To keep it simple I basically want to do some video editing and at least play Doom3. Ive been told to pick a cpu first and design around that. I like the Intel core 2 E6400 2.13Hz 2mb Cache/ 1066 Mhz FSB/Dual Core/OEM/ 775 Socket processor. Seems decent for around 200. I'm not experienced with buying this stuff so advise if thats not good. My question then is what motherboard for around 100. to 150. would be best suited for this processor?
There are plenty choices...
ASUS - AsRock, MSI, several choices.
This one from Asus:
Asus P5NSLI Core 2 Duo/ nForce 570 SLI/ DDR2/ SAT2/ RAID/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard
Specifications
* Mfr Part Number: P5NSLI
* CPU: Socket 775 support Intel Core 2 Duo/ Pentium D/ Pentium 4/ Celeron D Processors; Compatible with Intel 05B/05A/06 processors; Intel EM64T/ EIST/ Hyper-Threading Technology ready; FSB 1066/800/533 MHz
* Chipset: nVidia nForce 570 SLI Intel Edition (C19SLI & MCP51)
* Memory: 4x 240pin DDR2-667/533 DIMMs, Dual Channel, non-ECC/unbuffered, Max capacity 16GB
* Slots: 2x PCI Express x16 slots (Support nVidia SLI Technology); 3x PCI Express x1 slots; 2x PCI 2.2 slots
* IDE/SATA: 2x ATA-133 Channels; 4x SATA2 ports support RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5 and JBOD
* Audio: ADI AD1986A SoundMAX 6-channel Audio CODEC
* LAN: Marvell 88E8001 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Controller
* Ports: 8x USB 2.0 ports (4 rear, 4 by headers); 2x PS/2 ports; 1x Serial port; 1x Parallel port; 1x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial); 1x RJ45 LAN port; Audio I/O jack
* Form Factor: ATX, 12 x 9 inch / 30.5 x 22.9 cm
* Package: Retail
Would get you started. It's within your budget range you are asking... do you like ASUS?