After doing a lot of research and working a few hours to find what parts give a lot of bang for the buck, I see these as the best builds in my eyes for their money.

Ver. 2.65

Updated 3/15/07
Rev. 3 isn't done yet. Added $1000 Intel Build. Added three $2000 builds. Improved Sub-$500 AMD build. Added Netburst's Last Stand. ToC updated. Dual-Channel Memory section added. M-ATX support for Intel OC build dropped. M-ATX Intel to be assimilated into Intel Stock. M-ATX support for AMD only in builds $500, $750, and $1000 builds (EPoX EP-MGF6100-M is the best M-ATX mobo I can find for OCing.)
GPU section added. GPU suggestions for builds revamped.
Case section completed (added tons of images too... 2kb images, luckily. 56k users, do not beware.)
Cooling Section added.

Also, does anyone know if two Thermaltake Big Typhoon's can fit on the QuadFX mobo?

Table of Contents

AMD's Gaming off the Money in Your Couch (Total: $351.92)
Pros: X2/Agena FX/Kuma/Rana upgrade path, 1GB of RAM, 7600 GS for gaming
Cons: For it's price point... hard to say.

Pentium D 805 OC build ($490.93)
Pros: Decent gamer (X1800GTO), C2D upgrade path.
Cons: Required 100% overclock and still inferior processor to X2 3600 OC build #1.
Netburst's Last Stand ($522.93)
Pros: Better gaming than the other $500 builds. C2D upgrade path. 5ghz+ overclock.
Cons: Single-core. Gets pwned in multi-threaded apps.
X2 3600 OC build ($488.94)
Pros: Possible Agena FX/Kuma/Rana upgrade path in future, superior processor, decent gaming (X1800GTO).

E4300 Core 2 Duo OC build ($755.93)
Pros: Upgrade path to Quad-Core opened. High quality CPU. Solid gaming performance. (X1950Pro)
Cons: Inferior video card and less RAM compared to X2 3600 OC build #2.
X2 3600 OC build #2 ($743.96)
Pros: Superior gaming to the C2D build. 2GB of RAM. Very good gaming (1950XT or 8800 GTS).
Cons: Inferior processor compared to C2D build.

E4300 OC Build #2 ($955.93)
Pros: C2D (E4300/E6600), 8800GTS, quad-core upgrade path
Cons: Slightly inferior gaming compared to X2 3800 OC Build.
X2 3800 OC Build ($1019.94)
Pros: Slightly superior processor performance. 8800GTS 640MB for maximum gaming performance while trying to avoid a bottleneck.
Cons: Far inferior processor compared to Intel.

E6600 GTX Build ($1496.91)
Pros: Possible 3.6ghz C2D. GTX video card is top of the line. Quad-Core upgrade path.
Cons: Not a quad-core... yet.
QuadFX GTS Build ($1527.92)
Pros: ~3ghz Quad-core. 8800 GTS (DX10) still gives solid gaming. Megatasking computer.
Cons: Overall slower processor than Intel build (even though it is quad-core), weaker gaming than the Intel.

Core 2 Duo Practical Build (Total: $1983.89)
Pros: 3 drives in RAID 0, 680i chipset, 4GB of RAM, 500GB storage drive, E6600
Cons: Not a gaming juggernaut like the I's MEGM or Megatasker like the C2Q GTX and QuadFX GTX.
Intel's Most Excellent Gaming Machine (Total: $2011.92)
Pros: 8800GTX SLI. Best gaming period.
Cons: 2GB of RAM, 8800 GTX SLI is a overkill, no RAID 0.
C2Q GTX Build (Total: $2049.92)
Pros: Quad-Core, 8800GTX, best processor of the bunch
Cons: 2GB of RAM
QuadFX GTX Build (Total: $1987.91)
Pros: 8800GTX, possibly 3ghz Quad-Core, 4GB of RAM
Cons: Inferior processor to C2Q

Case Suggestions
Graphic Card Suggestions
Cooling Suggestions
Dual-Channel Kit Memory vs. Two Sticks

Sub-$500 Budget

For those of you with an extreme budget, never fear! Uncle Sanji brings super budget options with upgrade paths!

AMD's Gaming for the Money in Your Couch
Aim: Cheap. Cheap. Cheap.

Anyone have an experience where they go through their couch and find $5? Imagine if you have a REALLY BIG COUCH and it had oh... $355 in it. First thought? Buy a computer!

