wanting to build new computer

[angrynerdrock]

so my current setup just screwed up yesterday, it gets pass the splash screen for XP and then brings up a blue screen with a message saying irql not less than or equal (or some other bs). Im tired of the little problems with this computer, so im thinking of doing a new system.

Here is what im looking for
budget:~$500
1gb ram
decent mobo
faster cpu than what i have (athlon xp 1800+)
quiet. my current HSF is LOUD as heck, (its one of the top of the line thermaltakes, loud as heck though), so therefore i need a cpu that doesnt run very hot. my current one runs hot.
I dont care anymore if its intel or amd
decent video card ( i currently have a 128mb fx5700 that could possibly be reused)
100+gb hd
I do not ever play games, so that isnt important, but i do use photoshop from time to time
I was thinking of maybe making this a htpc, so should i use xp or MCE2005

what would you guys suggest?

 

[Gautama]

The fx5700 could def be reused, on my parents computer they have a fx5200, and all my dad uses that computer for is video editing and internet stuff. Should be sufficient to your needs.


For XP or MCE2005, are you planning on connecting it to a tv or a xbox or anything? If so, i'd go with mce. But if your not i would save money and get the XP version. All MCE does is organize your stuff in a noob proof way.

 

[angrynerdrock]

to begin with, it will be connected to a monitor, but i plan on getting a 61" LCD Proj. TV so it'll become the monitor, but that is a little while out. I already have a XP Pro disc, so i can just reuse that.

Should i piece it together, or would i be better off getting a barebones computer?

 

[imported_fx]

AMD Rig

Antec Solution SLK1650B w/ 350w PSU
Biostar TForce6100-939
AMD Athlon 3500+
BenQ DW1650 DVD Burner
Western Digital 160GB Hard Drive
Corsair VS 1GB (1x1GB)

Total=498.95+shipping/tax