Def get into a new Mobo and CPU, and a mid level PCI-X video card. Like mentioned above, they're around the same performance level, and you'll only be leaving a bottle neck somewhere.

As for what to get, well i'm not quite up to date on details of good stuff, so i'll let those guys go at it.

I can do a lot of the assembly myself, but I also have a buddy who built his own system and will be around to help me.

As far as my PCI cards, I have an Audigy 2 soundcard and an ethernet card. I'm quite happy with the Audigy 2, though I don't know if newer onboard audio is supposed to be as good or better than an Audigy. I was planning on keeping it, as well as keeping the ethernet card.

I basically want to make sure I order parts that compliment each other well. I want I mobo that comes with a reliable BIOS that gives me the option of tweaking settings, and I also want a chipset that goes hand-in-hand with whatever GPU I buy. I figure I'll need 1Gb of RAM to get me started, though I would like 2Gb if there is a known good brand that is reasonably cheap.

I want to do all this for $400-$500. I don't need the latest and greatest processor and mobo, mind you. Just something that gives me more power and the chance to upgrade in the next 2 years, if possible. If you would like to send me lists of compatible parts, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for all the help so far everybody!

EDIT: My hard drive is only 80Gb and probably some "old" protocol (connects with ribbon cables). I don't necessarily need a new one, but it depends how much they cost. A dual HD setup would be nice.

I also think I'll probably be needing another case fan, as I only have one (see picture on page 1). I also need to make sure I stay within the range of my 350W power supply, as I don't want to buy a new one.

$400-500... you can get a pretty sweet dell system for that!!!! keep both!

**** that! Dell can kiss my a$$! I'm sure I'll get way more computer for the money if I go the DIY route.

thats what i thought to... but after putting almost a grand into my computer... the specs are not even close to what a dell gaming machine is...

however, i do have a $250 case

some ppl will probably tell you different

Another thing I just thought of....

If I build a new system, I have to get a new copy of Windows, don't I? I don't think I can reuse my copy of Windows XP Pro... :(

Sure you can. At worst you have to call and have the install 'authorized' But i think they got rid of that pita procedure.

That is good news!

Haro - I just went to the Dell website, and I could actually get a decent system for about $550 plus taxes and shipping. Not as bad as I had thought

Still, I think I can get a little more value out of building my own. Post those suggestions!

most of the time dell has free shipping too

You already have XP, burners, harddrive(*)... you can do better.

For Example:
this motherbd for $83.00
this processor and pci-e video card combo. for $86.00

get the dual 512 ram already mentioned for $114.

and for $283 plus shipping, reuse your current case and drives, and you have a decent system capable of going to dual video cards if you wanted to. Later add 2 Sata drives in raid0 for a screaming harddrive subsystem. What your not getting is the in-home service.