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Help selecting components for new Windows system build

I volunteered to build a computer in July for a friend who is heavily into graphics/video editing and uses 4 or 5 programs at a time (like Photoshop, MathCad, Premiere). He wants a Windows XP system, an Intel processor, and an Asus mobo. Must be Vista-ready. (I'd like to say that price is no object, but it certainly is. $1500 tops for everything.)

I've been doing a lot of research, but i thought I'd get the experts' opinions before I order parts.

Intel processor first: Which specific processor do you recommend and why?

Mobo? (I could probably talk him out of Asus, if necessary . . . Me, I would probably go with a ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe mobo--but that's AMD.)

Graphics card (in $150-300 range, to support dual monitors)?

Thanks for all your help--

reckon

ASKER

Since there's really no right answer, I'll spread the points around.

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jamietoner

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Nemesis09

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Visual3DMaya

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Gary Case

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reckon

ASKER

My friend is afraid to buy a new processor--thinks there may be problems. Worth thinking about, though!

Thanks for the suggestions--

Gary Case

... I can understand the reluctance => in which case I would still suggest waiting until the Conroe is released so you can take advantage of the price reductions on the current CPU's.

reckon

ASKER

This is all great advice, and I just talked my friend into waiting.