Finally time for a new cpu, but I'm confused!

[radeon9500pro]

I'm looking to build a new computer. Basically can't run any games from my current one, and starting to have system crashes from normal operation.

AMD Athlon 64 3000+
2.00 GHz, 1 GB RAM (2x 512)
Radeon 9500 Pro 128MB

My question is, can I save any of these components?
I'm not adverse to building a new rig.

I'm looking to get the most for my buck, a close-to-top-tier or mid range system for around $1000-$1200. I havent been in the market for about 5 years now and all this stuff really confuses me.

Crossfire systems with 2 video cards or one good one?
AMD quad-core system or Intel Duo?

Please help me out!


What about Gamerpowerpc.com?
They have this system(below) for like $1000, but everyone either gets screwed over or have no problems (seems like a 75% success rate).

# CAS: ($10 off Mail-in Rebate) Raidmax Sagitta II Mid-Tower 420W Gaming Case w/ Side-Panel Window (Blue Color)
# CASUPGRADE: NONE
# CS_FAN: Default case fans
# CPU: AMD Phenom™ X4 9850 Black Edition Quad-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology [+70]
# CD: (Special Price) LG 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)
# CD2: NONE
# CABLE: None
# FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (BLACK COLOR)
# FA_HDD: None
# FREEBIE_CU1: FREE! CyberPower Multi-Purpose Carrying Briefcase ($19.99 Value)
# FREEBIE_CU2: FREE! AGE OF EMPIRE III
# FREEBIE_CU3: FREE! RISE OF NATIONS: RISE OF LEGENDS
# FAN: Raidmax Maxcool AMD CPU Cooling Fan (Extreme Silent at 20dBA & Overclock Proof)
# FLOPPY: NONE
# FREEBIE_OS: FREE! (Microsoft® Flight Simulator X Deluxe) Game
# HDD: Single Hard Drive (500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
# HDD2: NONE
# IEEE_CARD: NONE
# KEYBOARD: (Keyboard & Mouse Combo) Logitech Cordless Desktop EX 110 Keyboard & Mouse [+24]
# MOUSE: NONE [-5]
# MODEM: NONE
# MONITOR: NONE
# MONITOR2: NONE
# MOTHERBOARD: MSI K9A2 CF-F AMD 790X CrossFire Chipset DDR2/1066 Dual 16X PCIE SATA RAID MB w/GbLAN,USB2.0,&7.1Audio
# MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
# NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
# OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (32-bit Edition)
# PRINTER: None
# PRINTER_CABLE: None
# PRO_WIRING: None
# PS_VGA: None
# POWERSUPPLY: 600 Watts Power Supplies (Nzxt PP600 Watt Power Supply-SLI Supports)
# RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
# SOFT: Free 60 Days Microsoft® Office® 2007 (Words, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook + More) - Windows Vista™ Required
# SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS 24/7 LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
# SPEAKERS: NONE
# TEMP: NONE (AS SHOWN)
# TVRC: None
# UPS: None
# USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
# USBHD: NONE
# VIDEOCAMERA: NONE
# VIDEO: ATI Radeon HD 4850 PCI-E 16X 512MB Video Card (Major Brand Powered by ATI)
# VIDEO2: ATI Radeon HD 4850 PCI-E 16X 512MB Video Card (Major Brand Powered by ATI)
# VIDEO3: NONE
# WNC: PCI Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Network Interface Card
# _PRICE: (+1064)

 

[Proximon]

This is a very recent list I made of parts, including a new monitor. Far, far better than what you listed.

It's a good starting point.

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=10498008

You may need to log in to newegg to view it.

 

[ausch30]

First off you would be much better off building yourself rather than buying a pre-built system. As far as video cards go you are better off with the single best card you can afford, SLI/crossfire setups are inconsistent and are best left to the very high end. The only things you will likely be able to use from your current system are things like the case and drives. You can easily build an upper mid-range system for ~$1000.