I have lurking around this site for the last couple of days... so much good info.....that I have a headache
I will be building my 1st system from scratch, and would like to salvage a few parts........i have a dying p4..

I will be using the system, as my all around home work horse/htpc........I live in a apt and do not want separate pcs....so the use would be......Connect to my 42" 1080p lcd for music, movies, surfing, I am not a gamer but would like to be able to play games when friends are over, U know like "need for speed" type stuff just 4 entertainment(and l might want to explore some gaming)........ as I do not want to spend the cash on a PS3 or 360(am I thinking in the right direction?). I want something decent, preferably under $1k. Also in the future cant I just build a separate htpc on a mATX board, with basic stuff, and keep all the files/storage on my case below(move it in my room) and just network the two things?

This is what I already have, and would like to use?
Antec SOHO Fileserver case (I dont care about the looks right now, its kinda big...but ok for now)
Antec TP550W PS
Audigy Platinum ZS 7.1 Sound Card
PVR 150, and also a Pinnacle HD tv tuner card
IDE sony dl-rw optical drive
Couple of IDE 40--60 GB hds
The cheap creative 7.1 speakers...

What should I be ordering from newegg

Intel c2d(e400 for $125, or e6550 for $170)
What kind of MB (this is what I am most confused about)
2 or 4GB DDR2 Memory, which kind?
Graphics Card?
What about the blyray/hd combo LG GGC-H20L drive for $270, or should I just wait for the writable ones?
SATA HD, which one? (should I think about raid?), should I get multiple for OS, Music/Movies, and recording shows

Your help is appreciated?, looking for something to do the job, but I can be patient to upgrade after a basic setup

If you need firewire, e.g., for a camcorder, this ASUS would be good and if you don't need firewire, the Gigabyte would work
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6813131180
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6813128059

For the price difference I'd go with the e6750 CPU. For what you want to do, I'd start with 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 RAM. I like Crucial but have ADATA as well. I think 2 hdd are always a good idea, a smaller one for OS/programs and the second for storage. If you're storing video, get as big as you can afford, at least 350GB and 500GB if it fits your budget. Something like this video card would work.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127286

As for that DVD player, it's an awful of money when you consider you can get a good DVD burner, e.g., Samsung, for $30. I'd want to hook it all up and make sure it worked and that drive would work before investing the money. As for networking computers you just need a wireless router, $40 to $50 and a wireless card for one of the PCs, the other one would be hardwired.

Thanks, I have been saving my wish list on newegg....

ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail...$150 w rbt

POWERCOLOR X1950PRO512MBAC Radeon X1950PRO 512MB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express x16 CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail...$140 rbt

Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G6400LLK - Retail........$38 with rbt

SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM......$100....or a hitachi is the same $$

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail....$22, would it e a good idea?

Now for the processor, considering that 6750 is $190, I can afford to just get the Q6600........