$500-ish Ubuntu Box Questions

[98xjdmb]

So i read an article (PCMag http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2331360,00.asp ) about building a $250 computer built for Ubuntu, but want a bit more so i'm thinking about putting this together for about $500. I have looked through the hardware compatibility and i think everything is ok, but i've heard different things from different people so i want to get a larger smarter group of people to give their epinions. I've never built a computer from scratch, so all i'm worried about is compatibility between all of the hardware, mostly with the processor and GPU (i'm fairly sure i need one due to the chassis i picked).

so here it goes, 6 parts total:
Chassis: Shuttle P2 Chassis SP35P2V2 Intel Socket T(LGA775) Intel P35 4 x 240Pin none Aluminum Black Barebone
Processor: Intel Celeron E1400 Allendale 2.0GHz 512KB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
GPU: ASUS EN8400GS SILENT/HTP/512M GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
HD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Optical Drive: LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R

Thanks! if all goes to plan i'll update and let everyone know how well it works.

[igknighted]

If you are going to drop $500 on a computer, don't get a celeron. A c2d could be had for very little more, and would be a huge step up in performance. If you were trying to build for like $150-$200 a celeron is a fine chip, but it will be a choke point on a system like that.

Other than that, the specs look good. I wouldn't plan on gaming on an 8400, but if you just want it for Compiz it will be fine.

Oh... be careful with these shuttle form factor PCs. The cases are EXTREMELY cramped, so it will make life very difficult for you when building (especially if this is your first time). A good atx mid-tower or even micro-atx minitower will give you space to work comfortably, and probably be both cheaper and give you more options for parts. Also, consider getting a new cpu cooling fan, as well as grabbing a tube of "artic silver thermal paste". There are other brands of thermal paste, and your new CPU will come with a stock heat sink. But these are not that good. If you want to protect your investment, I would strongly recommend this. A decent CPU cooler + artic silver is only like $25.

[Francewhoa]

I can confirm that the video card Asus EN8400GS Silent works on Ubuntu 8.04.2 Desktop 32 bits.

Click here for HOWTO: Install video card Asus EN8400GS Silent on Ubuntu 8.0.4 Desktop