Newbie with an Idea!!!

I would like some feedback on this set up. I’ve been reading too many magazines and forums with in the last two months and have gone crazy over options and reviews so I figured I would ask you guys (TG Forumz) for advice. Now I know I might get some laughs outta this request for help but all insight is appreciated.

For the budget, I would like to spend no more then $500. Yes, I have read the “$500 gaming rig” post. I have $800 max to spend, but $500 and under is a goal. I was told I could do better building one for the cost of an eMachine.

TabrisDarkPeace had some great advice on this link!
http://forumz.tomshardware.com/mod [...] li32esata2

Now what I have / don’t need is a Monitor, HDD, OS, Optical Drive (CD-RW).

What I want to do with this first time build is some hard disk recording (demos). I am currently using N-Tracks, Cakewalk, and Samplitude. For Audio/Video transfers, currently using Nero, Roxio, and Unlead Software. A bit of messing around with Photoshop and Adobe Elements and I would like to play the occasional game or two like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.

So submitted for your approval, The List…

ATX Computer Cases:
Rosewill R114A-BLK 2-Tone Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Rosewill 400W ATX with P4 support, 20-pin Main connector Power Supply -
Model #: R114A-BLKItem
Item #: N82E16811147006 $50.99 -$5.00 Instant 45.99

AMD-compatible Motherboards:
ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 Socket 939 ULi M1697 ATX AMD Motherboard
Model #: 939SLI32-eSATA2Item
Item #: N82E16813157087 $82.99

CPU Thermal Paste / Grease:
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Model #: ARCTIC SILVER 5
Item #: N82E16835100007 $5.99

Memory - System:
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory
Model VS1GBKIT400
Model #: VS1GBKIT400
Item #: N82E16820145440 $64.99

Processors:
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz HT Socket 939 Processor
Model ADA3200BPBOX
Model #: ADA3200BPBOX
Item #: N82E16819103535 $159.00

Subtotal: $358.96


Off hand I was thinking, the power supply might have to be changed out and the stock heatsink could be replaced (run cooler). A Dvd Rw might be nice add. I would need a 1394 card for DVC transfer. If I missed anything or a better idea for a rig is there, don’t be shy to say something. I have also looked into building an Intel.

I would also need a graphics card!!! As you can now see with what I missed and what I want, could/would push me over the $500 mark.

Other boards I thought about are Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro-SLI and ASUS A8N5X. Overclocking is not a big thing to me but the option to do it would be nice and all parts selected were considered for the option of future upgrade.

Thanks and I hope to hear from all that have taken the time to read this.

You could downgrade the cpu to a 3000+, then get a 6600gt for about 110$. The 3000+ is also a good overclocker.

Don't get the Rosewill case, anything from Rosewill is pretty much going to be crap. Thermaltake is a good brand, so is Antec. There are other good case brands, but those are off the top of my head. As far as graphics cards go... I might suggest an X850XT, probably the best performance under $200.
I think I will suggest this cae to you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811144076
Comes with 420W PS and not much more than the rosewill.
GL.

Edit NVM, saw you aren't gaming much. Up the budget by about $75 and get a 7600GT.

Was checking out aspire cases and seen this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 811144102.
No power supply but it sounds as if I would have to change it out anyways (per their reviews). But your on track with the removable mobo and I like the amount of fans that come with it, plus the option to add (2) 80mm and (1) 120.
Oh, I have yet to learn the science in picking out a graphics card. What should I be looking for to match the mobo I picked or the 2 alt. I found? Thanks!