Choosing New Gaming PC- Guidance Please

[ArtistofWarfare]

Hey guys-

To cut to the chase- It's my 26th birthday this weekend and I just found out today that some members of my family want to chip in to help me get started with a gaming pc...something I've put off buying myself for years while I instead invested in education, clothes, food etc. (how crazy of me).

My "starting" budget is around $1,000- $1,300 ...and obviously I'm looking for a computer that is fully upgradeable and I can add to over time.

As some of you know from my threads in the MTW forums- I'm a total war junkie when I "let myself go". With a new PC, I would fully plan on buying Empires: Total War and continue playing the entire total war series.

I came to this site today to ask for some advice/suggestions. This is my favorite community on the web and I trust it's members more than any others. We tend to be an intelligent breed here at total war. That's why I'm asking you guys...

Time is of the essence here...as I've been wanting a nice gaming pc for years, but now that it looks like I'm getting it, I only have a few days to finalize my search.

I am by no means an expert- And that's also why I want some advice from someone who is...or is at least closer to expert than myself heh. Before making this investment, I want to know that I have a gaming PC that:

1) Is worth a $1,000+ investment. I want something that I don't have to worry about system requirements or recommendations for a few years. Any game, I want to know I can run it and run it well.

2) Is fully upgradeable. I plan on adding to it over time and I want to make sure that my PC is fully capable of this.

3) Ideal for Total War games and MMO's. Other than Total War, I see World of Warcraft and whatever comes around as the "next mainstream MMO" as my two main games. Again...I'm looking for something that allows me to max up the graphics settings and run these games without worrying about any system lag etc.

I think you guys get the idea. We can certainly continue the discussion as it gets going.

I appreciate any support someone can give me on this...

P.S.- I need some advice on Vista vs. XP. I see all the new systems coming with Vista installed. What are my pro's/cons to this and is Vista the ideal system I want for gaming in these genres mentioned above?

Thanks

added w/ edit: Let me just throw this in- After only a few minutes, I found this on newegg.com. This looks like a decent starting point for my search here I think.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883229026

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

1) Is worth a $1,000+ investment. I want something that I don't have to worry about system requirements or recommendations for a few years. Any game, I want to know I can run it and run it well.

2) Is fully upgradeable. I plan on adding to it over time and I want to make sure that my PC is fully capable of this.

3) Ideal for Total War games and MMO's. Other than Total War, I see World of Warcraft and whatever comes around as the "next mainstream MMO" as my two main games. Again...I'm looking for something that allows me to max up the graphics settings and run these games without worrying about any system lag etc.

1) Make it yourself. Buying all the parts seperately and putting them together can save you anywhere from $100 to $700 dollars. Building mine myself probably saved me about $500 off the pre-built equivalent.

2) Make it yourself. These Dell computers and other brands can be surprisingly resistant to upgrades. If you built it yourself, or get all the parts and have someone do it, you can upgrade whenever. Hard drive space making you angry? Rip it out and put in a new one. Just like that.

3) For maxiumum graphics settings, you'll want an 8800 series card (the GT is a good one), and at least 2GB of RAM to cut lag. 3GB is good for XP (32-bit) or Vista (32-bit), and 4GB is good for Vista (64-bit).

Vista vs. XP) I had the choice, and I chose XP Pro, SP2. This was after a long deliberation and debate. Overall, however, XP uses less RAM, is more reliable, and more compatible, especially if you want to play MTW. On the other hand, if you want 4GB of RAM, you need Vista 64-bit.

[ArtistofWarfare]

1) Make it yourself. Buying all the parts seperately and putting them together can save you anywhere from $100 to $700 dollars. Building mine myself probably saved me about $500 off the pre-built equivalent.

2) Make it yourself. These Dell computers and other brands can be surprisingly resistant to upgrades. If you built it yourself, or get all the parts and have someone do it, you can upgrade whenever. Hard drive space making you angry? Rip it out and put in a new one. Just like that.

3) For maxiumum graphics settings, you'll want an 8800 series card (the GT is a good one), and at least 2GB of RAM to cut lag. 3GB is good for XP (32-bit) or Vista (32-bit), and 4GB is good for Vista (64-bit).

Vista vs. XP) I had the choice, and I chose XP Pro, SP2. This was after a long deliberation and debate. Overall, however, XP uses less RAM, is more reliable, and more compatible, especially if you want to play MTW. On the other hand, if you want 4GB of RAM, you need Vista 64-bit.

