Help w/ which PC components to get

The games I play wouldn't tax even a low end machine. But I do a lot of multitasking and web surfing when I work. I came to Gamespot because I am sure there are experts here who know tons more than what I would find on some other kind of site. I need suggestions on what components to get for my machine. For most of the work I do I have multiple browser windows open and several non-taxing programs open concurrently. I have to switch back and forth frequently (usually several times a minute). I am trying to build the fastest performance, quiet machine for low $$$. I purchased a quiet Antec P-180 and a Scythe Kamariki-2 550W power supply.1) I want the fastest video card that doesn't use a fan (so it will be quiet). Fastest for regular web surfing and simple CAD (Viacad). 2) For a CPU, it looks to me like a Phenom 9950 is the fastest for the money. Or would a core duo w/ a higher clock speed be better?3) Are there some brands of motherboards that tend to run faster than others (all things being equal)? Who is the most reliable?4) I assume memory wouldn't matter as long as I have a lot (I plan on 8 GB). Is that right?5) I also want a really fast HD. Are the solid state ones the best for putting the os and programs on (for reads only)? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Help w/ which PC components to get
[QUOTE=''Tim-Crowell'']The games I play wouldn't tax even a low end machine. But I do a lot of multitasking and web surfing when I work. I came to Gamespot because I am sure there are experts here who know tons more than what I would find on some other kind of site. I need suggestions on what components to get for my machine. For most of the work I do I have multiple browser windows open and several non-taxing programs open concurrently. I have to switch back and forth frequently (usually several times a minute). I am trying to build the fastest performance, quiet machine for low $$$. I purchased a quiet Antec P-180 and a Scythe Kamariki-2 550W power supply.1) I want the fastest video card that doesn't use a fan (so it will be quiet). Fastest for regular web surfing and simple CAD (Viacad). 2) For a CPU, it looks to me like a Phenom 9950 is the fastest for the money. Or would a core duo w/ a higher clock speed be better?3) Are there some brands of motherboards that tend to run faster than others (all things being equal)? Who is the most reliable?4) I assume memory wouldn't matter as long as I have a lot (I plan on 8 GB). Is that right?5) I also want a really fast HD. Are the solid state ones the best for putting the os and programs on (for reads only)? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. [/QUOTE]1) This won't be a big deal and will be easy to choose. Any 8800 or 9800 series should do ok for you.2) I'd go Core 2 Duo and I think most would suggest going with intel right now.3) I trust Asus and EVGA.4) 8GB is overkill unless you don't play on upgrading for a long time5) No need to spend the money on a solid state drive. Wester Digital recent released their VelociRaptor HD's. I'd give them a look before you invest in a solid state drive.