Getting Back Into The Game

[Crism]

I'll be going into college this fall and I'm contemplating new parts for the computer (and a new laptop). The laptop is a different story but this is about the desktop. I've got an Opteron 148 running at a little over 2.9GHz on my DFI SLI-DR Expert board with 1GB of Corsair XMS memory that's PC3200. I was wondering what best processors out now are. Back when I re-vamped this computer it was the Opteron and X2s. I'm planning on a CPU/Board, 2GB of RAM, keep my HD (250GB SATA Seagate), probably keep the video card (7800GT..works fine for now). Any ideas on what I should be expecting to buy this summer? I'll probably end up selling this memory/cpu/board and whatnot too.

Any ideas? Thanks
-Steve

Edit: Before anyone asks, I'll be running a lot of Flight Simulator 2004 and hopefully Flight Simulator X with the settings jacked up. I want it to last me a good while (quick look at vid cards shows the 8800GTS 640MB looking nice).

The laptop will probably be a 14.1in widescreen with the best video I can get with it (mobile Flight Sim or gaming!)

 

[40sTheme]

As far as processors go, especially with your overclocking experience, today it is the Core 2 Duos. I'd go with an E4300 or E6300. Easy overclocking and very budget manageable.

 

[fire400]

core2 4300 or the 6300 with a 150 usd mobo and DDR800 sticks