1 - I want micro ATX, I know it's expensive =)

2 - oops, thought that was low

3 - Windows XP Home, haven't added it

4 - Would it fit my needs though?

5 - I'm new I won't try to overclock on my first one

LIAN LI PC-V300B Black Aluminum MicroATX Desktop Computer Case - Retail   $110

Intel BOXD946GZISSL LGA 775 Intel 946GZ Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail$86

XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail   $150

Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz LGA 775 Processor Model $115

2 Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G - Retail  $68

LINKSKEY LKA-CR15B 19-in-1 USB 2.0 Black Card Reader/Writer - Retail  $13

SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model SH-S182D/BEBE - OEM  $33

TOTAL $534 without Monitor, PSU, other accessories

Used for: Adobe Creative Suite 2, CS Source, Starcraft 2

I might be willing to spend $75 more on everything--what would you guys recommend?

Upgrade CPU a bit and memory to 800 mhz, or upgrade vid card a little bit??

Would doing both give me a huge performance boost FOR WHAT I WANT TO DO, or not really?

Any PSU wattage/Monitor advice for this build?

For a Monitor I'm looking 20-22" widescreen no more than $300...

Thanks!

That type of game screams for better graphics..CHRIS_K_UK

Actually, it screams for more immersive controls - oh wait it has them!!!

[QUOTE="lazzordude"][QUOTE="AHUGECAT"]Rather embarassing. The NES and SNES were great - tons of third party games (Mega Man, Final Fantasy, Contra, Castlevania, etc. etc.), the best first party games (Super Metroid, Super Mario World, ALTTP, etc. etc.) and didn't rely on a gimmick to sell the system (although the NES had a few gimmicks), but instead relied on good games.AHUGECAT

It's selling so well because of the gimmick - while the Xbox 360 sells based on good games, Nintendo puts a poorly put together system with a primitive gyration controller and sells it for $250 (their most expensive console ever).

Wait, you praise the 360, and call the Wii a poorly put together system in the same paragraph?  Well....we are in system wars...

I don't want to spend much more, but maybe up to $600, not including monitor and cheaper accessories.

Mainly I want a comp that will last a while, all I need it for is Creative Suite 2, CS Source (never played it) and SC2.

Thanks!

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/MySavedWishDetail.asp?ID=4924891

I doubt you will save much money on a mobo w/o Integrated Video. Besides, adding a discrete graphics card usually makes the onboard go away, if you enable it in BIOS. RAM problem fixed.frost_mourne13

Exactly what I was wondering, thank you very much! 

I haven't looked that hard but I've never seen one.Random__Guy

Would an integrated card detract from a card I installed myself, in memory or overall performance?