Help, I waited to long.

[jkohm]

I finalized my plans about six weeks ago but didn't get around to ordering the parts. Now they seem obsolete.

The P35, DDR2 ASUS P5K PREMIUM/WIFI-AP Motherboard Should be replaced. Any suggestions for a comparable DDR2, X48, P45 or x38 ASUS or Gigabyte board. The WIFI is not important.

Also I settled on the DIAMOND Viper Radeon HD 3870 512MB GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready but suspect I'd be better served with a hd4850 or 4870 board. I chose the Diamond because it had VIVO. Any suggestions on a 4850 or 70 board?

I have:
Antec 900 case and 650w True Power Trio PS mod TP3-650
2 - WD Caviar SE16 sata300 500gb HDs
I'll be ordering a Q9450 CPU with 4-8 gig DDR2 memory, a Samsung SH-S203N DVD and Vista 64bit.

My system will be a multitasking unit. My needs in order of priority are:
1. Converting, editing, rendering 35 years of photos (slide, print, digital) and video (film, VHS, various camera formats including some HD) and creating DVDs for my grandkids.
2. Media Center stuff including using a large 1080p TV, streaming video and music.
3. Gaming. I don't do much but would spend a little more to have a more capable system.
4. Surfing, and general purpose work (word processing, spreadsheets, scanning) while doing 1 and 2 above.

I'm not limited by a budget but not interested in wasting $. If spending a little more will provide a noticeable improvement I'll do it. Also I want this system to be upgradeable.

Thanks, I promise I'll order soon.

[Serpentarius]

so you're going for a HTPC ...
if you're not limited by budget ... get a nicer HTPC casing ... zalman or silverstone types

i still researching bout HTPC ... for multi-stuffs .. u might need an AV receiver for speakers/amp etc (the comp hardware doesnt have many choices bout analog output)
that's my piece .. the rest have to wait others to reply

[jkohm]

Ive decided to go with the ASUS Combo P45 P5Q-Pro MB and ASUS Radeon HD 4850 EAH4850/HTDI/512M Video Card from newegg.

Is there a better choice of memory than

OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR800C44GK - Retail

or $20 more

CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX - Retail

[Jamestuk]

I'd definately go for more hard drive space than 500Gb. I have almost filled 500Gb with music and a few movies, there would definately not be room for 35 years worth of photo and video on top of that. I'd go for at least a Tb to start off with.

Look into some quiet fans if its gonna be for HTPC use, whislt watching movies your not going to want a jet taking off all through your film.

If you're not limited by $ find a nice media centre case, unles your not at all bothered by looks.

Go for one of the new ATI cards.

Did you mention a PSU? Corsair 620W is very good and quiet too.

With 8 Gig of memory plus 500 more in the Graphics make sure whatever operating system you choose will recognise it all or it will be a waste.

You will obviously need an AV receiver and speakers. I'd budget at least £500 if you want surround sound, but you might already have stuff, not sure.

[Jamestuk]

Unless you're overclocking the brand of RAM doesn't really matter.