Lets help BlueBomber build a new computer for xmas!

Hey guys - I NEED YOUR COMPUTER WISDOM.

So I’m looking to build a new computer. Christmas is approaching pretty quick, so I figured that I would at least try and get some new stuff through presents, and most likely buy anything else that I don’t end up getting with my own money.

This is my current (weak) setup –

Quote:

CPU:
Intel Pentium 4 (2.4 GHz) Hyper Threading

Mobo:
ASUS P4S800D-X

RAM:
2 GB RAM DDR (Not sure exactly what brand :/)

Hard Drives:
Western Digital 250 GB Caviar JB (IDE)
Maxtor 500 GB SATA (I gots two of these)

Video Card:
ATI Radeon 9550 256MB

PSU:
Some old crappy ASUS 350W thing

I'm sorry for the crappy description of what I currently have, it's just that I'm home for Thanksgiving break and don't remember exactly what I have. I'll update this post when I get back and I can tell you exactly what components I currently have.
Basically I’m mostly looking to upgrade the CPU/motherboard, which is what I need the most help with. Suggestions on the other components that are decently priced and of pretty good quality would be awesome as well.

Here are some of the things I have been looking at:

Quote:

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6850

Mobo:
??? I HAVE NO IDEA ???

RAM:
??? AGAIN -NO IDEA ???

Case:
Antec P182 Computer Case

External Drive:
Western Digital Elements 320GB External Hard Drive

I'm kind of confused on the processor's I have listed. I mean, I would assume that the quad core is better, but at the same time it is the exact same price as the Core 2 Duo, and I don't know which one has the most bang for it's buck.

I also know nothing about motherboards, so I don't even know where to begin with that, or the RAM that each one uses.

I've always wanted one of those sweet Antec cases, so I threw one of those on their. Same with the external drive.

Other things such as the PSU and video card I didn't list because I don't even know if I really need to change them. It wouldn't hurt I suppose, so if you have suggestions for them please do tell. (I suppose the video card uses an AGP slot, so if you list a motherboard that uses one of those PCI express slots, I guess I'll have to upgrade the video card too then, huh?)

Sorry about the sloppy post. I'll clean it as I figure out everything I have/want. Thanks a lot guys.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Before I go listing alot of stuff I think you should go buy, I'd love to hear what you will use the computer for, and what you see yourself a few years down the road using it for. What you want your computer to do is vital information to building a great system for yourself.

Tell me that and a semblance of your "budget" constraints, and I'll give you some good feedback.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

You are Guaranteed the purchase of a new video card and PSU, Luckily for you though, If you game at all now is an excellent time to be in the market.

As TR explained though, you really have to tell what you plan to use this computer for. If you play games, tell us what games you play right now, which ones you want to play, and what resolution. After that you will get some part suggestions.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Garret

Luckily for you though, If you game at all now is an excellent time to be in the market. If you play games, tell us what games you play right now, which ones you want to play, and what resolution. After that you will get some part suggestions.

Yup, yup! Their are so many good video card values at different price ranges, that it's a brilliant time to get a new card. I'm sure sometime soon (3-6 months), the Nvidia 9800s will be coming, but at this point the cards that you have to choose from play todays games very well.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?