New Old Build

[CRogers]

So about eleven months ago I built a new computer. It was running fine when about a week or two ago I came home from work and it did not start (no beeps, just fans). So after failing to run down the problem and not wanting to spend money to have someone test the parts I came up with a simple idea. Build a new computer (this one from 2003 that I am using could used replaced anyway) however do it with parts that I can use to test my old computer to see what is working.

So in a way I guess you can look at this as a low price range new build but for a different reason.

So here is the current non-working build.
2.0 Ghz Core 2 Duo Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115014

XFX motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813141004

8600 GTS Vid Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127284

2x1 GB Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211066


And here is the new build. Remember I am looking for things were I can swap parts out to verify they are working.
2.53 GHZ Core 2 Duo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115052

Gigabyte MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128334

MSI 3870 Vid Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127315

Crucial 2x1GB Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148076

Rosewill 550W Powersupply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182017

Main issues
1) I am unsure of the motherboard because it is much harder to find a MB that everyone likes. If anyone has any recommendations throw them out.
2) When I built a year ago more than 2 GBs of Ram was considered silly. Has that changed? Should I be looking at 3/4? I plan to keep using windows XP which I believe cuts off at 3.5 or something.
3) Would I see any noticeable increase in performance with a better processor like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

My current computer had been meeting my needs so I am not looking for any kind of massive upgrade but of course faster is better. I am hoping I can get a compatible setup so I can test the parts of the old machine, find out what is broke, and send it in before warranty is up.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Noya]

That Rosewill power supply is crap. Go with a Corsair 450 or 550vx.

That could be what's wrong with your current PC.

Also, the 8800GT is way better than the 3870, and can be had for $130 w/rebate.

 

[CRogers]

My current power supply is an Antec. But I will avoid the Rosewill.

I am trying to avoid an NVidia card as I already have one. Always enjoyed having both ATI and NVidia in case I run into a game that doesn't handle one well.