id rather say get an intel conroe core they are actually the best gaming cpus around at the minute and don't exactly cost an arm and a leg.....amd are good just sadly the conroe is better at this minute in time
http://news.com.com/Early+tests+give+advantage+to+Intels+Conroe/2100-1006_3-6049648.htmlquickest thing i could find........
EDIT:
did a little more searching....
AMD vs Conroe
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=4843&search=amd%20vs%20conroeAbout the Conroe
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=6184&search=amd%20vs%20conroeSome Benchmarks
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=5692&page=3&search=amd%20vs%20conroeTrue. If not a gamer will probly never really need a Direct X 10 card anyway.
But I would also, depending on your need, recommend a higher model then a 6800.
This is the exact card listed in first post.
XFX Geforce 6800XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail - $132.99
For just a couple dollars more I'd recommend.
XFX GeForce 7600GS 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail - $139.99
The uber powerful 6800's there offer raw clock speed performance, but a newer 7600 would offer probly barely any noticeable drop in performance due its twice the video ram, but support newer graphics technologys then the 6800 does, like newer pixel shader models, and would probly just last a lot longer as eventually with the 6800 you're going to hit a new game that requires the newer pixel shaders version that the 7 series have.
But again, depending on your need and what you actually prefer. Just pointing out something to think about.
the 7600 is passive cooled....no way ! you should at least want the 7600 to overclock (decently and by not buying a new fan there to anoying to install) having a new shader model at a lower clock is useless.....and getting something that works now and will last you for a longggggggggggggg long time (due to dx10 being only one card out atm the 8800 and the r600 which is 2 months of and prices at ?400 for a single card with no overclock (yes it is on the way) theres just no point!!!!)
oh and id also say drop the sony cd drive, sony are good but charge a little extra....so go for liteon, pioneer, asus or samsung all are good.... another tip just to keep the whole thing cool, is either pay a fortune on a good case, or not get a case with a door they normally keep alot of air from escaping so id say the cooler master centurion they have one in red if your lookin for an orangy red colour scheme too...... but doors are useless unless its a thermaltake (cant spell or remember the name, but something like that, there are a few others).........plus the front grill on that case dosnt seem to do much.......a good case site (its uk but it'll give you a good reference is)
www.xcase.co.uk......
it is a good system don't get me wrong im an amd boy but i do realise that intel has an ass kicking product and im definatly going to get that in my next upgrade !!!!! (crosses finger for cell processor coming onto the market)......
and one more thing..... if you dont get vista there will be dx 9.0L
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=35110 for xp users
