SPCR

I have an unused XP Pro OS, and an 80gb Samsung 3.5 hdd, that can be utilized. What other components do you recommend? Is mini-itx an option?

Mini-ITX is an option albeit if you're budget limited, you'll probably have to go Atom. Personally, I'd go 785G + Athlon II X2 for a budget build. It'll have considerably better performance compared to the Atom.

It's tempting to go bottom of the barrel but it's really not a good idea. Just open a number of tabs in Firefox and watch it bring the Atom to its knees.

Well, if he bought a D510 atom, he would have 2 cores and 4 threads. it also is EMT64 so he could use AMD64 linux if he ever wanted.

D510 holds its own to low level desktop processors. COuple it with 2 gigs ddr3 ram, you have a strong machine. I love the Atom series for multitasking and web browsing. the D510 is a formidable chip.

oh, it comes with Ion too. I duno what happened to Ion 2 systems. They arent around it appears? It gives some extra wattage savings and a small bump in performance, kinda too small to worry about if not gaming.

lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 (40813AU) Intel Atom D410(1.66GHz) 1GB DDR2 160GB Intel GMA 3150 Windows XP Home

$220 us shipped. for web browsing you dont need anything more than that.

Add a Broadcom chip reviewed by SPCR,

it has flash 10.1 acceleration and all mpeg, avi, etc etc HD content acceleration. The best part of the web is now in 1080p streaming, can't neglect video decoders.

WOrks well in netbooks! I got it

Actually, since he already has some leftover parts, the cheap option would be Intel D510MO ($65 after coupon, Newegg), Apex MI-008 (~$40) and 2GB DDR2 800 (~$45).

Whatever you can find second hand, or in a dumpster.
(Then replace fans or components as necessary to make it quieter.)

If want something new - could consider
Celeron E3300 and motherboard based on Intel G31 or G41
(Many Gigabyte motherboards have reasonable undervolting potential).
Circa $80 on sale

(Disclaimer - I don't have experience with the celeron/etc. but have seen favorable reviews. Almost got one, but now leaning toward a low end i3/i5 - but they are a bit more expensive.)

Atoms seem to be overpriced, slow, inefficient (by the reviews/benchmarks I have seen). If want something that speed, I would go for second hand.

Look in the classified section of this forum for some cheap motherboards. If you are doing web browsing why pay for something expensive?

GearXS has some good deals on complete systems.

I had a change of plan on this, so not required anymore, but thanks for all the info