Replace kids pc

[nomadic]

Hi
the kids (ancient) pc has finally bitten the dust - not worth the time and hassle to try to resurrect it.
I have some spare components lying around
- E6750, 2GB DDR2 x 800HZ, Samsung disk, LG CD/DVD drive, keyboard and mouse.
I am wondering about the option of building a replacement with these.
I would very much appreciate advice on
- motherboard, with at least 2 sata, at least 6 usb, onboard sound, ideally on-board wireless, ideally either external eSata or firewire
- graphics card, decent one but certainly not high-cost/top of the range
- case, basic one, with good cooling - looks not of prime importance
- power supply, probably 450-500W

I have looked at various components on various websites but I dont know which parts are the ones to get and which are the ones to avoid.

The pc is used for browsing, email, school projects, some wp / spreadsheets, and SOME light gaming.
Cost is important.

I tend to have limited choice from the local sources, so if parts are from UK source it has to be one which ships to Ireland.
A Good fit will suffice - I am not looking for the perfect system.

I have got very good advice here previously so hopefully I will again this time.

Thanks in advance
nomadic

 

[nomadic]

the old pc is about 7/8 years old - knocked over a couple of times. Kids are more careful now. Looks like PSU and / or motherboard are blown. disk was also starting to show errors. I'm unlikely to salvage anything from this.

while essentially a home pc used generally and for school projects, the kids are at an age where gaming is becoming of interest to them. Not heavy stuff and definitely not spending too much time at it.

I have a valid copy of vista so I may make do with that initially.

in terms of budget, I would like to keep it to about £250-300.

nomadic

 

[nomadic]

terrific forum - less than 24 hours and I have a comprehensive response!
This looks good - I will move on this.
Many thanks again
nomadic