[link|http://www.newegg.com/|http://www.newegg.com/]

Use an Abit motherboard, they are very reliable but cost more than the cheaper PCChips etc motherboards.

Get a Nividia or ATI display adapter, depending on which brand you trust. If Nividia, get a card made by the same motherboard maker, or else it might not work with the motherboard. Some motherboards have Nividia chipset video adapters built in.

USR Modems, of course. Also might be listed as 3Com modems. Unless you don't want a modem. Some motherboards have modems built in.

Realtek chipset network cards are the ones I use, reliable and not too expensive. Some motherboards have a LAN card built in.

Get a name-brand memory stick, usually I choose Kingston, Viking, or other name brands.

AMD motherboards and chips are usually less expensive and faster than Intel ones.

Western Digital, Maxtor, Seagate are all good hard drives. I like Western Digital best of all because their Non-OEM drives have a 3 year warranty.

Mice and Keyboards, I usually buy generic unless I need special features. But IBM keyboards are the best, Keytronic are cheaper. Logitech Mice and Trackballs are the best.

Get a DVD/CDR drive, I usually look for Sony, Panasonic, BTC, Mitsumi and a few other brand names. Creative is a good brand too but expensive.

Floppy drives, if you still use them, try Sony, Mitsumi, Panasonic.

Creative Labs Sound Blaster cards are the best audio cards.

ATX cases, get one that has a good power supply. Usually the more expensive cases have the best power supplies. Read the specs and reviews on cases before you buy one.

Anything bought OEM may have a limited warranty, so beware of that.

But for the cheapest results, consider our Admin's advice on the $400 computer:
[link|http://z.iwethey.org/forums/render/content/show?contentid=105271|http://z.iwethey.org...?contentid=105271]