I am planning on building a new system but the confusion from so many variables in choosing the hardware got me very confused.Intel processorsP4 530 3.0GHZ 775-PIN 1MB.........$180P4 540 3.2GHZ 775-PIN 1MB.........$220P4 550 3.4GHZ 775-PIN 1MB.........$280P4 560 3.6GHZ.....................????Somebody told me that the 775-PIN is for celerons?Is 3.6GHZ the fastest available Intel processor?MemoryI am planning to use 2gig (2pieces)what to get?? the fastest??MotherboardI used Abit in the past and I am using Abit now with P4 2.0GHZHappy with Abit, but welcome any recommendation.I use the built-in sound ports - I did not bother with an additionalSound card.Graphics cardI decided to get a PCI Express.....I am waiting to see if ATIwill come up with an all-in-wonder card (soon?)Would appreciate any help.Thanks.Abe

P5 3.6GHZ - $425.00, fastest intel? Yes, Fastest processor? not by a long shot, the Athlon 64 FX-55 is by far faster.Celeron is 478 pin.Memory - PC2 5400 Go with 4 sticks of 512MB to take full advantage of the dual channel. $150.00 a stick (1GB sticks run much too hot IMHO)Motherboard for the Pentium - Asus P5AD2 Premium $226.00 (Overkill to be sure but you asked about the best.)

I would scrap Intel and go A64 really.Not necessarily the FX 55 though far to much money.Be careful about getting 4 sticks of RAM. Make sure your mainboard can handle it. Also do you really need 2 gig of RAM? What are you going to use your computer for? You could start up with 1 gig and get one gig more if you need it later on.

Thanks for replying guys.The reason I choose Intel is because I do lots of video capturing and burn lots of DVD'S. I've been using Intel all along with great results. I am afraid to use AMD which has a lesser impact on video. Unless you guys can convince me, I better stick with Intel.I also use a complete SCSI system. But I am planning to mix SCSI with SATA drives when I feel comfortable and know how to do that.I also need more information about memory......2700? 3200....which one?Appreciate your help.Thanks again.Abe

Yeah for divx encoding and such Intel is quite strong :).3200 memory is rated for 200 Mhz x 2 for DDR memory. 2700 is 166x2.

Hi Abe;Re the memory the 3200 would proly be the cheapest right now and wilwill work with pretty nearly any lower bus speed.DN