is slow, let's get a faster CPU.
2. Rats, no new CPU will fit in my motherboard, I will need to get a new motherboard.
3. Ugh... my solid copper heatsink with fan won't fit on this CPU either! I guess I will need to buy a new one.
4. Oh man, the blazingly fast Corsair memory I have in my old computer won't fit in any motherboard that is compatible with my new CPU... I will need new memory.
5. What do you mean they don't make motherboards with AGP slots anymore? I guess that $400 video card I bought a few years back is worthless!
6. A 24 pin power supply? WTF? I need one of those too!

Lather, rinse and repeat. I would take the advise of the poster who suggested you get a good laptop instead. Personally I recommend the Lenovo T-Series. You can then get a docking station for it and hook it up to your favorite keyboard, display and mouse.

[Future Snake Eater]

That process is exactly why whenever I build a computer, I build it from scratch. If I change anything in an old system, then I find the nearest equivalent “old tech” I can.

I agree with your advice: if you’re not a gamer, then buy a rebuilt laptop.

[rabscuttle385]

Personally I recommend the Lenovo T-Series.

I suggest the ThinkPad R61i (76509LU). We bought two from Newegg a few weeks ago, and they have been nothing less than superb. Specs include a Pentium Dual Core (essentially a Core 2 Duo with less cache), 1 gigabyte of memory, DVD burner, 15 inch widescreen, Windows XP, and everything else a ThinkPad has. And, we paid about $600 for them.

As for your existing system, most new system boards do not support older DDR memory, Socket A processors, or even AGP video cards. You could keep the case and power supply, and maybe the drives. But why keep PATA drives when you could go for cheap and faster SATA drives?

If you're into desktops, check the PowerSpec PCs sold at Micro Center. Even the low end systems at $250-$300 are fairly good these days.