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$15.99
For build purposes, $15.99 (Rosewill R6422-P) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.

CPU: AMD Sempron 64 3000+ Manila 1.6GHz 256KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819104305
$42.99
Cheap and does the job.

OR

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Orleans 2.0GHz 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103637
$75
Better proc but over $30 more expensive.

Mobo: BIOSTAR GEFORCE 6100 AM2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX RoHs compliant AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813138029
$62.99
Nice overclocker and cheap.

RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$65
When you upgrade to something bigger, this RAM'll help.

GPU: EVGA 256-P2-N541-T2 GeForce 7600GS 256MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card
$69.99 after MIR
Cheap video card with a little bit of bite.

HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$42.99
Reasonable sized HD.

DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.

PSU: COOLMAX CA-400 ATX v2.01 400W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817159043
$19.99
Although cheap, it gets the job done.

CPU Cooling: ASUS K8A1-8SB3 80mm CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835101004
$7.99
Although cheap, gets the job done.

Total: $351.92

$500 Budget

Who says you can't have a good gaming computer for $500? Uncle Sanji says that $500 is enough to play with the big boys... if you overclock. Who says that a 3.8ghz Dual Core or an X2 with speeds of an FX-62 arn't awesome?!

Intel
Aim: Cheap entry level stuff with upgradablility.

This Intel build is based upon the Pentium D 805's massive OC potential. With the nice air cooling it has, it should be able to reach the Extreme Edition speeds of the Pentium Ds. The X1800GTO was my video card choice. For the price, it cannot be beat. The 7600GT is a decent alternative, but the X1800 still wins my vote. The biggest pro of this build is the fact that Conroe is an upgrade path.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$15.99
For build purposes, $15.99 (Rosewill R6422-P) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: Pentium D 805 OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819116249
$71
Notorious for overclocking and it is a dual core.
Mobo:MSI P965 Platinum LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 813130055R
$71.99
Decent OCing mobo. Upgrade path to C2D opened.
RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$65
Sets the stage for a 3ghz OC with an E4300 upgrade.
GPU: EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $92.99 is assumed.
The X1900GT is Sanji's suggested upgrade. Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99
Reasonable sized HD.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Hiper Type-R 480w
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817128005
$49.99
Solid PSU that can stand the 7600GT and a CPU eating 200w of power.
CPU Cooling: Scythe SCNJ-1100P 120mm CPU Cooling Fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185038
$39.99

Total: $490.93

Netburst's Last Stand (M-ATX)
Aim: Gaming performance and single threaded destruction.

Once upon a time, there were two research groups. One was dedicated to laptop processors. The other was dedicated to improving Netburst. One group went on to create Pentium M, which evolved into the monster that is Core 2. The other created the Pentium 4, which became a deadend. The Pentium 4 refuses to die and with this 5ghz monster, it intends to show its worth!

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$15.99
For build purposes, $15.99 (Rosewill R6422-P) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 641 Cedar Mill 3.2GHz LGA 775 EM64T Processor Model BX80552641 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819116003
$75
People have hit 5.4ghz with a Thermaltake Big Typhoon. People have hit 4.5ghz with stock cooler. This'll destroy the Pentium D 805 when it comes to single threaded applications!
Mobo:BIOSTAR P4M890-M7 PCI-E LGA 775 VIA P4M890 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813138043
$47.99
C2D upgrade path? Able to go beyond 333 fsb? Micro-ATX? I'll take it!
RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$65
Sets the stage for a 3ghz OC with an E4300 upgrade and a 5.3ghz overclock with the Pentium 4.
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $144.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99
Reasonable sized HD.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Hiper Type-R 480w
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817128005
$49.99
Solid PSU that can stand the 7600GT and a CPU eating 200w of power. Will it fit? That is the question.
CPU Cooling: Scythe SCNJ-1100P 120mm CPU Cooling Fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185038
$39.99

Total: $506.94

AMD
Aim: Super performance to price ratio.

