motherboard and processor advice please

[Louds3]

Ok so I have decided that I can 't think of anything I really need for Christmas so I am gonna build a new computer (my 1st build ) to replace the one in my sig.

For my motherboard, I am gonna get an Asus A8N-E or Abit KN8 Ultra. Does anyone recommend one over the other? I am not a heavy gamer so SLi is not something I could ever see myself needing. I'll probably get BF2 at some point but I don't care too much if I play it without the highest settings.

My processor choice is close to being made. I think I am gonna go with an Athlon 64 3200+ (this is a semi-budget build). My logic is that this is fast enough for now, and in a 1-2 years I will upgrade to a dual core processor and maybe Windows Vista.

Here's my dilemma. I do a decent amount of audio recording and editing (nothing too heavy duty, semi-professional). The old adage was go Intel for that king of stuff and AMD for gaming. My logic is that the current dual core processor comparisons all seem to favor AMD, so since I will be getting a dual core sometime down the road maybe I should go AMD now (I also believe they run cooler and this computer is used in an attic turned bedroom that often reaches 90 degrees in the summer). Does this make sense to you guys or is an Intel (probably 630) worth serious consideration? I do like what I read about AMD and their motherboards seem to be cheaper on average.

If this matters, i'll be getting 2x512mb of ValueSelect, probably an XClio 450Watt (will this be enough in the future for an X2, probably like 4200), and a fairly low end video card like an x700 or something comparable. Any advice much appreciated, thanks all

STeve

[blue60007]

That sounds good so far. Should be MUCH better than what you've got now.

[jfk]

If you see yourself playing BF2 down the road, even casually, I would upgrade the video card to a 6800SE or X800XL, just to be able to play the game at decent settings. Other than that, I can't argue with the build. Good luck.

[Louds3]

yea, only thing is 6800SE or X800XL is definitely out of my price range. for that price i'd rather just buy playstation 2 and a few games and keep the games off my computer. i am gonna buy a video card under 100 bucks for sure and see if i can play what i want (fifa, tiger woods, cod). if i get really into computer gaming i could always sell that card and get a nicer one, but i see a lot of people saying they have x700's or 6600's that play new games pretty well. i'll take my chances.

any other thoughts on my original posting?

thanks
Steve

[MakeYourslf2012]

a 6600 is a good choice for a budget build, I have been able to handle the lastest games on med. settings - no problem.

I do suggest the Asus A8N-E - it's a great board and you can't go wrong with Asus.