After talking to a few people I decided to change a few things. I'm going with an X38 MB. I was told the only big advantage and reason to get a X48 is for DDR3 support. So I'm getting a little bit better DDR2 ram also. My HDD i'm going to upgrade to a 640gb WD one. And I'm going to go with a 8800 GT for $130 so that'll save me some money.

Any thoughts on my processor? Do you think I'm overpaying for what I'm getting and should just get a Q6600 for a lot less?

Goals: This computer will be used most for my media content and even recording shows. I will also play games on it and want to be able to run the newer ones without a problem

Budget: $1200...This isn't a strict budget. If you can save me some money somewhere that's always great. If I need to spend a little more and it will give me a good performance boost no big deal.

What I Already Have: Mouse, keyboard, OS, Monitor, and Speakers, and DVD Burner

My Choices thus Far (from Newegg):

Case: Antec 900 - $90 (After MIR)

MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Motherboard - $235

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz 12MB L2 Quad-Core - $340

Power: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V - $100

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit - $80

HDD: WD Caviar 500 GB - $90

Video Card: EVGA 01G-P3-N869-AR GeForce 9600 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $215

^^^This were i need the most help. I'm not sure if this is a fine card to use for the money or if i should drop down to an 8 series and get a higher card for the same price.

TOTAL: $1150 < that's after mail-in rebates

You keep your hard drive when you send your 360 in for the RROD. I just sent mine in a week ago and that's what the instructions it came with said.

WHo would send one guy? I would send Master Chief anywhere to do some arse kickin by himself lol...ya i kno what you mean its more realistic when you are fighting with a group of guys and not taking on the whole world by yourself.

I would also like longer and more thought out campaigns. A lot of times, it seems to me, the more time and hard work was put into online play and the campaign was just kinda thrown together without much thought. A game needs great campaign too not just online play.