Trying to build a P4 system at least 3.0 ghz but I need to know a few things

Are there any new big things that are coming out that are going to outdate this? When I got my last desktop it was right when the P4's came out (1.6 ghz). So should I get one now or wait for the new stuff to get cheaper. I can live with the 1.6 but its getting harder and harder having multiple programs open since they are eating more and more cpu power.

 

1. I am going to sit it next to my current computer. How can I use one keyboard and mouse for both? Would Remote Desktop be best? I am going to be running my server on my old computer which right now has around 700 gigs or storage for my DVD's, Music, and other stuff. So I want to be able to monitor it without much effort.

2. I am going to be playing Computer games with you punks so whats a good card...I will probably read the other post questioning this (I want a good card but not too expensive)

3. I am going to try and keep this under $500 (I have an OS, I have keyboards, hard drive, mice, etc so all I need is a case, MoBo, Processor(preferrably already on the MoBo), and a graphics card.

So where do you think I should go to get it the cheapest.


This is what I need and I need it under 500 is that possible and is this a good enough gaming system for todays games? Or is there a new generation of PC games coming out that this system couldn't handle?
Gaming Computer Specs:
3.0 ghz P4HT
MoBo
Case
Graphics card

 

Is this a good monitor?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...ab=11&NoMapp=0

 

I don't have answers to all of your questions (yet) but on #1 in post 2, if you only want to use your old comp as a server, Remote Desktop is fine. No need for a hardware switch for the keyboard/mouse. You will just share the old comp's drive and access it that way from your new comp. You can keep it anywhere in the house as long as its on the network. You can use Remote Desktop for any need where you need to logon to it.

and for your first post - there will always be new technology coming. The next Intel is around the corner.. last I read, it will not be called a P5. Not sure how close it is to public consumption. Some of the other ppl in here will have better answers.

 

IMO- P4 3.0 is already outdated but you are on a tight budget at $500

 

If the hard drive you're looking to recycle is a standard parallel ATA (IDE) drive then you may end up having to purchase a new HD for your new box. It depends one the motherboard you end up with. Some of the newer MoBo's are comng with only one IDE connector. Putting your hard drive on the same IDE channel as your optical drive is generally a bad idea. If the HD you have is S-ATA, then you're fine.

Video card reccomendations depend on your goals. I think you can definitely get a tolerable card and stay within your budget. If your goal, however, is to play recent games with all the graphics settings max'd out or nearly so, then I think you're proabably talking a minimum of $250 just for the video card.

I personally think both nVidia and ATI make good hardware. For the games I play, however, it seemd like ATI has had many more issues with their drivers than nVidia.

BTW, where are memory and power supply in your budget?

 

MEH!
I guess I will wait and spend more cash

 

for 500 bucks I thing you would be looking at
x800gto (newegg refurb), a amd 3200 64, and a (cheap ass mobo) asrock something pci e and socket 939, and 1 gig of cheap ass ram. With a thermal take case ans psu.

That should play games alright, and be kinda sorta upgradable, i dunno if i would wish refurb parts and cheap components on my worst enemy though.