Thank you for your response...

My one issue with building it myself is that, again- I'm not an expert. I do not have faith in my ability to accurately pick parts and then put the computer together in it's case. This is just beyond my knowledge in computers.

What I was looking for was something along the lines of what I've linked, or this:

http://www.projectwarmachine.com/GST...ine.aspx?id=18

and picking the individual components that I want out.

Do you have any suggestions for a site/company to visit to go about doing this?

Further, I was looking for any advice on "definitely avoid this" or "this new rig just came out and it's a great deal". I'm just not as in the loop as many of you are regarding hardware right now.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

My one issue with building it myself is that, again- I'm not an expert. I do not have faith in my ability to accurately pick parts and then put the computer together in it's case. This is just beyond my knowledge in computers.

Neither was I. Trust me, it's quite easy. It might take two days or so, but it's worth it. Otherwise, take it to someone who knows what they're doing, and shop around to find a couple per hour rates to get it built. Trust me, even then it's usually cheaper.

About picking the parts, you're right in coming here. I shopped around based on a lot of advice .ORGahs gave me. I'll post a brief list of some things you should look at:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, E6600 or better.

Graphics: nVidia 8800GTS

RAM: 2GB+, anything Corsair is usually good. Someone else may be able to give more recommendations based on voltages and clocking.

Case: Anything at a good price with good cooling. Apevia cases are nice.

PSU: Mine's around 700W, but that's probably overkill. 600W should do.

HDD: This comes down to a balance of storage space, reliability, and speed. For speed, get a Raptor. They're not solid state (IE: less reliable), they're not very big (150GB or so), but they're fast. 10000RPM fast. If you want a bigger drive, however, go for about 7200.10 RPM, which is a good balance of speed and space. Seagate makes nice ones, and so does Western Digital.

Motherboard: I use an EVGA 680i, but you'll want other recommendations here than from me.

[ArtistofWarfare]

Neither was I. Trust me, it's quite easy. It might take two days or so, but it's worth it. Otherwise, take it to someone who knows what they're doing, and shop around to find a couple per hour rates to get it built. Trust me, even then it's usually cheaper.

About picking the parts, you're right in coming here. I shopped around based on a lot of advice .ORGahs gave me. I'll post a brief list of some things you should look at:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, E6600 or better.

Graphics: nVidia 8800GTS

RAM: 2GB+, anything Corsair is usually good. Someone else may be able to give more recommendations based on voltages and clocking.

Case: Anything at a good price with good cooling. Apevia cases are nice.

PSU: Mine's around 700W, but that's probably overkill. 600W should do.

HDD: This comes down to a balance of storage space, reliability, and speed. For speed, get a Raptor. They're not solid state (IE: less reliable), they're not very big (150GB or so), but they're fast. 10000RPM fast. If you want a bigger drive, however, go for about 7200.10 RPM, which is a good balance of speed and space. Seagate makes nice ones, and so does Western Digital.

Motherboard: I use an EVGA 680i, but you'll want other recommendations here than from me.

You're definitely the man...thank you very much.

Obviously continued advice/suggestions/support from anyone is welcomed and appreciated but what information you've given me here is a nice starting guideline for me. Thanks again.

Just out of curiosity- What do you think of this one from New Egg. Seems close to what we've stated in requirements.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Whoops, made a mistake. If you're going for cost effectiveness, you'll want the 8800GT instead of the GTS. The GTS is better, but not by much, whereas the GT is also much cheaper.

Remember, everything's just a suggestion, a starting point. Keep at it.

I take it you live in America by the fact you're using Newegg? Anyways, that's quite a good PC - it only skimps in three locations, namely sound card, graphics card (though I suppose that's debateable), and, (only IMHO), the mtoherboard. It's looking like quite a decent PC though.

Glad I could help.

[ArtistofWarfare]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Mega_Special_III/

Here's another one that starts at around $600 and then I can build options from there.

Any suggestions on what the best combination of options would be with that rig to keep my overall price within the $1,000-$1,300 range? (Including the monitor).

THIS would help me out tremendously...as I believe something along these lines might give me the best bang for my buck...

[ArtistofWarfare]

Whoops, made a mistake. If you're going for cost effectiveness, you'll want the 8800GT instead of the GTS. The GTS is better, but not by much, whereas the GT is also much cheaper.

Remember, everything's just a suggestion, a starting point. Keep at it.

