Building a Game Machine... Need Advice

[Lambeth]

First, I need to decide what kind of motherboard to run. I am thinking about the following:

Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000
Intel 865PE Model BOXD865PERL
Asustek P4C800 Deluxe

The Asus is quite more expensive than the other two, and initially I had a better impression on the Gigabyte, but I would like you guys out there to post your opinion on which would be the best buy. Also, if you have another board in mind, don't hesitate to let me know!

I already have the following:

Pentium 4 2.4 GHz
3DProphet Hercules Radeon 9800 Pro 128 MB
2 GB DDR SDRAM (2 DIMMs)
80 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
Floppy
500 Watt Power Supply

I'm thinking of buying a new case; I saw the case posted by washe, a RainMax Silver Mid-Tower for under $50.

Essentially, I would like to know if it would be wise to go for a faster processor and which motherboard I should buy. Thanks for the help!

[Friedchicken100]

I've always gone with Intel. They are very reliable. Also, their processors are easy and fairly to upgrade.

[pinipig523]

i built my friend an intel based pc.... 2.8c. i overclocked that mother to 3.4ghz stable (based on prime95 tests) and coupled with 1gb of dual channel ddr500 ram. the fsb was running at 242x4 ~968mhz.

was i impressed?

NO.

i run an amd 3500+ with 1gb dual channel ddr400 and i am far more impressed by my setup than his. not to mention, mine was half the price of his setup.

[washe]

mmmm, the items I choose are becoming popular these days....

About Intel boards I'm dont have much knowledge last one I bought was an ASUS P3V4X, altought that one is for P3, very good and stable motherboard.. I was an Intel guy before, but best bang for the buck are AMD....

Maybe you can look for a case without a power supply, you are already buying one.....