AMD has been slashing prices faster than Jack the Ripper can slash people. Their attempts to match Intel when it comes to prices has given them a definite edge. This build really surprised me. Once again, I chose the X1800GTO for my video card. Gaming at it's finest.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$15.99
For build purposes, $15.99 (Rosewill R6422-P) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU Mobo combo: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Brisbane 1.9GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADO3600IAA5DL - OEM
BIOSTAR TFORCE 550 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 550 MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] d=0&Page=1
$149.99
B_A_R_G_A_I_N. This thing boasts EXCELLENT performance for the price. It overclocks well too. X2 5000+ speeds wouldn't surprise me! Hell, people have reached 3ghz with this combo. That fights back against the Conroes! Speed-wise you could hit roughly an E6500 or an X2 5900+, but it will be hard to reach.
On a good chip, I'd estimate 2.8-3ghz stable.
RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$65
Same amount of RAM.
GPU: EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $92.99 is assumed.
The X1900GT is Sanji's suggested upgrade. Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99
Reasonable sized HD.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Hiper Type-R 480w
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817128005
$49.99
This PSU should be able to get the job done.
CPU Cooling: Thermaltake Big Typhoon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835106061
$46.99
Top-notch air cooling. Great for overclocking.
Total: $488.94

Conclusion
AMD wins hands down here. For the Intel system to even attempt to catch up it has to be upgraded to the E4300, whereas it beats the snot out of the AMD system. The caveat is that the E4300 is $100 more expensive! It isn't fair to compare a $600 system to a $500 one! To top it off, I had to use an open box special to hit the right price!

The Intel system, however, really shines due to its ability to upgrade. With an E4300 in it, it can crank out 3ghz of a C2D core. This blows away the 2.9ghz on the X2. The Intel gives superior upgrade paths, thanks to the Conroe or Allendale.

We could, however, say a similar thing for the AMD. Barcelona is just around the corner and when the desktop variations come out they can operate in AM2 slot motherboards. Of course, nothing is assured here yet, but we could see upgrade paths open for the AMD too.

What about the single-core machine? At 5ghz, it might even top the mighty AMD OC machine in single threaded apps! Unfortunately, it'll get killed in multi-threaded, but it has a saving grace. The X1950PRO! This thing'll game better than the other $500, I'd estimate. It may not have a quad-core upgrade path, but C2D is fine.

$750 Budget

$750 is enough to game well. Intel throws down a 3ghz+ Core 2 Duo to the table while AMD can boast an 8800 GTS. That's right. $750. This is $750 spent at its best.

E4300 OC Build #1
Aim: Strong gaming performance. Super fast processor.

This Intel build is based upon the E4300 and its ability have a cheap overclock. The processor, video card, cooling, and mobo all see upgrades. In XP, this thing should get good gaming performance. Now, if you wanted to, you could use a cheaper case and a cheaper mobo or video card and get 2GB of RAM. Either way, this should be solid for gaming.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: E4300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115013
$169
Another notorious overclocker. This thing can bring out great speeds.
Mobo:GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128017
$107.99
Proven overclocker. Great stuff, upgrade path to Quad-Core.
RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$65
Sets the stage for a 3ghz OC with an E4300.
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $144.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99
Reasonable sized HD.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Antec True Power Trio TP3-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TÜV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371002
$99.99
Great PSU for the price.
CPU Cooling: Scythe SCNJ-1100P 120mm CPU Cooling Fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185038
$39.99
Total: $755.93

X2 3600 Build #2
Aim: Beating the Intel at gaming, rather than applications.

Here comes a surprising note... My choice for the $750 AMD is... the 3600 AGAIN?! I hear people shouting, "Bull!" and, "Intel luver!" already. Here comes the sad truth. The X2 3800 doesn't seem to have the OC headroom that the X2 3600 does. Clock for clock, the 3800 performance 3-5% superior. You can go 3800 or 3600, but I feel the performance may be very similar.

There is another split in this build with the video card. The X1950XT allows for some RAID 0 HD action to improve performance (just needed something to do with the extra $70.) The 8800 GTS goes slightly overbudget by $30 but gives FAR superior performance in gaming. Make your decision.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU Mobo combo: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Brisbane 1.9GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADO3600IAA5DL - OEM
BIOSTAR TFORCE 550 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 550 MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] d=0&Page=1
$149.99
Returning from the $500 build. This is a great price for performance chip. On a good chip, I'd estimate 2.8-3ghz stable.

OR

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2.0GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103735
$109
You can use the X2 3800+ if you so please.

RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$130
2GB of RAM.
GPU: HIS Hightech H195XTQT256DVN-R Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 IceQ3 Turbo HDCP VIVO Video Card - Retail is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $199.99 is assumed.
The 8800GTS 320MB is Sanji's suggested upgrade. Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$105.98
For absolute performance, you can run them in RAID 0.

