New system advice

I have not built a system for at least 4 years and have not kept up on developments, but I would like a faster system.

The use: Photoshop, video media, (plus low-end apps like excel, word, etc.) I am not clear where home media is going but I would like the system to be able to function as a media server as well as for a server for storage for my home LAN with 3 users and lots of videos and music. I do teleradiology from home from time to time, so I will have a minimum of 2 GB of RAM, probably 4. I intend to run XP Pro, not Vista. I don't do any gaming.

I have had good luck with brands like Antec (full tower case), ASUS mb's and Intel chips. My present system is a P4 cpu with an ASUS board, 2GB RAM, 1.25T storage (add-in SATA card), DVD burner, etc.

I think the Core Duo chip is probably a good price point for me--the 8600 (?). I have used ASUS boards, which have been very reliable for me over the past decade; I have never used a Gigabit board but I am willing to look at them if they are as reliable. The power supply in my present tower is the original one that came with the Antec case, so it is at least 4 years old, but I am willing to consider a higher-end supply. I expect to use most of the same hdds that I use presently (5 plus a SATA mobile rack for hot-swapping drives for video storage.

I would like to keep the price under $1200 or so, which should not be a problem. I also would like some suggestions about where to purchase components online.

What other info can I provide to help obtain advice here? Or are there other sites where I might consider posting?

Thanks
Ken K
.

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