New computer build after horrid problems with current system

[grimdeath]

I have been having one HECK of a time with my current system. I game and do web design as a side job with my computer as well as game modding and a variety of other normal computer tasks but after getting a headache inducing set of problems, see here, I have decided to do a few minor upgrades.

Here is my current build:
AMD X2 4200 Socket 939
EVGA SLI Edition nforce 4 mobo (133-k8-nf41-ax)
EVGA 8800gt superclocked
2x 1gb G.Skill Ram DDR 400 PC 3200
80gb WD Caviar IDE HD
300gb Seagate Sata HD
Creative Audigy 2zs Gamer
Lite On Dual Layer DVD-RW Drive

I have decided to sell off my 939 motherboard and go with a socket AM2 build instead which of course means I have to sell off my cpu I only recently bought and my brand new DDR ram which I have barely used more then a couple days. This is a good thing though because I have a much better selection of products of course and at least DDR2 ram

Doing some general pricing it looks like I can do most of this fairly easily very little differnce in my final balance (DDR2 ram is cheaper then my DDR ram...wtf! )

My pricing is looking to be pretty close to:
Motherboard: $100-$140
Processor: Under $100
Ram: $50-70

So finally the point of all this, I have been out of the "game" so to speak for a while and would like to hear some opinions from you other builders on what I should do...here's a few things id like to figure out specifically:

-should I try to switch to an Intel build? they are the "in" thing but pricey and wouldnt get me close to that $0 balance I want
-what are the recommended brands for either side, for AMD I know DFI, Asus, etc..but which is best for this range?
-should I/can I strive for higher then DDR2?
-processors....the 4200 was great while I actually got to use it, I do not need to go extremely higher then it
-I run a 450w psu with 28a on the 12v rails...will I need to upgrade? can I scrape by a bit longer on it? it meets the 8800gt reqs as far as I know.

Just go crazy on me, give me some ideas maybe I havent thought of..and thanks! Just remember my goal is to phase out this super buggy evga NF41 board!

*edit* btw, I MAY still have time to return my ram to newegg for an exchange...and there may be a SMALL chance I could exhange my cpu the same but not too likely so id like to at least stick to newegg for my ram purchase.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Yes, switch to Intel for what you do.
For Intel the brands are mostly the same, most companies make motherboards for both platforms.
How can you get higher than DDR2? DDR3 costs about as much as what you want to spend total.
PSU should be fine...

Intel fits your needs just fine.

Motherboard: GA-P35-DS3L or Abit IP-35E $80-90
Processor: E7200 $130
RAM: 2GB $23 or
2GB $25 Ballistix RAM (beware rebates, but otherwise great or
4GB RAM $70, but Out of Stock
or buy 2 2GB modules separately.

 

[grimdeath]

Thanks, yea ive been reading up on DD3 today it doesnt look worth it at all for what I am doing.

I was just reading over the parts suggested, looks very nice...I am not good at comparing intel vs amd specs but how "comparable" is cpu suggested to the amd x2 4200 im running now? GREAT deal on that ram, wowza, even without the rebate....I could probably stand to get 4gb which would be lovely for games and photoshop cs3 for me.

I was having problems looking up the abit board but I will keep looking when im home from work.

 

[grimdeath]

is this the abit board you were talking about? guess it has been out a while? I just want to ensure I get a really rock solid motherboard because I will be going on my FOURTH evga board when I get my rma back in.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813127031

 

[grimdeath]

I am happy to be going with my first Intel build. I put up my previous parts for sale yesterday so this is happening for sure. So far I am liking BlueAcolyte's recommendations but I still am not sure how comparable the cpu is to my current system (better/same/worst) so I will be trying to research that myself today. I have sold one item so far so my balance is up to $60 so far and will more the likely try to purchase the motherboard and cpu at the same time. The motherboard suggested looks to of been replaced by this one on newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16813128337

I have found out that my ram is still up for RMA return with newegg. I have requested that they let me exchange and will be going with the Kingston ram suggested. I will more then likely get 4gb unless money gets tight with the cpu price being higher then amd.

any other recommendations?