i will choose amd too, cheaper, cooler and overclocking works better on them. 2500+ barton can be overclocked to 3400+ easy. ...but i'll not choose a generic mobo, look for a nforce2 chipset, then many usb 2.0 ports (6 at least) and next maybe sata support, many pci slots (5 at least)... you know as more things you got, more $ you'll spend... mine it's 3000+ and a7n8x deluxe. u can buy a 2500+ barton and a7n8x, expend the rest of bucks on a good brand (not generic) ddr400 memory.