I take it you live in America by the fact you're using Newegg? Anyways, that's quite a good PC - it only skimps in three locations, namely sound card, graphics card (though I suppose that's debateable), and, (only IMHO), the mtoherboard. It's looking like quite a decent PC though.

Glad I could help.

Indeed USA here.

When I upgraded the current PC that I'm on to be able to play World of Warcraft a few years ago, I used NewEgg and that's how I'm familiar with them.

I got an extra gig of ram and an NVIDIA GeForce 5700 LE for basically 1/5th the price I would have paid via traditional retailer. That's why I figured to start my search there...

I just want to keep narrowing my options/price down to try to come in with the best possible rig for the price I mentioned...

You are helping too...and making a friend in the process

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I went with this:

$1473.00
(before all applicable rebates)

CASE: Hot !!! Apevia X-Telstar Junior 420W Case w/ Temp Display and Fan Control (G Type Black Color with Side-Window)

CPU: (Sckt775)Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6750 CPU @ 2.66GHz 1333FSB 4MB L2 Cache 64-bit

MOTHERBOARD: Asus P5N-E nForce 650i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard

MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)3GB (3x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Memory (Corsair XMS2 Xtreme Memory w/ Heat Spreader)

VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 16X PCI Express (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)

VIDEO CARD 2: NONE

VIDEO CARD 3: NONE

LCD Monitor: 20& quot; TFT Active Matrix LCD Display (ViewSonic VA2026W Widescreen WSXGA 1680x1050)

HARD DRIVE: Single Hard Drive (320GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)

Data Hard Drive: NONE

Optical Drive: (Special Price) 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)

Optical Drive 2: NONE

SOUND: 3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD

I left out speakers and sound because I'm not sure what you want with that. I chose widescreen because that's what I prefer - again, whatever you like is best there. If you really want to shave off costs, use your old speakers (and maybe monitor), and cut off 1GB of RAM. I'm not sure about the motherboard - I think it's fine, but you might want to wait for someone like Lemur or Whacker.

[ArtistofWarfare]

I went with this:




I left out speakers and sound because I'm not sure what you want with that. I chose widescreen because that's what I prefer - again, whatever you like is best there.

I have to make a phone call quick and then I'll review this...

You just made my day exponentially easier...thank you so much.

Let me just ask you something else quick- NVIDIA graphics cards: You mentioned the 8800 GTS and the 8800 GT. I'm seeing GTX's listed as options also though. What is the GTX?

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

What is the GTX?

It's like a superhuman GT. That card is one of the best that money can buy, more or less, but it is expensive. Having two GTX (or GTX Ultra's) in SLI would be heaven on earth.


BTW, I went back and edited my post a little in the explanation part at the bottom. Also, it's probably a good idea to wait for a second opinion. You never know, I might have slipped up.

[ArtistofWarfare]

It's like a superhuman GT. That card is one of the best that money can buy, more or less, but it is expensive. Having two GTX (or GTX Ultra's) in SLI would be heaven on earth.


BTW, I went back and edited my post a little in the explanation part at the bottom.

Yeah I saw what you added with edit...

With what we're talking about for me here though, we're not discussing dual graphics cards are we?

Just one 8800 GT correct?

How worth it would it be for me to go dual? It would obviously, to keep in my budget, force me to shave off something else.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Just one 8800 GT correct?

How worth it would it be for me to go dual? It would obviously, to keep in my budget, force me to shave off something else.

Just one is plenty worth it for what you want.

To go dual would be about double the cost, of course, and probably not worth it to you, at least not with this build. I think the way it is seems to be fairly well balanced.

[ArtistofWarfare]

Cool...thank you.

I assume that I could simply add a second card at any time down the line couldn't I?

This is what I mean by upgradeable. Ram, motherboard, cpu, video cards. I want any and all of them to be able to be expanded upon/replaced when I see fit in the future. I don't want to spend money to be locked into a system that will require me to simply buy a whole new system to "upgrade" in just a few years.

Oh- and I'm assuming that the specs you chose were from this rig correct? (The Mega Special III):

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/M...nfigurator_top

Not the first one I listed that starts at around $1200?

added w/ edit: 2 more quickies:

Data Hard Drive and Optical Drive- What are these? I'm not familiar with these components.

And lastly- This is a real lame question too: The computer does not come with a modem, simply a network card. I've been on cable broadband for like 4 years. Obviously, I'm not going back to dialup heh. I don't need a modem for anything do I...simply a network card correct?

