Upgrading my current computer... need some advice.

I currently have a Pentium 4 3.6ghz (overclocked from 3.2ghz)7600gt 600/8003gigs DDR2 667mhz running dual channel500watt supplyI'd like to upgrade to a dual-core system, but Im a person who likes to save money so Im looking to spend less than 600$ I was looking at an E6600 or an E6400, but I stumbled upon some AMD chips which were about 60-80$ cheaper at the same speed. From what Ive read the Intel chips own the AMD chips at lower resolutions (games), but at higher resolutions there is hardely any difference. I would like someones opinion on AMD vs Intel because I'd like to save a $.Also Im planning on buying a 8800GTS 320mb (I dont want to spend any more than 300$ on a gpu) and I was wondering if my current PSU would handle the upgrade to a new motherboard+8800GTS they both say less than 450watts, but Im not sure. I just upgraded my memory so I would like to keep that. Also so if someone can suggest a good motherboard/company (I already have one in mind though). -ThanksUpgrading my current computer... need some advice.
Well just ''500w'' is not good enough we need the +12v rail amps but you wont notice much going to a dual core really but if you think you need it then get a nice nForce 550/590 mobo from ASUS or Gigabite with AM2 and a 65w 65nm 5000+ and your set.Upgrading my current computer... need some advice.
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131022[/url] Nice ASUS Mobo I used to have one and the 65nm 5000+ [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103780[/url] If you want a 65nm 4200+ isnt too bad either
That mobo cpu and a 270$ 8800GTS is pretty much 600$ XD Right in your budget
ok thanks alot... How is the 6000? I can afford that, but some reviews said it was really poor preformance because it ran so hot (I like to overclock alot).
[QUOTE=''Swiftstrike5'']ok thanks alot... How is the 6000? I can afford that, but some reviews said it was really poor preformance because it ran so hot (I like to overclock alot).[/QUOTE]

I have one and NICE zalman fan and cant really OC it much only .5ghz get a 3800+ for OCing or maybe a 3600+ but those have a VERY small L2 cache so I woundnt reccomend it
Ok thanks. Ill need to find a PSU then. (Pretty much replacing whole computer now except for memory) and I have a shiety 80gig harddrive that I wanted to replace =/
How many watts would your suggest? I couldnt find much information under ''specifications'' about what connectors I need =/
[QUOTE=''Swiftstrike5'']How many watts would your suggest? I couldnt find much information under ''specifications'' about what connectors I need =/ [/QUOTE]

Well watts isnt everything! So what will be your final rig so I can configure a nice decent psu for ya
[QUOTE=''LouieV13''][QUOTE=''Swiftstrike5'']How many watts would your suggest? I couldnt find much information under ''specifications'' about what connectors I need =/ [/QUOTE] Well watts isnt everything! So what will be your final rig so I can configure a nice decent psu for ya[/QUOTE]Could you tell me where to find the information I need because Im not 100% sure Im gona upgrade. I would also like to figure this out myself because PSU is the one thing I never really understood
[QUOTE=''Swiftstrike5''][QUOTE=''LouieV13''][QUOTE=''Swiftstrike5'']How many watts would your suggest? I couldnt find much information under ''specifications'' about what connectors I need =/ [/QUOTE] Well watts isnt everything! So what will be your final rig so I can configure a nice decent psu for ya[/QUOTE]Could you tell me where to find the information I need because Im not 100% sure Im gona upgrade. I would also like to figure this out myself because PSU is the one thing I never really understood [/QUOTE]

Well you need a nice brand like FSP, ThermalTake, OCZ, Seasonic, Antec, Corsair... then look for efficiancy and make sure its at least 80% or higher then the +12v rail if it has +12v1 +12v2 with 18a on each thats GOOD for a 8800GTS but you may need more power for a 8800GTX more like four rails with 18a on each like my ThermalTake 750w. Then see if it has active PFC if not its not a biggie but pay extra for it if you can!! Go on newegg and see if you can find a nice psu for the rig your thinking of and post it here ill tell ya if its good or not
So no CPU based requirements for a PSU (or motherboard)? because the one I have has +12v at 34A which is above minimum for 8800GTS... It doesnt have a 24pin though (motherboard says 24pin), just a 20pin. I couldnt find it on newegg because its about 3years old.
[QUOTE=''Swiftstrike5'']So no CPU based requirements for a PSU (or motherboard)? because the one I have has +12v at 34A which is above minimum for 8800GTS... It doesnt have a 24pin though (motherboard says 24pin), just a 20pin. I couldnt find it on newegg because its about 3years old. [/QUOTE]

Naw the +12v rail powers the cpu too... You have good specs on the psu enough to power a GTX if you wanted and you sure its not 20+4 pin cause that will work too...
Nah, I checked... my current mobo is 24pins, but for some reason it only needs 20 (weird?) Thanks for your help =) saves me the trouble of replacing too much.
so what are all you getting?