Yeah really. Hell, if you've got $2000 to dedicate to this project, wait for PCI-X to hit the market, and get a PCI-X based card. I mean, seriously, it would go well with that LGA 775 you're planning on. But, currently, LGA 775, Prescott, PCI-X, SATA, hell, just about every new technology isn't gonna deliver that much of a performance increase. Exceptions are to be made for the Geforce 6800 Ultra and the X800 Pro, because these are the big bitch increases in raw computing power. I mean, for what you say you'll be doing, mainly multimedia with some gaming thrown in for good measure, it would be ludicrous for me to claim that you NEED anything above a 2.8 HT Northwood. some damn decent RAM (3200 or some stable, dependable 3500 and above with some nice low CL timings for nice overclocking, and even that could be unneccessary if you're not playing games all the time). I'd say, invest in at least 768 MB of RAM, that's mostly for the sake of games (load time, jerkiness). Hell, get a AIW 9800 Pro, so you'll get a good video-in going on (if that's a part of your mulitmedia area), and save some cash. Then, for an added boost, go with a 10,000 RPM 74 GB
Raptor. It might seem ridiculous that you're spending 165 on a HDD that's less than 80 GB, especially considering that, on a good day, you can get a 250 GB 7200 RPM drive for a few bucks more. But, I say, put all programs on that Raptor, and then pick up a uber-drive from Staples or Office Depot or Compusa when they have their weekly God-sales© featuring super-duper hard drives for super-low prices, often with no rebates!