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I assume that I could simply add a second card at any time down the line couldn't I?

I've never done it myself, but as long as your motherboard supports SLI, yes, you can AFAIK.

Note:
SLI is dual or triple cards made by nVidia.
Crossfire is the same (no triple support though) made by ATI.
SLI by nVidia is better, IMO.

This is what I mean by upgradeable. Ram, motherboard, cpu, video cards. I want any and all of them to be able to be expanded upon/replaced when I see fit in the future. I don't want to spend money to be locked into a system that will require me to simply buy a whole new system to "upgrade" in just a few years.

Yes, they're all replaceable. Motherboard requires a bit more skill to be replaced than other components, as everything hooks back to it, but other than that, you're fine. That being said, it doesn't look like the company you're using uses components that are unreplaceable (a thousand curses on Dell!), but to be 100% sure, it's best to order and build yourself. Either that or e-mail the company.

Note that RAM needs to be compatible with other RAM on the system - don't take a Corsair RAM stick and jam in a Mushkin to "upgrade" - it won't work. All your RAM needs to be the same make and model from the same company for it to be guaranteed to work.

Oh- and I'm assuming that the specs you chose were from this rig correct? (The Mega Special III):

Yes.

Data Hard Drive and Optical Drive- What are these? I'm not familiar with these components.

I'm not sure what they mean by Data Hard Drive - perhaps a backup drive? For buying a backup drive, it's best to buy an external anyways.

Optical Drive is like a CD Drive, but a generalization that can refer to CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray drives.

And lastly- This is a real lame question too: The computer does not come with a modem, simply a network card. I've been on cable broadband for like 4 years. Obviously, I'm not going back to dialup heh. I don't need a modem for anything do I...simply a network card correct?

My internet is an ethernet cable from the motherboard connected to a router.

[ArtistofWarfare]

I've never done it myself, but as long as your motherboard supports SLI, yes, you can AFAIK.

Note:
SLI is dual or triple cards made by nVidia.
Crossfire is the same (no triple support though) made by ATI.
SLI by nVidia is better, IMO.



Yes, they're all replaceable. Motherboard requires a bit more skill to be replaced than other components, as everything hooks back to it, but other than that, you're fine. That being said, it doesn't look like the company you're using uses components that are unreplaceable (a thousand curses on Dell!), but to be 100% sure, it's best to order and build yourself. Either that or e-mail the company.

Note that RAM needs to be compatible with other RAM on the system - don't take a Corsair RAM stick and jam in a Mushkin to "upgrade" - it won't work. All your RAM needs to be the same make and model from the same company for it to be guaranteed to work.


Yes.



I'm not sure what they mean by Data Hard Drive - perhaps a backup drive? For buying a backup drive, it's best to buy an external anyways.

Optical Drive is like a CD Drive, but a generalization that can refer to CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray drives.



My internet is an ethernet cable from the motherboard connected to a router.

Thanks a million...

But regarding internet connection: Again, I'm pretty clueless with this. As it is now, I do not use a router. I have the USB cable connecting my cable modem with my PC...that's it. Would this system with a "modem" give me what I need?

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Thanks a million...

But regarding internet connection: Again, I'm pretty clueless with this. As it is now, I do not use a router. I have the USB cable connecting my cable modem with my PC...that's it. Would this system with a "modem" give me what I need?

If you're using a USB, I think you'll be OK. I have a pretty similar setup, just with an ethernet cable instead.

[ArtistofWarfare]

ah never mind me...

I don't know why my knowledge became retroactive for a bit there...

Obviously I don't need the modem, I need the network card. Just as I have now.

I already have the modem...as I just stated: The cable modem.

And I direct connect modem to pc via usb (or I could use an ethernet like you) and just run the cable from the wall into my modem.

So obviously, I don't need a modem..

Although if someone could please tell me the advantages of having an internal (can I even do this)? cable modem, I'm all ears.

I'm around- Just checking websites. I appreciate the continued support here...

Other questions that have cropped up:

1) Quad SLI support or simply SLI support for a PSU? What exactly is this?

2) Can a Dual Core processor be upgraded to a quad core?

