I need suggestions for a new CPU, MOBO, RAM

I have finally decided to upgrade my computer since its starting to show its age. I need a new CPU, mainboard, and better RAM.

My current PC specs are:
Enermax 535W PSU
Intel P4 2.0 GHz, socket 478
Gigabyte GA-8IEX MOBO
2x512MB Kingston PC2100 DDR SDRAM
6x HDD's, various sizes, all IDE
Promise Ultra TX133 PCI controller card for the HDDs
Soundblaster live 5.1
MSI 128MB 6600GT vid card, AGP
netgear wireless card
Lian Li PC-60 case

I would like to spend about $150-175 each on the processor, mainboard, and RAM (so $450-525 total), and it is VERY important that I get a processor that runs cool, as my computer already runs a bit warm and I don't want to add much more heat to it.

I am thinking of switching to an AMD processor, but I truly am clueless about mobos and CPUs, so I need major help. Is socket 939 any good, and does it run cool? I would also like a MOBO that has at least 3x PCI slots, 2x PCI-E, 1x AGP, and built-in RAID. I have no idea what type of RAM to get either, but I would like 2x512MB peferrably. Anything is better than my PC2100 for now.

Any suggestions on what I should purchase are very welcome. I really have no idea where to start ;_;

Thanks for your help.

If you're planning to go for AMD, socket 939 is definately the way to go - it's the 'mainstream' socket for current AMD stuff. Processor-wise, look for an Athlon 64 with the Venice core - they're good value for money, run much cooler than the faster P4 and earlier Athlon 64s, support HyperTransport and SSE3. If you're feeling especially flash the San Diego core Athlon 64 is the same, but with higher potential clock speeds and double the L2 cache (though I doubt you'll find a San Diego Athlon 64 within your budget). Considering you're moving from a 2.0GHz P4 you probably won't spot much of a difference in heat production when it's running full-pelt, so budget for a good CPU fansink (one of Zalman's low-noise fansinks should fit the bill nicely).

Now, motherboards. The Asus K8T800PR fits your bill at the lower end of the price scale (even down to the build-in RAID, though I should warn that the vast majority of desktop board RAID systems are rather lacking, but that's your choice). If you want to spend a little more, the Gigabyte GA-K8NSNXP-939 is suitable too.

For RAM, in all cases you'll be looking for PC3200 (400MHz) DDR. Some Kingston or Corsair memory will fit well within your budget, which should still leave you change from $100 for two 512Mb sticks. Or you could spend a little more on the 'performance' memory like Crucial if you feel like it.

>>2
Thanks for you help, but are there any motherboards besides those two that have built-in RAID, 1x AGP 8x/4x, at least 3 regular PCI slots, and also has at least one slot for PCI Express x16? Those motherboards don't support PCI Express x16.

I tried newegg.com and came up with nothing >.<

Why worry about 16X?

>>1
several months ago i put together a dual opteron system for about 500 dollars. that is without video card. you can have a leet system for the money you want to spend.

Man, Lian Li cases are expensive as hell, go with somthing more reasonably priced so you can use that money on conpoents.

>>6
I am going to keep my current Lian Li case, I just am going to replace my mobo, cpu and ram

>>5
please, do explain =)