upgrading a machine. need suggestions...

[blueish]

i'm updating my hubby's machine since the 3 year old motherboard just died. i'd like to build something that will run the newer games without having to update again in a few months. budget is at $600 - $700 to purchase the following:

motherboard (current - ASUS P4P800)
processor (current - P4-1.8)
memory (current - 2gb ddr 3200)
video card (current - ati radeon 9100)

i have the existing atx case, 450 watt power supply, ide cd burner, ide 80gb hdd. he likes the single person shooter games (ex: godfather, hitman) and with the current config he couldn't play any of the new ones.

i've tried to find online info on AMD to Intel comparisons. I have an AMD in my machine and like it very much, but don't know how well they're comparing to some of the new intel products.

help and suggestions are very much welcome. he's having surgery in a couple weeks and i'd like to have the machine for him to use while recuperating.

thanks in advance!

[catacon]

Right now Intel is beating AMD in overall performance, so Iwould go with on of the new Core 2 Duos. It should be easy to put together a good machine for $600-$700. Here's some parts I'd recommend:

This is a build I am making for a friend:
https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion...asp?ID=7236166

Maybe substitute this PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817812002

[blueish]

thanks for the input. placed the order this morning. everything's in stock, so i should have the machine running for his recuperation time.

thanks again!