OR

HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99
8800 GTS build needs this to bring it within budget.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Antec True Power Trio TP3-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TÜV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371002
$99.99
Great PSU for the price.
CPU Cooling: Thermaltake Big Typhoon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835106061
$46.99
Top-notch air cooling. Great for overclocking.
Total: $743.64 (1950XT & RAID 0 build)
$780.94 (8800 GTS build)

Conclusion
Who wins? This one is entirely up to you.

Intel boasts a superior processor. AMD would have to bring a 3375mhz X2 to match it in speed, practically. The problem is that AMD can just reuse the X2 3600 again and hit a 2.8-3ghz speed (that is between E6400 and E6600 speeds at stock, mind you) and throw a much more expensive video card into the mix. Then bring the fact that AMD boasts 2GB of RAM to Intel's 1. Sure, Intel could run on the cheap and cut some prices off some other components to match that, but so can AMD.

Let's not forget that Intel can bring a quad-core upgrade out of its hat.
Then again, let's not forget that the Barcelona core will be able to run on AM2 socket mobos.

AMD boasts far better gaming. Intel boasts far better outside gaming options. It is a toss up.

$1000 Budget

E4300 OC Build #2
Aim: Strong gaming performance. Super fast processor.

This Intel build is based upon the E4300 and its ability have a cheap overclock. It is merely an upgraded version of the last build.

Why the E4300 again and not the E6300/E6400/E6600? The E6400 and E6300 hvae become Allendale's, and their OC has been impaired. The E6600 is available if you use the X1950Pro instead of the 8800GTS.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: E4300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115013
$169
Another notorious overclocker. This thing can bring out great speeds.

OR

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115003
$313
One of the best C2D overclockers with a whole 4MB of cache.

Mobo:GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128012
$117.99
Proven overclocker. Great stuff, upgrade path to Quad-Core. The D stands for durable.
RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$130
Sets the stage for a 3ghz OC with an E4300/E6600.

OR

RAM: Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model PSD21G8002 (x2) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220088
$149.98
Sets the stage for a 3.6ghz+ overclock with E6600. Memory overclocks decently.

GPU: EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $269.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.

SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retailis the suggested GPU for a E6600 build. The price $144.99 is current.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.

HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99
Reasonable sized HD.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Antec True Power Trio TP3-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TÜV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371002
$99.99
Great PSU for the price.
CPU Cooling: Scythe SCNJ-1100P 120mm CPU Cooling Fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185038
$39.99
Total: $955.93

X2 3800 OC Build #1
Aim: Gaming > Everything Else! Go for broke!

With this AMD build, we see the emergence of the X2 3800. If it can hit 2.9ghz, it'll be a small improvement. If it hits 2.8ghz, it'll be roughly the performance of a X2 3600 at 2.94ghz.

I must admit, this is less than I expected. The GTX is a nice touch, but it still doesn't seem that much due to the processor. This is a cross-roads between QuadFX and X2.

This build is for if you REALLY want a GTX in this price range. Nothing else.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2.0GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103735
$109
Switch to X2 3800 due to extra cache. It'll improve performance ever so slightly. If you can
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-M59SLI-S5 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128011
Great OC mobo, SLI possibility, and other good features.
RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$130
2GB of RAM for solid performance.
GPU: EVGA 640-P2-N825-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB SUPERCLOCKED is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $379.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards. An upgrade to the 8800GTX is not recommended.
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822144415
$52.99
Well, this'll be upgraded next build...
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TUV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371001
$109.99
Improved CPU to take the larger loads.
CPU Cooling: Thermaltake Big Typhoon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835106061
$46.99
Top-notch air cooling. Great for overclocking.
Total: $1019.94

$1500 Budget

This is where you can get top-notch performance for every area. Here we see the emergence of quad-core builds and super fast Core 2 Duos. Once again, the final conclusion is subjective. Let's see what you can get for 1.5k.

E6600 C2D GTX Build
Aim: Excellent gaming performance with a very powerful CPU.

