Which PC system to buy?

[studawg66]

I know these questions get asked a lot, but I am very close to replacing my AMD K6-2 400MHz system and need some advice regarding the latest and greatest PC offerings. Here is what I want to be able to do with my new PC:
- Capture miniDV and edit
- Convert these files to VCD, SVCD, Divx, etc.
- Burn DVDs compliant with standalone players (if possible)
- Not interested in games - don't flame me!

I am just about set on a P4 of some sort, because I get a great deal on Dell PCs through my job...and Dell doesn't sell AMD.
So, my questions are:
1) What clock speed should I shoot for?
2) Which type of RAM and bus speed will be the best performance/price ratio?
3) Anything special to look for in the mobo?
4) Should I get a cheap 1394 card, or go for the expensive ones, like the DV-Raptor RT with Premier6.0 bundled?
5) Dell apparently only offers the DVD+R/RW format. Is this acceptable or should I leave it off and buy my own in whatever format best suits my needs?
6) Software suggestions?

I know it is alot of questions, but any help is appreciated.
I am not that concerned with price, rather performance. At the same time, I will not pay $200 more for an extra 100 MHz if that's all I get.

Thanks

[mrtristan]

1. Since processor speed doesn't make a drastic difference in the price, go for something like the second fastest. The latest chips are usually disproportionately expensive.

2. I'm still using PC133 on and AMD machine and I never have problems with my memory bogging down the system. I would be satisfied with PC2100.

3. I don't know. I'm only familiar with AMD boards.

4. Although I don't have any experience with firewire, I've found that you get what you pay for. Sometimes bargain items will perform well. Sometimes expensive items will stink. However, you usually DO get what you pay for.

5. No idea.

6. As far as the editing software, I like using the freeware stuff the best. They may not work perfectly, but neither does expensive commercial software.