2nd Computer Upgrade

[Windu]

Hi,
My second computer is in need of a small upgrade;
AMD 3400+
Asus mobo
1.5 gb DDR
550 watt Antec psu
120 gb HD and 40 gb HD - Both use the IDE connection as does the DVD burner.

This computer is used for internet, itunes, and I also do some video encoding with it as well. I would like to re-use everything out of the box and replace the mobo and cpu to something a bit faster. I have 2 gb of PC2-4200 that I took out of my wifes dell. So I am covered on memory. I would like a mobo with intergrated graphics to keep cost down. I am open to the best bang for the buck, Intel or AMD don't care. Would love to stay under $200.
Thanks for your time.
James

[systempat]

I usge you to so some of your own research on this, because you will know which features mean the most for you. The forum boards here are good. Also look at the hardware review sites like Anandtech and tomshardware. Look at the boards and CPUs at the budget end, the hot gaming gear may be more fun but not what you need. Also newegg.com is good for prices and specs as well as the user comments.
2 things to point out. First you list 3 IDE devices. Almost all the newer chipsets and motherboards have only one IDE connector so only 2 IDE drives can be connected to the mobo. You will have to think about that 40g drive, or else get an IDE controller card. I believe those are relatively cheap. But for around $50 you can get a SATA drive of at least 320gb.
Second, the memory. IF the pc2-2400 is from a desktop machine it will be compatible but not the fastest. If the memory is from a laptop it can't be used it's a different socket. I'll use the DDR2 numbers because they work better for me. Your memory is DDR2-533. IF you use that on the new board that will take away some of the speed you paid for with the new processor. I'd recommend going to DDR2-800 memory. The DRAM prices are still low. 2 gn of memory will go for 30-35 at the online stores. Either 1 stick of 2gb or 2 sticks of 1 gb, price is almost the same. 4 gb will run 60 or so.
What Operating System are you using. Windows XP and planning to stay with it? Then 2gb is probably enough memory.
At the budget end, I think there are more options with AMD chips. The dual-core chips will give you good power for the money. Combos with the Athlon II CPUs can be done starting at around 130. The integrated video on boards with the AMD780 or AMD785 chipsets will give you good video for anything less than 3D gaming. You can pick a micro-ATX or a regular ATX board either will work as you are probably not plugging in many cards. The Athlon II 245 and the 250 come in at 70 or so. You could get these and 2g of memory and still come in under 200. More money in the CPU takes you to the the Phenom chips. At the top of your price range would be the x3 720. A triple processor, just under 3ghz stock speed, more if you want to push it. For 119 at the moment.
Either of these will be much faster than the single-core you have now. Good Luck!

[Masaki 7-11]

Here is a good CPU/motherboard combo for under $200 (however almost all motherboards these days come with only one IDE port, so you can only run 2 IDE devices on it; one master, one slave):

ASUS M4A78-EM AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131384
$84.99

AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor Model ADX620WFGIBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103706
$99.00

Subtotal: $183.99

[Windu]

Thanks for the input. Any intel options out there? I have had a few minutes to shop newegg, way to many new options out there now.

[glc]

Asus P5QPL-VM $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131387

Intel E6500 $93
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116093