As you can see from my CPU/Ram, I need a big upgrade. I'm looking for parts to build my own computer but I don't know ALL the hardware that's out there but from reading Specs, I know what's good so i'm not new at this. I've been upgrading a few things: Sound Card, Speakers, Monitor but nothing big like the rest. I'm looking for a good gaming computer. What would you all recommend as a very good Video Card (256MB)/Motherboard (offboard sound/video)/RAM(thinking about 2G's)/CPU (Intel/AMD)? Anybody's comments would be great. Thanks.

Well firstly, the first question is do you want to go with AMD or Intel? I myself would go with AMD and with one of their new 64 CPU's. I don't know much about the new AMD 64's so someone else can explain all the details about them. I would stick with the onboard sound with whichever motherboard you do get, its pretty good for what it is. If you want to get a PCI Audigy soundcard or whatever, thats up to you and how much you want to spend. For the RAM you won't need anymore than 1GB unless your doing video editing and CAD. If you want the best video card you should wait for a few weeks until the new chipsets are released, they will be much more powerful and better for games. Then again you could wait a month or two until PCI Express is released and build a new computer with the new platform motherboards. Hope this gave you some help. Daniel

for $600 you can build one that is 90% as good as one that costs $1200. So it may be best to first decide where you fit on that spectrum.

What is your budget? I prefer Intel. Yes, more expensive, but heat is not as big a concern. The heatsink fans are quieter for an intel (the Volcano for amd sounds like a vacuum cleaner, IMO). Pentium chips do not fry themselves when they get too hot, they shut down. I am not knocking AMD. I have built one. I just prefer Intel. If you are buying now and cost is not a concern, get the Radeon 9800XT video card. If cost is an issue, get the Radeon 9800 Pro. If you are going to wait, get the upcoming Nvidia N40 (if cost is not an issue). Intel motherboards are probably the easiest to work with. Check the posts on mfr support forums of the boards you are considering. These should tell you of any issues. Make sure the motherboard you choose has an 8X AGP. As for memory, the mobo manufacturer website will tell you what is recommended. Good luck, have fun.

DUDE 2 GIG'S OF RAM??? Seriously man, I think this is an overkill. Get a gig and save those 200 bucks towards the upcoming NVIDIA monster if you want a perfect video card, but frankly I am quite happy with my 9800 pro and its around 300 or less now. As for AMD or Intel, I would go with AMD ( and i did:)), because its a better bang for the buck. I would actualy wait until those 64 bit ones go a little cheaper. Forget the onboard video, and if you are such a hardcore gamer you'd better forget the onboard audio too:) Get a the new sounblaster or Turtle beach( those have great reviews).