Hi, First post here, but have been reading for a while.

It's been 3 years since I upgraded my PC last and thanks to all the changes it looks like I need to upgrade almost the whole lot at once. My current setup doesnt play any games as it crashes about 30 seconds in (still not located that problem):

Athlon Barton 2500+ (333MHz FSB)
Asus A7N8X Deluxe (nForce 2) rev.1.04
2x256Mb Corsair PC3200 at CAS2
Sapphire ATi 9600XT 128Mb AGP
4x HDDs and 360W PSU too

I have a rough budget around the £500 mark, but I placed an order the other day which got quickly cancelled. This was for: Asus A5B Deluxe, Intel Core2Duo 6300, Hiper 580W PSU, Connect3D X1950 Pro 256Mb and G.Skill PC-6400 2x1Gb.

I have been reading and thinking since and am going to try and get some more money to spend on this (prob only £600) and am wondering whether its worth downsizing the motherboard and getting a nVidia 8800GTS 320Mb? Or should i make sure I spend my money on a good motherboard - perhaps an Nforce 680i and keep to a mid-range gfx card?

Any help is appreciated. I am running a 19" TFT at 1280x1024 and will be using the PC for some gaming (Oblivion and F.E.A.R.) and just work/internet.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

I'd say so. Toss the P5B Deluxe for a Gigabyte 965P-DS3 and the 8800GTS 320.

Unless you're going to run dual 8800GTX, skip the 680i. Not worth it.

That's what i was thinking. I still want something that will perform well and last well - especially as with the C2D 6300 - I intend to clockit a little. Is the Gigabyte a good motherboard for this?

One of the best. Very popular for overclocking, an undeniable champion. Just make sure you get the 965P not the 965G.

*nods*

any thoughts on teh Abit IB9?