Help:Need a new PC

[btpenterprises]

Hey,

Im ready to buy a new computer. The Intel P3 600 im using is way too slow these days. My budget is AUS$2000 which should include a budget 17''LCD, which is US$1500 by todays exchange rates. Because i havent bought a new PC in a while im not up to date with whats new and worth buying. Im going to build it myself though and just want some suggestions on what to buy and also brand wise. I generally use my current PC for mp3/dvd burning, image editing, so alot of multi-tasking. But i also want to be able to play the latest games too. Also i wont be overclocking. So far im thinking the following:

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 640 3.2 GHz
Intel Pentium 4 641 3.2 GHz
Intel Pentium D 940 3.2 GHz Dual-Core
Intel Pentium D 830 3.0GHz Dual-Core

RAM: 2GB atleast, DDR2.

HARD-DRIVE: Seagate 300GB.

Any suggestions on my choice of CPU and motherboard and Video card will be great. Also are there any threads on AnandTech that cover something like a buyers guide with different budgets??? Im sure i remember seeing one once.

Cheers.

 

[jaythespacehound]

PSU: FSP Blue Storm 500W $140
Case: Coolermaster Centurion 5 $80
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3700+ $340
GPU: ATI x1900xt $700
MB: DFI LanParty UT NF4 Ultra-D $200
RAM: G.Skill DDR PC3200 2GB $260
HDD: Seagate 300GB $160
LCD: $150? Seems rather cheap...

Total: $2030 (AUD) + Shipping

Ok I'm stretching your budget a bit here
From that you have options of CPU, GPU and LCD...

CPU:
Dual core?
3800+ $400

GPU:
NVIDIA 7900GT $400
ATI x1800xt $500

LCD:
No Ideas heh.

So as you can see, if you want dual core, you might have to back of the graphics card a little. I would stay away from Intel but hey, they're rather cheap at the moment, and it's your build.

Note that this build is based on socket 939, AM2 is out, and supports ddr2, but the difference in performance is negligable and socket 939 is a fair chunk cheaper down here.

you might want to wait for intel's new chip "Core 2 Duo" (previously codenamed Conroe)
Which is coming out sometime in July (I think) and looks very nice indeed.

Good luck with your build!
Jay

PS: Pricing taken from www.staticice.com.au

EDIT: There's a guide here:
AnandTech's Mid Range Pre AM2 Buyers Guide