3) How do I ensure that I can add as much RAM as possible over time? x2 in "memory" is space for 2 sticks of RAM and x4 is space for 4 sticks correct? I'm looking to buy off of Ibuypower.com right now and they only offer me 4 gigs, 2 gigs and the x2 and the x4. I was looking for 3 gigs heh. The thing is I have an extra gig of RAM in this PC here right now...I'm wondering if I could add it.

4) Would there be a major difference between an NVIDIA 8600 GTS 512mb and an NVIDIA 8800 GT 512mb? I'm wondering if 1 model different but the lesser model being a GTS would close the gap.

5) Could someone please clarify what I need in a Motherboard to make things "fully upgradeable" to state of the art in a few years?

6) What would be the difference in noticeable speed between a 2.66 and a 3.00 processor? (at least duo)

7) I'm still confused about Vista vs. XP. Also, 32 bit vs. 64 bit confuses me...

This should help, it's the link to the new customization options I have in front of me:

http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/c...mid=119#header

Thanks guys

Here's another model I'm looking at:

http://www.projectwarmachine.com/GST...spx?id=18#main

Any suggestions on components with this would be nice as well...

Looks like I can get something really nice with this setup for $1300 or so.

And the Gateway FX540 looks amazing...is it just me?

http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529667892.php

added w/ edit hours later: what about this alienware (I've always wanted one).

http://alienware.com/Configurator_Pa...de=SKU-DEFAULT

What is the AMD Athlon equivalent for the 2.66 dual core pentiums we're looking at?

[LeftEyeNine]

1- Multiple video card arrangements on a PC obviously needs more power and more power cords. Such support ensures that you won't be like "oh dammit" after seeing that your PSU is not capable of handling multiple video cards by the time you already had spent for two video cards, for example.

2-The upgradability of CPUs are not related to the gadgets themselves. Actually as most of the upgradability of a machine depends on, your motherboard is the mother of all progress. The CPU slot (generally categorized according to the number of pins in it), the FSB speed are the basic features of a motherboard to provide various CPU compatibility. Motherboard is a VERY important component of your PC, so you'll be closely examining the features of the one you're intending to buy, such as the supported CPU list.

3- You're right about "x2", "x4" there. It tells you about the RAM slots provided on the motherboard. When it comes to whether you can add your current 1GB stick to your newly purchased 3GBs to make it 4: This depends on what kind of RAM you currently have. Is it DDR, DDR2, DDR3 ? What's the memory clock frequency? 266 MHz ? 400 MHz? or higher?

Simply you can't expect a 266 MHz 1GB DDR stick to dance with supermega MHz 3 GB DDR2 sticks. RAM modules are the most sensitive parts when it comes to working together. There is no rule that the RAMs of same standards can not work together but there always is the possibility that even different brand RAMs having the same features fail at working together.

4- I've been a bit far from the progress of the video card market but after taking a slight lookup, I got the impression that 8800 GT will be more satisfying than a 8600 GTS. I'd suggest for confirmation of this though.

5- This is the new question of the postmodern age mankind along with "What's the meaning of life?". Sorry to disappoint you there, AoW, but for a few years you may get glimpses from experts bringing us news here, such as Lemur, but no one in this end-user community can predict what's coming along. Those techie vampires (not Lemur) love enlarging, widening, erecting slots on motherboards and claiming that this latest tech will get you even a girlfriend.

So it's better to be satisfied with the right purchase when you do it and forget about what comes in a few years. 'Cause be assured that they will put something different on it soon.

6- I don't think it's much. What's more being an overclocking fan, with the right equipment to cool down your system, you can always run your CPU at higher speeds without spending too much for the better CPU. However, being a tech newbie there, I'd recommend you to stay away from it, at least until you really want to try it. (Living in a country with comparably low income per capita, the excitement and satisfaction of overclocking feels like a heaven of Monica Belluccis)

I'd be more interested in the cache levels (such as 2x 2MB, 2x 4MB etc.) of the two, rather than their frequencies.

7- Vista is a HEAVY load on your computer. Stay away as long as you plan to have less than 2 GB of RAMs and a Core 2 Duo CPU. The use of having Vista on your machine is the availability of DirectX 10 of course. And I guess they -geeks that is, not Microsoft- still couldn't port DirectX 10 to XP. If you want to enjoy Dx10 graphics provided you have a rock solid rig, go with Vista. But if you're like "I can wait for now. Total War series and WoW will keep me happy" then why bother with putting a great load on your PC? Get XP then.

However assuming that I were you, I'd get Vista if I had a monstrous machine (Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM, 8xxx series gfx card). XP has 1-2 years of lifetime the most when it comes to gaming.

