How to build dual or quad from scratch?

Hello guys. I face the probability that I'll have to build my own. I can't afford the price of a computer with everything I'll need, so I'm looking to buy component by component, then putting it together. Even though I realize it's mostly a plugin task, I know there's more so my analyst friend will help me. First, I'll be running everything listed in my signature plus Chris Hein horns and perhaps RealStrat. I want to network a total of 3 PCs. Don't know yet what'll be the best order or whether dual or quad would be best. Heck, I don't even know if the programs I'll be running have the capability to spread the workload over multiple cores! Ignorance used to be bliss! The types of production will be everything from jazz ensemble to full orchestra. Mostly midi. I'm not ready for vista. Still love working with xp pro for midi and vocal???
My requirements are:
1. Compatability of components
2. Mobo
3. Processor (The fastest communication between drives and RAM will make everything so much easier.)
4. Cooling (Wanna be like a Tootsie Roll, last a long time)
5. As close to SILENT as I can afford!

I know I probably missed some important info needed for you to help me so I'll be watching closely to answer any questions. I'm in no hurry. Also I know some of my programs may be dated but I don't want to HAVE to buy new ones yet. Most of my music is dated too since I work with folks who do old school shows and choirs. I'm just a musician with very limited tech knowledge so any help I can get will be greatly appreciated.
J. Rosenbery, If you're listening, have mercy!

Thanks Papa. He was always my first choice. Just didn't think it was proper to go asking a man how to do something he does for a living. Know what I mean? I'm gonna bone up so when I talk to him I'll be just a tad bit more educated. Thanks again.

Yes, it will take orders of magnitude more time to research what you really need and find the best prices as it will to assemble the box. Unless you enjoy that kind of thing, your best bet is to find a recipe already made, or consult with an expert. My last build was a while back, so the recipe out of date.

Thanks CJay. That's what I mean. The more you guys talk, the more I'll learn. I read lots of the stuff you guys talk about processors, mobos and the like. It took forever for me to learn the differences between a 915 vs a 975 board. Now we're into things like the Q6600 vs the 7800 and I don't know the difference from a bowl of soup! And thermal paste? Hee! Hee!?? I would've been writing you again. Thanks man.

ORIGINAL: slartabartfast
Yes, it will take orders of magnitude more time to research what you really need and find the best prices as it will to assemble the box. Unless you enjoy that kind of thing, your best bet is to find a recipe already made, or consult with an expert. My last build was a while back, so the recipe out of date.

I know I'm telling my age but when I was in the military in the '60s, I worked with computers the size of your bedroom that wouldn't do 1/10 what the cheap calculator will do. I'd sometimes go inside to change vacuum tubes and other minor things. The closest I've been with modern ones is installing memory and a dvd drive. Ha! At this point all I want to do is put it in, turn it on and make music. Thanks

ORIGINAL: Cookie Jarvis
Go to tigerdirect.com and look for a processor/mobo combo. Not all motherboards take all processors and vice versa. Thermal paste is what you will put between your processor and your CPU heat sink on your cooler :)
Bill

Thanks. That's where I usually shop for my computers. I'm here 'cause there's nothing like having someone who not only knows computers; but who applies that knowledge in the musical context. For the purpose of audio production, they can tell you why one will work better than the other.

ORIGINAL: Rajay1

MarlboroMan, impressive from the perspective of a neophyte like me. I'm looking at an intel setup. Don't know a thing about AMD. One question though. A 700W power supply? I'd like to know the necessity of that. Thanks.

Just that the CoolerMaster PSUs have a good reputation with good user reviews at NewEgg and it was on sale from $190 to $135. I know 700W is overkill but I'm really just looking for a good stable power supply. A while back there were a few threads on PSUs and I learned that the importance of a quality PSU should not be underestimated.

Whatever motherboard you go with check if the manufacturer web site has a list of approved/tested RAM so you can get the right stuff.

If your motherboard supports RAID 1 for mirroring drives get a pair for your audio files so that they are automatically backed up.

Go here:
http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?t=200560

(DigiDesign User Conference)

Go towards the end of the thread, but don't miss the updated posts in the beginning.
You will find many different combination s with SPECIFIC COMPONENTS known to work well together.
Use it as a cookbook, hit Newegg, Microcenter etc with your list and you will be set.

If you don't feel confident assembling it yourself, pay someone knowledgeable to do it for you.

Here's one I'm looking at... I know it doesn't cover my HD or RAM but the basic package looks good... Anyone here familiar with this MOBO or chipset?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4621088&CatId=4149