help a guy out with a new build?

[iq80]

been about 2 years since my last build so i'm really out of date on hardware. can anyone help me design a new system? i don't game much but i need high quality video for work and movies. i currently have: amd 64 3000, nvidia 6600 gt, 1024 ram, dfi nf3 motherboard w/ onboard soundcard, in an antec sonata case w/ 380 watt ps.

i'd like to re-use my case but everything else is upgradeable.

Thanks!

iq

 

[moosey]

a budget would help

 

[iq80]

sorry- i thought i gave enough info.

$500-800? i think i built my last one for about that and i see that prices have come down on most components.


thanks moosey,

iq

 

[moosey]

Are you overclocking?
Do you need to buy an OS?

Here's a basic idea of what you can get w/in your budget.

I'd say start with this Biostar P965 motherboard.
$105

Then take your pick out of these processors.
E4300
$175
e6300
$190

This Kingston DDR2-667 should be alright for you.
$165

For a PSU, something on a non o/c machine w/o a high-end graphics card, 380W should be fine. However, I don't know how the quality of that Antec PSU is. I'd take a look at some of these. These are your better bets to stay w/in budget.
FSP 400W
$40
FSP 450W
$55

TOTALS:
cheapest route: $485
more expensive route: $515

Either way, you're well w/in budget to select a better video card...

Since you don't game much and a 6600GT has been getting you by, a 7600GT might be a nice upgrade for you:
eVGA $90 after rebate
A 7900GS is even faster
XFX $145 after rebate
And better yet is an x1950Pro
Diamond $170 after rebate

Depending on what you choose and how you base your system, you could be able to upgrade any of the above components.

What I have above is a point to get you started on, add or modify whatever you want. Post again when you have something more concrete configured.