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Since most games and editing packages don't take advantage of dual-core CPUs right now, an upgrade should retain your existing CPU and memory. I'd get more memory (if you have less than 1 Gb), a better video card, or a second hard drive, and save the rest. A new motherboard - look for a SATA-II (3Gb) hard drive interface, DDR support (so you can use your existing memory) and 16x PCIe will allow you to use a faster video card and hard drive, which will make more of a difference than anything else. Truth is, the CPU will be much less of an issue than the fact you're upgrading the graphics card bus (16xPCIe) uses and the hard drive interface (to SATA-II/3Gb). The EPoX EP-8NPA SLI has the perfect specs. Your CPU appears to be an Athlon 64 3000+, so it'll work with that motherboard. You can probably get the new mobo, video card, and two SATA-II hard drives for about $250. I'd get the latter 3 from tigerdirect and the mobo from chiefvalue.
You CAN get an Intel 805 or 820 CPU and a GIGABYTE GA-8I945PL-G motherboard. You'll need DDR2 memory and you'll still need a pair of new SATA-IIs, video card, etc. You actually CAN build this system for well under $400, but that's with 512 Mb of memory, no RAID, etc. To do the job right (1 Gb of memory, two or more drives, etc.) will probably push it a bit past $400.
-Do you believe you own your computer and shouldn't be told what you can run and do? Then say *NO* to Microsoft Vista!
-Since half the questions here involve media problems, here ya go: Only use Verbatim or Taiyo-Yuden discs (get your TYs from Rima.com, not Supermediastore or meritline). Forget the rest, no matter what "brand" they sell under. Always burn at 4x speed regardless of the speed rating of this discs or your drive. If you have burn problems with these then you have to update your drive's firmware. For double-layer discs, only use Verbatim DVD+R DL and burn them at 2.4x speed.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 30. September 2006 @ 21:42
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