This is an extremely powerful computer. It has a CPU that has an outside shot at 3.6ghz with air cooling. It has the best GPU out there. It has 2 hard drives in RAID 0. It has RAM that has hit 1ghz in some cases. This is an excellent and VERY powerful build.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115003
$313
One of the best C2D overclockers with a whole 4MB of cache.
Mobo:GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128012
$122.99
Proven overclocker. Great stuff, upgrade path to Quad-Core. The D stands for durable.
RAM: Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model PSD21G8002 (x2) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220088
$149.98
Sets the stage for a 3.6ghz+ overclock. Memory overclocks decently.
GPU: EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $529.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (x2) - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148142
$149.98
RAID 0 for maximum performance.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TUV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371001
$129.99
This'll power the GTX and a solid OC.
CPU Cooling: (variable, check Intel Cooler.)
For build purposes, $40 (Scythe SCNJ-1100P) will be assumed. Price may vary based upon cooler.
Total: $1496.91

QuadFX GTS Build
Aim: Quad-Core with Good Gaming at a Good Price-Point!

This behemoth manages a possible 3ghz quad-core. It has an 8800GTS, which is still a great video card. This rig has the potential for a 8800GTS SLI. Upgrades should be plentiful in the future! The Barcelona processor is socket-compatible with Socket F. Now, since the Opteron 2210's worked on the QuadFX mobo, is there a possibility that Barcelona may too? Possible octa-core upgrade!

Large case with good cooling HIGHLY recommended.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: AMD Opteron 2210 Santa Rosa 1.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket F Dual Core Processor - OEM (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819105030
$358
Try to overclock these babies to around 3ghz.
Mobo: ASUS L1N64-SLI WS Dual Socket L (Socket 1207FX) NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP SSI CEB AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131146
$349.99
QuadFX. Nice OC.
RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$130
2GB of RAM is enough for this price point. This RAM speed is sufficient for hitting 3ghz on those Opterons.
GPU: EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $269.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148142
$69.99
Solid 250GB HD..
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: SILVERSTONE SST-ST75ZF ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V 750W SLI Certified Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256006
$179.99
QuadFX + 8800GTS + Overclock == Need big power supply
CPU Cooling: Thermaltake Big Typhoon (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835106061
$93.98
I have NO IDEA if this will fit on the mobo, currently. Can anyone confirm?
Total: $1527.92

Conclusion

Intel's Core 2 Duo beats the AMD in clock rate and architecture. For most tasks, it'll be a faster bet. With a speed of 3.6ghz, it is faster than any current processor out at stock. To top it off, it has a GTX and a 1333 fsb C2D/Quad-Core upgrade path!

AMD's QuadFX, however, boasts a quad-core for megatasking. The GTS may not stand up the GTX, but is no gaming slouch. The QuadFX should be able to burn a DVD, play a game, write a report, run bloatware firewall and anti-virus, watch a movie, etc etc, all at the same time without skipping a beat. That is the beauty of quad-core. It can run practically everything without lag. If all goes well, Barcelona may run on this as well, meaning a possible octa-core upgrade.

Which means more to you? Multi-tasking performance or gaming performance? Both systems have reasons to use them.

$2000 Budget

Core 2 Duo Practical Build
Aim: Most performance and practicality from a dual-core build

This build has a few pluses. 4GB of RAM, 8800GTX, 680i chipset, 3 drives in RAID 0, a storage drive, quad-core upgrade path, and a 8800GTX SLI upgrade path. This is trying to pump every last bit of performance out of a dual-core system.

There is no 8800GTX SLI because, quite frankly, it is useless. Right now there is almost no need for an SLI unless you want a bigger e-penis. The fact that you can upgrade later when the 8800GTX's prices drop down for SLI is a great thing.

Another thing is the 3 drives in RAID 0. It has some performance gains over 2 drives. The extra storage drive is for the safety.

Right now, does anyone really need more than a 3.6ghz C2D? Unless you're megatasking, I doubt it.

Right now, I can't see what constitutes paying this much on a computer unless you're going quad.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115003
$313
One of the best C2D overclockers with a whole 4GB of cache.
Mobo: ASUS P5N32-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131073
$239.99
Good overclocker and a 680i chipset.
RAM: Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model PSD21G8002 (x4) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220088
$299.96
Sets the stage for a 3.6ghz+ overclock. Memory overclocks decently and has 4GB of it.
GPU: EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $529.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (x3) - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148142
$224.97
RAID 0 for maximum performance. That's right, 3 drives in RAID 0. 4 drives doesn't give the best performance, but this'll do fine.

