Want to build/upgrade to a Graphics/HTPC

So it's only photography and no 3D rendering. You can get away with integrated graphics as long as it supports the resolution. Which is what? Is dual output needed? If so, you will have to get an add-on card. The Quadro NVS, designed for business, can be had for $10 at ebay.

http://www.nvidia.com/page/quadronvs.html

The only drawback is choppy high def. video playback. If you do that, you might want to consider Geforce 8500/8600.

Will there be any overclocking? If not, you can look at Intel's mobos. G33, P35, X38, etc. Depending on your budget. Otherwise, you want to look at P35 & X38 which are known good overclockers. i.e. GA-P35-DS3L / DS3R, P5K-E, IP35-E, P5E, GA-X38-DQ6, etc.

How are you transferring the images to the computer? Firewire is usually integrated in higher-end boards. You can pick up a firewire card for $10+.

If you do filters like those in Photoshop, a quad core cpu Q6600 might be a good investment. If it's just crop, resize, rotate, etc., a dual core E8400 would suffice.

Memory should be as much as the OS supports. 32-bit can use up to 3.5GB. DDR2 is dirt cheap right now. Get 2x2GB.

No, it doesn't. Even thou you download Vista SP1 the system will see 4 GB of ram (well that is true), but it can use only up to 3.25 GB. Because the "old" memory addressing.

Thanks for the responses. I don't really have a budget on this, but also don't need to spend money foolishly. I would solicit your advice on a bit higher end upgrade.

My present computer is about two years old. I had a crash and just had the computer shop stick in a mobo and got it up again.

Here is the mobo.
http://www.xpcgear.com/p23gv30s.html
I have one GB DDR.

I have been fighting the slow read and access times for too long. While I probably do not need DDR3 memory, I would like to put together a much better system. I have assembled computers before from parts bought over the internet.

4 GB ram sounds good. What would be a higher end mobo/cpu combination if I d want to go 3d and maybe video also? Would like a video card`that will let me send images to my HDTV projector that takes HDMI or componenet in.

Thanks again,
Bill