Work gave me a  free quad core.  (I have a choice of a Q9300  or QX9650)
I am looking to build a cheap   ($1000)   or less system to run the quad core.
 
I do not use my PC for Games.
My two major applications are Photoshop CS3 and DVD compression software.
 
What bargain hardware do you suggest?
Mother board
RAM
Hard Drive
CASE
Power supply
FAN
....
 
Are there any good Complete systems (minus CPUs)?.

Depends on if you need an operating system or peripheras (keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor) But this would get you a really good setup with plenty of hard drive space. I would definitely go with the QX9650, its just a better all around processor than the Q9300 (higher clock speed, unlocked mulit, more cache)
 
Here is the setup:
 
 
    ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T - Retail  
    Item #: N82E16827135156
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy  $34.99
 
    Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
 
    Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail  
    Item #: N82E16811129021
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy     $119.99
 
    Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
 
    Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM  
    Item #: N82E16822136218
    Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy    $114.99
 
    EVGA 512-P3-N845-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) KO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
 
    EVGA 512-P3-N845-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) KO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail  
    Item #: N82E16814130337
    Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy    $30.00 Mail-in Rebate $254.99
 
    OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR800C44GK
 
    OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR800C44GK - Retail  
    Item #: N82E16820227267
    Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy $25.00 Mail-in Rebate    $109.99
 
    DFI LP LT X48-T2R LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard
 
    DFI LP LT X48-T2R LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail  
    Item #: N82E16813136046
    Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy  $279.99
 
    XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
 
    XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail  
    Item #: N82E16835233003
    Return Policy: Standard Return Policy    $36.99
 
Subtotal:  $951.93

i would definately without a doubt get the QX9650 if it was free to me.
 
and are you going to OC at all?
 
for the ram
 
i would personally go with...
 
G.SKill
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231098
 
5-5-5-15 timing
 
 
or if you're low on money and are on a budget
 
Crucial Ballistix
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146565
 
4-4-4-12 timing and only 24.99 for 2x1gb. after 30$ rebate.
 
 
for case,  
 
go antec 900, it goes on sale often on newegg, i have it myself and ventilation is superb. got 6 fans running inside the little beast
 
i got mine for 80$ on newegg when it was on sale.
 
 
 
 
Graphics Card - EVGA 8800GT 512mb  
 
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130318
 
its only 159.99 after rebates
 
i mean, you're not gonna game so i rather save 100$ over the GTS
 
if you really want a GTS (G92) and you don't plan to do the stepping up program of EVGA
 
then get this one
 
MSI - 194.99 after rebates
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] ts&x=0&y=0
 
 
 
Cooler  
 
Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme
 
 
 
i would suggest more of my own opinion but i gotta run! good luck!

Work gave me a   free quad core.   (I have a choice of a Q9300  or QX9650)  
I am looking to build a cheap   ($1000)   or less system to run the quad core
 
 
Only thing I want too know is your company hiring. Forget Christmas bonuses just give me high-end pc components.
 
Maybe if you go with a P35 motherboard. You will have enough left over for a blue ray drive
 
 
 
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp [...] 6813128059
 99.00 bucks for Mobo
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136133
 
199.00 for blu ray burner
 
 

u want the qx9650. period. easy over clock to 4 ghz  with a relatively small votage bump. low to mid 1.4...somethings volts depending on the chip. considering its stock 1.3v its impressive. even if u don't overclock its a solid chip (especially consdering the lack of cost). otherwise a q9300 will do 3ghz overclock on stock voltage and 1600fsb though be it with half the cache of its big brother. its a solid chip and if u were paying for it i would say get it instead....similar performance (w/ overclock to stock clocked qx9650). enjoy your new rig.

Thanks,that is a good info.  
 
About 1000 of us will be getting free QX-9650.
We will be looking for hints on building systems.
 
Intel is always hiring (send me your resume ) .

I work at the Hudson Mass intel site (F17) and just picked my free QX9650 up today and am glad I found this list.  Thanks Guys. It shows you put some thought into this.  Now it will join my Free 965 and 650 chips from the past 2 years as my next gamer computer. We get a new free chip every year. Come join us I think there are over 1000 job openings in the US.

The Chandler sites start delivering the freebies next week.  I'm chomping at the bit.  Got all my parts lined up at Newegg.
 
To Jeepcrd2010's question, use Vista 64 (or XP 64) if you want an app to access more than 2gig at a time.  Photoshop can be a real memory hog.
 
Since you're not gaming, a P35 with an 8800GT would do nicely.