Need help buying mobo/ram/CPU upgrade

[london_prophet]

Current Specs Below (minus Mobo/Ram/CPU)

This system is for gaming and encoding DVD's (I like to have my collection on my comp). I won't overclock initially, but it might be nice to have a little leeway for future overclocks. Can you make suggestions, especially for memory and Mobo.

I'm looking for:
CPU - Core2Duo, 6400 or 6600, not sure which
Mobo - Something that will work with present components, something not too pricey, but not too crap.
RAM - I know NOTHING about RAM, my Corsair VS is failing on me at the moment, I'd like to get something which is good (not great, just good) and a decent price.

Also, I'm looking at buying another HDD, is the Western Digital 300GB SataII drive alright for the price?

Feel free to link to websites, but since I'm British ultimately I'll be buying the parts of British websites (Scan.co.uk, ebuyer.com, novatech.co.uk, overclockers.co.uk)

Ok, what I'll have left overto be fitted in:
- Case (4 fans, front USB)
- Tagan (TG480-U01) PSU

- ATI Radeon x1900xtx (PCI-e)

- Creative X-fi soundcard (PCI)
- Belkin wireless card (PCI)
- USB Hub (4 x USB) (PCI) <- If a good mobo only has 2 PCI slots I'll get rid of this and use a little plug in USB hub

- 2 x DVD-RW drive (I do a lot of burning, two is helpful)
- Western Digital 250GB SATAII HDD
- Western Digital 160GB IDE HDD (I will change this for a SATAII if the mobo doesn't have two IDE slots)

USB Devices:
- Intellimouse
- Saitek Gamers Keyboard
- Camera cradle
- Printer
- Gaming Controller

19" and 17" Iiyama Monitors

Cheers in advance

 

[london_prophet]

anybody ?

 

[Flewis]

Yes, you definitely want a C2D system, probably the 6400(or even 6300) and if you overclock you will easily exceed the 6600 speed. Dont worry about the difference in cache size, it doesnt make a huge difference to performance.

For the mobo, most people seem to get good results combining the gigabyte DS-3 with C2D procs. Its a good overclocking mobo and you'll get a decent overclock. Look for the Intel 965 chipset for good features for a good price.

You will need at least PC5400 667MHZ RAM with 4-4-4-12 timings or preferentially PC6400 800MHz with 5-5-5-15 or 4-4-4-12 timings. The brand doesnt make a huge amount of difference, just avoid and budget or value RAM. Corsair, Crucial and OCZ all make good RAM.

I think you will have no compatibility problems with ur current parts.