PLUS

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136073
$129.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
Good drive with 500GB of storage.

DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TUV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371001
$129.99
This'll power the GTX and a solid OC.
CPU Cooling: (variable, check Intel Cooler.)
For build purposes, $40 (Scythe SCNJ-1100P) will be assumed. Price may vary based upon cooler.
Total: $1983.89

Intel's Most Excellent Gaming Machine
Aim: Excellent gaming performance with one of the best CPUs on the market overclocked to monster speeds.

Welcome to the best gaming system in this guide. Here you'll see a GTX SLI and a C2D with the supplies to hit a possible 3.6ghz. Gaming-wise, there is no equal. With its massive clock speed and its undefeatable 8800GTX SLI, you'll see the best I'll be suggesting for gaming.

Quite frankly, this is overkill. One 8800GTX is all you should really need, but I needed somehow to fill out the budget without dropping too far under. I hope the 8800GTX SLI doesn't bottleneck the rest of the system...

4GB of RAM is the upgrade I'd suggest most.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115003
$313
One of the best C2D overclockers with a whole 4GB of cache.
Mobo: ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131142
$129.99
650i chipset, good overclocking, SLI support, Quad-Core upgrade path... this is a great board. Beware of vdroop though.
RAM: Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model PSD21G8002 (x2) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220088
$149.98
Sets the stage for a 3.6ghz+ overclock. Memory overclocks decently and 4GB for gaming performance.
GPU: EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB SLI is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $1059.98 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148142
$74.99
Not RAID 0.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: SILVERSTONE SST-ST75ZF ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V 750W SLI Certified Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256006
$179.99
E6600 OC + 8800GTX SLI = Need big power supply
CPU Cooling: (variable, check Intel Cooler.)
For build purposes, $40 (Scythe SCNJ-1100P) will be assumed. Price may vary based upon cooler.
Total: $2011.92

C2Q GTX Build
Aim: Megatasking and gaming

This build is meant to combat the QuadFX build in the quad-core segment. The main differences are the CPU and the amount of RAM. The CPU in this build is much more powerful, but the QuadFX has 4GB of RAM. This build should also be less noisy than the QuadFX build.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115017
$846
The current cheapest C2Q without jumping the boat to Xeon.
Mobo:GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128017
$117.99
Proven overclocker. Great stuff and it'll run this quad-core. The D is for durable.
RAM: Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model PSD21G8002 (x2) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220088
$149.98
It'll hit the highest OC you can expect on air.
GPU: EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $529.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (x2) - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148142
$149.98
RAID 0 for performance.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: SILVERSTONE SST-ST75ZF ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V 750W SLI Certified Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256006
$179.99
Quad-Core C2Q OC + 8800GTX = Need big power supply
CPU Cooling: (variable, check Intel Cooler.)
For build purposes, $40 (Scythe SCNJ-1100P) will be assumed. Price may vary based upon cooler.
Total: $2049.92

QuadFX Build
Aim: QuadFX coming into play. Still good gaming.

The $2000 alternate. This thing puts more emphesis on CPU power. Unfortunately, a 2.66ghz C2Q destroys it. *shrug* Personally, I like this build better than the 8800GTX SLI but I'll leave it up to you.

The selling point of this build is 1. Quad-core, 2. (If Barcelona works in the QuadFX mobo like these Opteron's do,) Octa-core upgrade path, 3. 8800GTX. It wins. Plain and simple.

Large case with good cooling HIGHLY recommended.

Case: (variable, check Case Selection.)
$45
For build purposes, $45 (Centurion 5) is the assumed price. Price may fluctuate depending on case.
CPU: AMD Opteron 2210 Santa Rosa 1.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket F Dual Core Processor - OEM (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819105030
$358
Overclock these babies to around 3ghz.
Mobo: ASUS L1N64-SLI WS Dual Socket L (Socket 1207FX) NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP SSI CEB AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131146
$349.99
QuadFX. Nice OC.
RAM: Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G (x4)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820134045
$260
4GB of RAM for slightly more gaming performance. If these things can even OC a few mhz it'll be fine for 3ghz.
GPU: EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB is the assumed GPU for this build. The price $529.99 is assumed.
Please see the Graphic Card Suggestions for other suggested cards.
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (x2) - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148142
$149.98
RAID 0 for performance.
DVD: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write E-IDE/ATAPI - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151133
$30.99
DVD burner. Generic.
PSU: SILVERSTONE SST-ST75ZF ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V 750W SLI Certified Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256006
$179.99
QuadFX + 8800GTX + Overclock == Need big power supply
CPU Cooling: Thermaltake Big Typhoon (x2)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835106061
$93.98
I have NO IDEA if this will fit on the mobo, currently. Can anyone confirm?
Total: $1987.91

Cases
Images are from Newegg and are hosted off site to reduce leeching.

