Help with putting together m/b, cpu, vid. card, hd, and memory combo...

[Blurr]

Hello to all!!! I consider myself an intermediate level end user of Windows and newbie to Linux. I have decided to upgrade a couple of components on my computer as noted (m/b,cpu,video,memory, hd's). I read a number of reviews about motherboards, etc., but was still curious about what the experienced end users here had to say. I know some of the technical basics with the computer, but that's it. What I am looking for is feedback on what people think is the ideal combo of the above components in terms of "bang" for the buck. I'm not looking for a budget setup nor am I operating with an unlimited budget. I'm looking for an "upper middle class" system if I was to attempt to put it into words. Don't know if that helped, but maybe a few other things might. I don't use it for gaming (used to, but gave in to the Xbox...) nor is overclocking an issue (I can guarantee I'll screw up the components in no time if I get into that ). However, I am looking to continue with my CD burning and am looking to DVD burning in the near future. Possibly getting more into digital pictures, MP3's, lots of websurfing and downloading, MAYBE the occaisonal game, etc. Don't know if this helped, but I was just starting to get confused between reading all the reviews on the individual components, esp. when it came to understanding the different types of RAM, chipsets, etc. Also, I think I'm leaning towards an Athlon based system (not sure why, but I am, maybe to save a couple of dollars). Sorry for the long post...any help would be greatly appreciated. If you need any more feedback from me please feel free to email me. BTW, my current system is a dual boot WinXP/Mandrake Linux, Abit KT7 with 384 Ram, Athlon 1Ghz, Geforce2 GTS, 19" monitor, and two (low end) HD's (30Mb & 20Mb). I'm set with the case, power supply, sound card, etc. The upgrade was prompted by my usb ports going bad. Plus I was just itching for an excuse for a more powerful system. Thanks for any guidance you can provide...

[OS-Wiz]

For a nice, stable, non-OC, non-Gaming system I'd recommend an Intel mobo and CPU. At www.newegg.com

Intel Pentium 4 (800 FSB) Motherboard Model D865GBFL - OEM
Specifications:
CPU:Supports Intel Pentium 4 processor with a 400/533/800MHz (mPGA478-pin)Supports Hyper-threading
Chipset: Intel 865G
IDE:2x IDE
RAM: Double Data Rate DDR400 support
Slots:1x AGP 8X, and 6x PCI
Ports:2xPS2, 4x USB (see pics)
Onboard SATA:2
Onboard Video: Intergrated Video
Onboard LAN: 10/100 Intregrated
Onboard Audio: Intergrated 6 Channel Audio Model#: D865GBFL -OEM Special Free FedEx Saver Shipping
$116

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.4CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB - RETAIL
Specifications:
CPU: 2.4GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 800 Mhz
Socket: 478
Retail box (with Heatsink and Fan)
3-year MFG. Warranty- Model#: BX80532PG2400D
Special Free FedEx Saver Shipping
$174.00

2 X CORSAIR 256MB PC3200 VALUE SELECT. DDR RAM - OEM
184-Pin. CL=2.5-Unbuffered 2.5V. 32x64 Requires DDR 400 supported Motherboard - Lifetime Warranty. Model#: VS256MB400 -OEM
Special Free FedEx Saver Shipping
$55.00 X 2 = $110

HITACHI/IBM NEW MODEL!! IBM 80GB 7200RPM Model #IC35L090AVV207-0 , Part #07N9685 - OEM, DRIVE ONLY
DeskStar 180GXP
Specifications:
Size: 80 Gigabytes
Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA-6
Seek time: 8.5ms
RPM:7200
Cache 2MB
OEM(Drive alone) 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Special Free FedEx Saver Shipping
$76.00

[CrusaderZA]

I would rather go with a Western Digital or Maxtor HDD instead of a IBM drive, I have heard some complaints about the IBM drives from people on the forum. My personal choice is Maxtor at the moment, but WD would be even better.

If you are going to do some real photo editing etc. I would also suggest getting 1GB of RAM instead of the 512MB. Hope this helps...

[Blurr]

Thanks OS-Wiz for the feedback. Your thoughts on an AMD setup? Just curious. Also, graphics card suggestion or is the on board good enough? Lastly, is the OEM fan/heatsink sufficient or do I need to go third party? Thanks again.

Oops, almost forgot. Thanks CrusaderZA for your help. I agree with the HD suggestion. I am a Western Digital fan myself.

Oh, (sorry, I keep thinking of things as I'm typing...), in terms of HD setup. What's the story with SATA? Is it worth it? Thanks (again).

[OS-Wiz]

>>Your thoughts on an AMD setup? Just curious.

Epox 8RDA
2500+ Barton

>>Also, graphics card suggestion or is the on board good enough?

If you aren't a Gamer the onboard video is fine.

>>Lastly, is the OEM fan/heatsink sufficient or do I need to go third party?

With no OverClocking(OCing) the retail HSF on both an Intel or AMD CPU will do just fine.

>>What's the story with SATA? Is it worth it?

Not yet, wait for the next generation drives.

[G_Fisher]

Originally posted by OS-Wiz

If you aren't a Gamer the onboard video is fine.

He means 8RGA, 8RDA doesn't have on board video.

[OS-Wiz]

Originally posted by G_Fisher
He means 8RGA, 8RDA doesn't have on board video.

oops, thanks man

[Blurr]

Thanks to all for your help...