From what i've been reading around here, at the moment, Intel CPUs and mobos are better at the moment.

Knowing i've got a return policy on my current hardware i'm considering returning ( BIOSTAR TForce TF570SLI Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz Socket AM2 Processor)

would it be worth it to switch to an Intel mobo and processor, such as the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600? and then i'd need a mobo suggestion?

Also, with the RAM - i need something that'll work with my already existing Newegg.com - Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Hey ottoman673,

Returning that lovely AMD Athlon 64 x2 5600+? Sacralidge!

It's a matter of personal preference otto. Intel CPU are generally considered well made, more stable and uses less power and as a result, produces less heat. The equivelent AMD CPU's are generally considered to be faster. I've always stuck with AMD as I have never had a single problem with their CPU's, and they have always delivered, even when Intel *seemed* to hold a leading CPU. It's always been temporary in the history between these two. The E6600 is still a fantastic CPU, but I don't think it's worth trading an X2 5600+ for it. One final comment, if you an overclocker, due to the lower power usage of the Intel CPU, the Intel CPU can not be overclocked as much as an AMD.

I've actually never tried overclocking - i know it's as easy as going into the BIOS but eh, i'm just not feeling it. it performs well enough as is.

If it aint broke, don't fix it. If your happy with it, keep it. Save your money otto, I'm sure it will come in handy in about a year or two, or when some new gadget is released.

EDIT: Marked as answered.