POWMAX MM3800 Beige SGCC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
FREE after MIR (ends 3/27/07)

It's free. Enough said.
This is the assumed case for M-ATX sub-$500 builds

Rosewill R6422-P BK Black SGCC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$15.99

Cheap mid-tower case. You may want to consider mounting another fan.
This is the assumed case for $500 builds

RAIDMAX xB ATX-528B Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$19.99

This case has 2 80mm fans.

XION Solaris XON-403 Black with Green LED Light Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$24.99 after MIR (Ends 4/2/07)

Style points and 2 80mm fans.

POWMAX CP0327PL-4 Window Black/Silver SGCC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 400W Power Supply - Retail
$29.99

Style points? You may have to mount another fan. Ditc the PSU, though.

COOLER MASTER RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$29.99 after MIR
Functional case with a 120mm fan.

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$44.99
Functional case with a 120mm fan and an 80mm.

XION Onyx XON-303 Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$44.99 after MIR (ends 4/2/07)
Another stylish case with 3 fans.

Sunbeam AC-HUVB UV Blue (UV reactive) Clear Acrylic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$52.99
No fans. You'll need to mount a few. The selling point? Super aesthetic value. Since the case is UV reactive, when it is dark out this thing will turn heads. Do your research on acrylic cases beforehand, though. They scratch easily.

NZXT Apollo BLACK NP Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$69.99
Stylish case with 2 120mm fans.

Sunbeam Transformer IC-TR-BA Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7641/sunbeamzt9.jpg
$74.99
Nice looking case with 4 fans.

Thermaltake VC3000BWS Black Chassis : 0.8mm SECC Front bezel : Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186 [...] bwshl6.jpg
$85.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
2 120mm fans running at a low rpm so it is almost silent.

LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186 [...] c7bmf9.jpg
$89.99
If you don't want much bling, then Lian-Li has some great cases. This has 2 120mm fans.

XCLIO A380 Silver SECC 1.0mm thickness ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250 [...] 380ts0.jpg
$96.99
Full-tower case AND it looks nice. To top it off, it has 2 250mm fans. Yes, 250mm.

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186 [...] 900gz1.jpg
$109.99 (March Special)
Great cooling, nice look, roomy case. Highly recommended.

NZXT Zero Black/Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261 [...] eroaj8.jpg
$109.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
EIGHT fans that are almost silent. Great cooling, doesn't look so bad either.

Antec Performance One P180 Silver cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250 [...] 180zh1.jpg
$124.99
If you're not into bling, this is another great case.

COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 RC-830-SSN2-GP Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250 [...] llazi7.jpg
$234.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
RUN! IT'S CASEZILLA! MONSTER CASE! Good airflow.

Graphic Card Suggestions

EVGA 256-P2-N541-T2 GeForce 7600GS 256MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
$69.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
At 1024x768, this thing will game decently with older games at max quality (according to the Tom's Hardware VGA Charts). Newer games and more graphic intensive games, however, will drop to below 30 fps.
This is the assumed GPU sub-$500 builds.

EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
$99.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
This card is slightly inferior to the X1800GTO, but it has the nice step-up program from EVGA. Rejoice!
This is the assumed GPU for the $500 AMD and Intel builds.

SAPPHIRE 100189L Radeon X1900GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail
$129.99 after MIR
Slightly overbudget, but a great card. May require lesser overclocked CPU or superior PSU. At 1280x1024, it can make games like "Prey" playable. It averaged 17 fps more in the VGA charts compared to the X1800GTO.

SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
$144.99 after MIR (Ends 3/28/07)
This is a great card for the money. Whereas the X1900GT was hitting 47 in the charts, this one hits 55fps ranking it near the 7900GT and the 7950GT.
This is the assumed GPU for the $750 Intel build.[/b]

SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail
$199.99 after MIR (Ends 3/18/07)
Say hello to a GREAT video card. Super price for performance. This card may not be on the VGA charts, but it gets similar performance to the X1900XT. Given that the X1900XT is $249.99 at it's cheapest, this is a good deal.
This is the assumed GPU for the $750 AMD build.

