I know the theroy ish! So my current system is 5 years old once worth about a grand but now badly out of date, I don't get to spend a lot of time on my pc but it's just to old!

I'm looking at building around the and phenom 2 quad processor,

been looking at asus mother board am3 slot about 90ish quid, is this a bit over top for someone that isn't going to be playing/using it a lot?

Looking at ati graphics card looking at cards that hold a gig gddr5 memory. I want to be able to run new games well.

Memory ddr3 but not sure which to go for would be nice to have 8 gig.

Psu the cosair 650 watt

Not a clue what case to use, already have a new hardsrive in my old system, any comments or suggestions?

I can't comment on the rest of your system, but consider an SSD as a boot device. Stick Windows & your programs onto it. Using your existing hard drive for data and installing games, etc onto. I opted for a 128GB unit, but if you wanted to just stick windows & program files then a 60GB unit would do, I have used about 25GB of mine so far (moved my user profile onto the 750GB disk).

My ageing Pentium D with 4GB can boot up into Win 7 in about 10 seconds

Memory ddr3 but not sure which to go for would be nice to have 8 gig.

Wouldn't that just be a waste of money unless you had a 64bit OS?

I forgot to add:-

I'd recommend an Antec P180 case as it's easy to work on, plenty of room for expansion, and IIRC, the 3 (quiet) fans each control compartmentalised parts of the case.

Does the PSU have universal sockets (and enough of them) to allow you to put the relevant leads/plugs for (graphics card, hdd etc) into them as that can be a bonus and allow for future expansion?

Its worth having a look at the Novatech web site, Good prices and service

Im running a 64 bit os at the mo, so I can take full advantage of the 8. I'm not sure about the psu though? Is there any lettering or something I should be looking out for, cheers for the advice on the case.

Im running a 64 bit os at the mo, so I can take full advantage of the 8. I'm not sure about the psu though? Is there any lettering or something I should be looking out for, cheers for the advice on the case.

If it's similar to this one then you'll probably be okay as it looks as if you can plug different cables in (ensure they're supplied) to suit your needs. The 'old' style PSU's had fixed cabling but maybe all the newer ones are modular and I was worrying you unduly?

this is the one i was looking at? http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&cp=17&gs_id=1n&xhr=t&q=cosair+psu+tx+650&rlz=1R2RNRN_enGB445&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1920&bih=868&wrapid=tljp1315150045071032&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17149408456935883692&sa=X&ei=tphjTtbzDMnB8QPl0ZWBCg&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQ8wIwAg#

If you download this then it tells you how many and what type of leads are supplied with the PSU.

If you get a branded quality one that's slightly overspec for your current needs then it should last well towards your next build.

ah cheers for the info, is there any need to buy aftermarket fans for the processor or will the one with it suffice? also looking at trying to make the pc fairly quiet as ill be using it in the bedroom and the otherhalf will be watching the tv, so any ideas, apart from the one idea that has already been rejected of turning the tv up!?

It might be worth seeing how the supplied fan copes before shelling out more money.

If you're not going to be playing games then you might as well save some cash and get a less powerful processor.

Spending a bit more an an SSD for a boot drive might make everything smoother.

If you're not gaming I'd strongly suggest you investigate low noise options for the PC. I built a beast a long time ago, it's lasted well but it does howl.

I agree that a big case is better, saves the knuckles.

http://www.ebuyer.com/158602-antec-sonata-elite-black-mid-tower-silent-case-no-psu-0761345-08148-1

Going to be playing games aswell.

Going to be playing games aswell.

Doh, read "new games" as "few games".

That's all right so then Nvidia or ati graphics for around 150ish.