[xc1]

Hey guys,

I have wanted to get a new computer for a while and finally the money came in. At first, I thought I would be better off just getting a Dell (customized) and save me some time, but I realize that I’m really better off building it myself.

That said, I need some or a lot of help in deciding the best components that I can get with my budget and that would suit my needs.

Use: the computer will be used mostly for encoding, media, and light gaming but, most of the time I’m multitasking. I always have my browser open, my TV tuner running, Photoshop open,a video dvd running, etc…bottom line I always have around 3 to 4 progs open at time.

Budget: I want to spend no more than $2100 for the system including a 19” LCD monitor and taxes

From the Dell website I can get this:

http://ecomm.dell.com/dellstore/bask...CFG&~tab=1info
Now I know that AMD is the favorite of most of you guys but from what I see in their comparisons, the Pentium D is really doing much better in the situations where I would be using my pc mostly for (multitasking).Also, AMD won in most categories but, is it worth the money for someone who isn’t into gaming?
Here are some of the comparisons I looked at:

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2005/08/26/intel_p4_670_pd_820/1.html

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1820772,00.asp

http://techreport.com/reviews/2005q2/pentiumd-820/index.x?pg=1

Another thing to keep in mind: will I be overclocking it?? at first no but, I would like the ability to do so in the future and I want to get something that I won’t have to exchange for at least a couple of years, so getting a good processor /motherboard with the ability to OC in the future would be nice.



Thanks for the help in advance!!!!