need something good for extreme multitasking

Multitasking is harder on the RAM than your processor. If its really extreme, maybe get 1GB RAM. On my old computer I have 512MB on it and I NEVER used it all. I even tried to open as many programs as possible and it wouldnt work.

3Ghz for a processor should do you good. Mine is pretty peppy, I have an Intel 540 (3.2Ghz)

Yep, RAM speed is really all you need to look at. I have DDR3200 RAM, and it'* still the weak point in my system. 1gb is overkill for me.. like way overkill. 512 was all I needed, but I thought two sticks 'a DDR3200 would do a little good. I don't keep up with all the new stuff, but look more into the RAM than the CPU. I prefer AMD over Intel, remember AMD came up with the 64-bit processor before intel, then intel COPIED THEM!!!

I run an Athlon 2600+.. [2ghz clock, equal to a 2.6ghz intel]. I love it, it'* old, and these processors are practially free. Just stay away from the new athlon chip that replaces the XP/Barton core [can't remember what it'* called, but it starts with an '*' i think]. They have a lot of mobo compatability issues, even with mobos designed to work with that CPU.


-justin

what prices are we looking at and where should i get it?

Newegg will offer some of the best prices on the web? If not use price watch but some of the websites you will see are small and seem shady. Windows is not the best OS for multi Tasking (not that i'm knocking windows I just know there are better things out there). If your multi tasking on a serious level consider a unix-linux OS that will offer endless options to what you need. If your not that series and want just a great machine that can run MP3'* while playing Half life 2 while downlading music from Kazza etc... Any good machine with LOTS OF RAM and a fast SATA harddrive. Form a price standpoint your not going to beat AMD motherboards and processors. Intel is a Tad more stable but if your running Windows XP and don't use Internet Explorer so you don't get spam( I use opera or Mozilla ) Your machine will run fine. Check out some of the machines and parts at

www.newegg.com

also for good reviews on PC parts go to

www.hardocp.com

and if you want try Overclocking thats another story

any more ideas?

http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=Nzg1

a Hyperthreading Intel processor is the best bet for multitaksing. Definetly get atleast a gig of ram, 512 doesn't cut it for me anymore..

Sempron. They are the AMD equivalent of a Celeron, slower, cheaper. I also prefer AMD, I'd say get an a64 with a solid gig of ram, and some quick hard drives.

do not get a Sempron or a Celeron...just...no..

its a well known fact that AMDs are better for gaming and Intel is better at multi tasking and multimedia apps, photo editing etc...so i would agree with BonneMeMn and say get a processor with Hyperthreading and a Gig of RAM, depending on the degree of multi-tasking youre doing you might want to add more RAM later, as for the motherboard just stick to a top brand with good reviews and you should be well pleased.