1) i would go for a AMd as well
2) make shure you have dual channel memory.
these special made "identical" memorie slots.
can write and read at the same time.
make shure your mother board supports it.
3) use a primary disk a 36 or 72Gb raptor 10.000 RPM SATA disk, secondaruy 12Mb cache maxtor 200Gb
4)put in a creative audigy2 soundcard, for the sound experiance of your life
5) buy the logitec Z680 speakers set for "hearing" this sound experiance
6) buy a ATi 3d grafics card. X800XT if you got he mony or a spinoff = budget version (but not the x600xt!) x600xt < 9800
Pro
7) buy a motherboord that supports pci express.
8)buy a logitex MX1000 mouse , the best game mouse you can have.
