Upgrade help

[doob]

I'm looking at a cpu/mobo upgrade. Can anyone give me a clearer picture on what I should get. I have about $500 to spend. Intel vs Amd?? and what about longevity, I want something that won't be outdated right away!
Thanks,
doob

My system
CPU: Intel p4e 2.4 800fsB ht
Mobo:Gigabyte 8IG1000MK
RAM:2x512 Kingston pc3200 dual channel
2x256 Apacer pc3200
HDD:maxtor 160G
hitachi 120G
Video: Sapphire x800 xt VIVO
Audio: creative Audigy 2ZS

[ReconCX]

AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD
64 is a good option. Run Win2003 64 on that =)

You get the picture?

I heard DFI mobos are good. Get one with a really good nForce chip =) Honestly though, ur old mobo/cpu look good as they are. well, if you're gonna throw them out, give them to me =)

[doob]

Thanks,
Amd seems to be the reccommended cpu. just a question...Intell rates thier cpu on mhz right? AMD proccesors seem to have much lower frequencies, so what benchmark do i use for the two brands? (is there a simple answer..)
doob

[C&C Freak 2K]

AMD processors have what's called a performance rating. The performance rating is an approximation of the clock speed of an Intel processor at the same power.

[doob]

Thanks freak,
doob