HIS Hightech H195XTQT256DVN-R Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 IceQ3 Turbo HDCP VIVO Video Card - Retail
$209.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
Say hello to a GREAT video card. Super price for performance. This card may not be on the VGA charts, but it gets similar performance to the X1900XT. Given that the X1900XT is $249.99 at it's cheapest, this is a good deal.

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
$259.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
This is the lower RAM version of the 8800GTS, currently one of the best video cards on the market. In fact, I would rate it third to the 8800GTS 640MB and 8800GTX. For the price, it is a great card and it has DX10.
This is the assumed GPU for the Intel $1000 build and the AMD $1500 build.

EVGA 640-P2-N825-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SUPERCLOCKED HDCP Video Card - Retail
$379.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
This is the higher end version of the 8800GTS. This card is probably the 2nd best on the market, currently. It is very similar to the 8800GTS 320MB with the exception that it has more cache and performs better at the higher resolutions. This version happens to be "superclocked".
This is the assumed GPU for the AMD $1000 build.

EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card
$529.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
The current king of GPUs is the 8800GTX. If it won't run on this, then it most likely isn't going to be a playable game (unless they're assuming you're running an SLI or something). This is the current tippy-top GPU on the market.
This GPU will bottleneck AMD X2 builds.
This is the assumed GPU for the Intel $1500 build, the AMD $2000 build, and the Intel $2000 build.


Air Cooling
Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme
$(Not Released)
Supposedly the best, according to Anandtech. If this thing gets a surprising 5 degrees below the Tuniq then I say we have a new champion! Unfortunately, not released yet, but keep it in mind .

Tuniq Tower
$65
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443 [...] tarey7.png Sanji Pickhttp://img443.imageshack.us/img443 [...] tarey7.png
One of the best air cooler on the market. People have hit some nice overclocks with this. Suggested for builds with good air flow.

Scythe Infinity
$57.99
Best for cases with great front to back airflow. This cools roughly 2-3 degrees celcius below the Ninja. Arguably as good as the Tuniq Tower. Some tests show the Infinity being superior, others show the Tuniq being better, others show them being tied, others show the Ultra-X Cooler beating them all. Hard to tell.

Scythe Ninja
$39.99
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443 [...] tarey7.png Sanji Pickhttp://img443.imageshack.us/img443 [...] tarey7.png
Best for cases with little air flow. Good for quiet builds. Either way, a great hsf. I suggest it, especially for its price point.

Thermalright Ultra 120
$48.99
The general consensus is Tuniq > Infinity > Ninja > Ultra 120. This is still a good cooler though. Lacks a fan, if I remember correctly.

Thermaltake Sonic Tower
$40.94
RUN! IT'S HSFZILLA! Monster. It was made for fanless 0db builds. With good air cooling and a very large fan it can arguably cool as good or better than the big boys above it. Make sure it can even fit though!

Thermaltake Big Typhoon
$46.99
Good cooler. Superior to the Ninja and Infinity when it comes to giant side fans. When you have front to back airflow though, the Scythe's win out.

Noctua NH-U12
$59.95
From the tests I've seen, the Noctua may not be the cooling level of a Scythe, but it still is good.

[url=h

Wow man, thanks for your time and effort for this.

Two thumbs up

No problem. I'm really surprised how much performance $500 grants. I was going to do a $1000 but I realized it would look almost exactly the same except with more RAM, 8800GTS, and/or more HD space and a better PSU.

At around $1250 or $1500 the E6300 or E6400's great OC potential makes them more appealing.

I would like to note that the E4300 when OCed can take advantage of the 8800 GTX a lot better than the X2 3600 can.

After the C2D build can effectively use the GTS, AMD's viability drops. When the C2D build can effectively use the GTX, AMD's viability disappears.

When 4x4 becomes viable for AMD it won't do it any good. Intel will have already thrown in it's QX6700 or Q6600.

Right now, past $1500 or so, there is no reason to really use an AMD unless you're banking that Barcelona is very very awesome even with an AM2 mobo and Intel's latest LGA775 can't compete. That, or you want to use 8800GTX SLI. If Barcelona changes that, I smell lots of price cuts.