Need upgrade advice...

[nucl3arboNg]

I'm always looking to improve my system and think I found a couple good deals. I currently have this for my main gaming rig...

2100+ tbred b
epox 8rda+ vdd modded, vantec fan on NBand hs's added to SB and mosfets
2x256 ocz 3500el DC
maxtor ata133 40gb
msi geforce4 4400
etc...

I want to build another system for maybe a server, or just another system to keep people off my main baby . I have almost enough to get the system going but just need a video card and a router to share my connection. The main components for the 2nd rig are...

1600+ (unlocked) which does 1850 on air
Gigabyte 7VAXP
2x256 pc2100 w/thermaltake heat spreaders

Now here's my problem, I have been thinking of finishing off my main rig with a 9800 pro, barton cpu, water cooling, 2 drives in raid (been thinking of getting the raptor when it's available), and a new case. I don't have the money to do all this now or even soon so i'm going to have to do it piece by piece. My comp now does some really good benchmarking getting over 15000+ 3dmark2k1 with this setup.

Should I sell my gigabyte board, which I have a good offer on the table and pay $50 extra to get the abit nf7-s 2.0? I know with this system I really should be upgrading the video card first, I have been thinking of just getting a 9700 pro. I would like to wait to get a 400fsb barton also but have a good deal on a 2800+ lined up which would get me a 2 week old cpu, vantec aeroflo hsf, and a promise raid card for $50 less then I can buy the cpu alone for.

I need advice on what I should do, please help.

[nucl3arboNg]

in case you didn't know I do plan to overclock so how does the 2800+ oc? My 2100+ does 2.4 max on air, but runs really stable in the 2.3-2.36 range.

[Maelstrom2160]

Do u seriouly need a second PC or would u prefer to make ur main rig better, thats ur decision its ur money and only u know what u really need or dont.

[nucl3arboNg]

the way i'm looking at this is, I eventually want to go raid with my main system. So to do this I would have to buy a pci card which will cost me $125cdn. I can sell my old board for $130cdn and buy the abit with built in raid for $199cdn. Seems like it would save me money. I then can use the epox or sell it for something else. I know I really need a new vid card but the 9800 pro is kinda pricey and want the best I can get now to cut the upgrade timeline.

[Maelstrom2160]

if the cost effective way is gunna give u the features u need and isnt gunna inconvenience u in anyway thats the way to go, if thats what u need