Looking for Advice on a new system

j

I'm going to try to get a new system together for the LAN, but I need some help choosing the right hardware. Here is what generally do.

General: Typical web stuff, Microsoft office etc.

Gaming: Not a big gamer but would like to play TF2 and the new Unreal and be able to see the sweet graphics

Solid modeling: I do, from time to time, us Solidworks to generate 3d models for work. Sometimes this take a little while load. Would like it to be faster.

Programming: VB 2005 mostly and other embedded systems work.

I would like to get a duel core processor, so keep that in mind.


That's all I can think of for now. Looks like the biggest challenge is the Video. I don't want to spend more then a couple hundred on the card.

Your-Amish-Daddy

I'd go with a Q6600 and either a 3870/8800GT depending on if you want to go that far. Leonardo swears by an Abit board, and I can't remember it for the life of me.

Sonorous

I'm partial to asus these days. My p5k deluxe is rock solid.

Your-Amish-Daddy

I don't know much about the core series other than I don't have a sponsor or I'd build one.