Need Help Choosing New Mobo

[githanis]

I really need some advice. I haven't built a system for a few years (at least) and haven't stayed current with all the changing technology either. I want to now build a new system, but I'm lost. I use my computer for all the normal activities as well some video editing. I also want a system that can play some of the new MMO's that are coming out (EQ2, WOW, ect.).

I was thinking about the AMD Athlon 64 chip, but have no clue for the mobo. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. I'm not planning on buying low end junk, but I also don't have 4k to spend either.

I already have a case: MGE XG Viper Mid Tower Gamer Case (500watt PSU) and a sound card. I need suggestions on a decent gamer mobo, CPU, RAM, and video card. What works good with what. What are the different combinations along with price.

I'm looking for something like:
X - mobo, Y - CPU, X - RAM, Y - video card = approx. $$ (High End System);
X - mobo, Y - CPU, X - RAM, Y - video card = approx. $$ (Semi-High End System);
X - mobo, Y - CPU, X - RAM, Y - video card = approx. $$ (Medium End System).

Wether you have numerous systems or just one, let me know what works for you or what you want to get. I know a lot of this is personal preference, but it would definatley give me a great place to start.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Boonesmi]

there is a really good buyers guide on the anandtech mainpage

http://www.anandtech.com/guides/showdoc.aspx?i=2250

 

[githanis]

That really helped!! Thanks a lot. I was looking at the 754 MSI K8N Neo Plat mobo, and probably the AMD Athlon 64 (754) 3200 +1mb cpu, and 2 - 512mb Corsair PC-3200 RAM (1 gig total). I just could not decide or figure out which graphics card to get. I want to play online games that recommend 128mb cards, but state that 256 would be a lot better. Are the lower end 256mb graphics cards bad? I'm only using a regular 19" comp monitor and only want the extra mb for gaming. Whats my best bang for the buck on graphics card?

 

[Boonesmi]

some cards come in both a 128mb and a 256mb version (same chipset, same specs, just more ram) and the end result is the one with 256mb ram costs more but only has a very minor performance increase

so if your wanting a high end card go with the nvidia 6800gt (expensive, but the fastest you can get)

for something more middle i would look at the nvidia 6600 series cards

but also, for less then $100 you can still get a very powerful card that will play all of the modern games. ati radeon 9600 (stay away from the 9600se) for the price this is one amazing card link

here are some links to card you might want to check out, they are what i consider the best in each price range

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=14-150-069&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=14-122-201&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=14-102-426&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=14-153-014&depa=0 this 9600le is basically just a regular 9600, just make sure its the 128bit version (thats 128bit, not 128mb)