New Builder Needs Advise

[crix]

I am currently using a Abit KV-80 mobo with an AMD semp 3100+ with a single 512mb ultra elixir RAM. I plan on using the computer as a multi use machine. I purchased the parts as a package from tigerdirect $219 and threw them into an old HP case with a old mx200 video card.
Im looking for info to my next step im upgrades
I would like to run modern games such as UT2004 and would like to get into a little video recording (TiVO). My video card sucks but it was free. I was looking to spend about $150 ish for the card. I am currently causght between the ATI 9600xt and the 9700 pro both AIW. The more posts I read on this fourm the more confused I get. I notice alot of posters like the NV 6600 along with a PCI capture card. My mATX mobo is low on slots (1 agp 2 PCI) so I would like to combine.
Another upgrade I am interested in would be a hard drive upgrade my mobo suports sata and would like to try that route. I found the Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD800JD on newegg for $60 woud this be my best choice? Im not looking for huge video capicity only to store, watch then dump.

Would these two ugrades be the best choice for me? I will need to purchase a new OS when I upgrade would the extra cost of xp pro over xp home be worth it for me?
Sorry for all the questions I have read posts and read reviews on all of the products, just looking for an opinion.

 

[crix]

Please?

 

[kirbyrj]

The 9700Pro is a better video chipset than the 9600XT. I don't know about the Vivo capabilities of the 9700Pro AIW since it is a little older than the 9600XT.

The 6600+Capture card is nice and would probably be better suited to run newer games because it is newer video technology. That would probably be your best option because you can select what specific card you want as opposed to just the ATI capture capabilities of the AIW, however it might be over your price of $150 (for both I assume). But if you need them on the same card as it appears you do, get the AIW. Either the 9600XT or 9700Pro should run UT2004 albeit at a lower resolution. Usually with video cards, you get what you pay for .

80GB is fine for most people, especially if you're just watching and dumping. Your OS and most useful program files shouldn't take up more than 20GB or so.

XP Pro is useful if you're going to be joining network domains in the workplace and other things like that. If you're just a normal home user with no network, XP Home should be fine.

 

[crix]

Thank You