Well... bang for buck and good performance.. i agree with the previous poster on using newegg.com, i have cut almost every other vendor i had since i started using them, they are great. i hate intel and don't think their cpu's are a good value for their price/perfomance. the only time i use an intel is if i have a client that will not use anything else.. but 99% time i let them check out the AMD boxes i have and they change their minds. so, anyway.. i just built a system with these items and it rocks, and will be well under your price point...
CPU -
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...502&depa=1
MB - good,
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...469&depa=1
better,
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...530&depa=1
Ouu.. so nice, this case is awesome... if you have the means, i highly recommend you pick one up..
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...023&depa=1
usb2.. the good board has 8, the better one has 10.. i hope those are enough.. both are rock solid and badass.. some people don't like the ATI chipset though..
either way, i would definately pick up a couple of fast SATA HD and utilize the RAID, don't skimp on the power supply either, you'll regret it.
this is a great power supply, and the fan control matches that case perfect and fits like a glove behind the door
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...007&depa=0
anyway, thats a good start, and if you get all of this, you've only spent about 500... if you need any more input or help, you can email me @
jetsg4@yahoo.com or message me on msn @ the same
Good Luck