mmarsh

CPU

The biggest decision is here. Do you want to go the INTEL or the AMD route. This not only determines the processor but the Video card (Crossfire/SLi) choices as well.

Right now the Intel Conroe's are the best bang for buck. They are cheaper and much faster. For example I just bought 3 weeks ago a Intel E6600 (cost 280€) which has the same performace as the FX-62 (900€). They are also awesome for overclocking. For example, with a good cooler you can buy a E6300 (1.8 Ghz) at overclock the sucker to 3.0Ghz! A E6300 will cost you €150.

I am not an Intel fanboy. I prefer AMD, but the numbers don't lie. The Intel is the MUCH better bargain at the moment. However AMD will be launching their 4x4 chip this year, will they take back the crown? Time will tell. Why buy a AMD based system that costs more and is much slower? There is just no reason to do so. Intel is unbeatable.

MOTHERBOARD

For a Motherboard get any 975x or the 965x from either ASUS (P5B for example) or DFI UNLESS you want SLi in which case you must get one of the Nvidia i680 boards. YOU'LL NEED TO DECIDE IF YOU WANT SLI. I use the ASUS P5N32-E SLi. Most of these boards are good though none are fantastic. The intel chipsets over clock MUCH better.

If you must buy AMD get the Nvidia 590i or 570i, the 590i overclocks much better. DFi is my personal choice. MSI is good but I prefer ASUS or DFi, just a habit I guess.

RAM

In either Conroe or AMD you need DDR2 (DDR3 is soon)

The fastest your motherboard can take. PC-800 is typical and it overclocks well. Make sure you get a name brand (Corsair, Crucial; OCZ). I am using Corsair series because its optimized for SLi. If you do use Sli make sure the chip say so. Also make sure you buy them in pairs, not individually. Each pair is tested with the other and you'll get optimal performance. The extra cost is minor.

Video Card

Same as CPU. If you go Conroe get Nvidia if you choose AMD get ATi. Since the AMD-ATI merger I wouldn't recommend Intel users getting ATI and visa-versa. Intel has already said they WON'T be supporting Crossfire. AMD will likewise no longer support anything Nvidia related...

The 8800GTS is a nice card. The brand isn't that important IMHO. With video cards, The cards themselves are almost identical in terms of performance (unless its a "special" meaning overclocked at the factory). They differ on features I would get the one that offers the most features (video-in, dual monitor support, extra games or software) whichever is the cheapest. Gainward, BFG, ASUS, are good names

Soundcard

I just bought the X-fi Fatal1ty. The only advantage this card has is that it has the X-RAM. This is a extra 64mb of audio RAM. Most games don't support it (yet, but hopefully soon). But those that do like BF2142 you can tell the difference. Be aware that not all the X-FI cards have the X-RAM. In fact it may just be the Fatali1y (perhaps Premium as well, I'll have to check that).

Keep in mind that that the X-FI has certain compatibility problems with certain motherboards (cracking and popping noise). I had no issues, but Buyer beware.

Also if you want to do music editing go by a Turtle Beach or Terranec. Professional audio is not Creative's strength.

PSU+Case

Make sure you get a good case. Lian-li, Antec, Coolermaster or Enermax. Cheap cases can cause serious problems. I once wreaked a rather expensive computer because the POS case I bought became polarized (the metal carried a charge which fried the motherboard). Since then I only use Lian-li. Also remember that aluminum is better than plastic for cooling and that its better to have 1-2 large case fans than 3-4 small ones (its quieter).

For the PSU. Only buy a quality PSU. Iusually only get Enermax or Antec although I am about to try a ASUS. For any modern PC you will want at least 450W. Modular PSU is handy if you can afford it.