32bit is the standard of nearly all the programs on the market. 64bit is newer and faster if run on a 64bit OS and 64bit supporting hardware. However, and I don't know why, 64bit couldn't take the step to be the new standard of programs. I guess it's due to the overcrowding in the computing tech sector. No one looks to care about what 64bit would bring while a 8800 GTX can make your jaw drop or Quad Core CPU can rocket you up. IT experts among us are sure to have a more reliable reasoning about this.

Get 32bit OS, to be precise.

Hope this helps.

[ArtistofWarfare]

LeftEyeNine- That does pretty much tie up any loose ends remaining after my research thus far...indeed. Good stuff, thank you. I especially like how you categorized certain things as "unpredictable"...as this goes along with some of my suspicions, and makes my search easier as a result.

My only remaining question is about the motherboard...

Could you please look at this: http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/c...mid=119#header

I'm almost sure this is the set I'll be building off of and I just would like you to take a look at the motherboard options there and tell me what's viable for price/longterm compatibility etc...

This last bit of help would pretty much give me what I need to wrap this thing up tomorrow or the next day.

Over time, I'll spend some more time reading the forums here and learning more about hardware and programming in general. I knew the day would come when I would eventually get as learned in PC knowledge as I am in some other things. That day has clearly come.

Just to mention as well- I got a little lucky. As I'm sure you guys know, you're looking for any tug in any direction as far as what company to order from. I was at the mall today and I stopped in the local game store and was talking to some guys a few years older than me...intelligent. They had both gone with this IbuyPower company in the past and said that things should work out just fine. So at least I can start pegging down the hardware (which other than the motherboard is just about done as well).

Thank you again LEN and EMFM. Upon finding out that I would be able to go after a PC in the first place, and then immediately deciding to come here for help, this is exactly the kind of detailed information I was looking/hoping for.

You both clearly spent time on this...I'll definitely send you some screenshots etc when I finally get the PC on my desk running some TW.

Oh- Also, just in case it comes up...(it might...I'm looking at a couple of other models quick just to make sure) Could you please clarify that AMD Athlon to Pentium Dual Core?

As in...AMD 5200...what would be it's pentium equivalent? Thanks.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Motherboard

The 680i is a good motherboard for that computer, IMHO. It's the one in mine, and I've never really had problems with it (well, once, but I fixed it about five minutes after a call to tech support, which is VERY helpful).

Then again, the 750i looks good. I'm not sure how it preforms, however.

EDIT: I just saw the 780i by EVGA. EVGA makes excellent motherboards, and I'm fairly sure that's one of the better ones.

[ArtistofWarfare]

awesome...ty...

I'm now seeing Nvidia GeForce 9600 GT graphics cards...but they're less than the GeForce 8800 GT graphics cards...

The 9600 also has faster specs...

What's the deal with these two ?

Also- 8600 GT with 1GB instead of 256 or 512MB. Is this 8600 GT 1GB a steal over the 8800 GT with 512MB? THIS is probably the last major question I have right here...I have almost everything else picked out.

[Caius]

Could you please clarify that AMD Athlon to Pentium Dual Core?

Amd Athlon Was(or is?) a microprocessor which repleaces old Pentium 4 micros.

A dual Core system is that there are 2 microprocessors in one motherboard.

[Charge]

Is this 8600 GT 1GB a steal over the 8800 GT with 512MB? THIS is probably the last major question I have right here...I have almost everything else picked out.

Yes it is, more memory could be even slower, but depends on your resolution.

EDIT: I mean 1gb exactly is stealing your money, not 8800GT.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Yes it is, more memory could be even slower, but depends on your resolution.

That being said, with Windows XP 32-bit, he won't be able to make full use of that 1GB probably.

[ArtistofWarfare]

I'm bumping and adjusting prices now...just tweaking a few things...

The 8800 512 might just be my best bet...keeping it relatively simple yet giving me pretty much the best thing that I can get for that money...

I would just change it to the 9600 with 1gig if anyone thought there was any "omg you have to!!" reason why I should...

appreciate the continued support guys...

[Husar]

Yes it is, more memory could be even slower, but depends on your resolution.

No it isn't, the 8800GT almost reaches the 8800GTX in speed while the 8600GT is significantly slower. More memory doesn't make a slow card any faster. Doesn't mean the 8600GT is a slow card, but definitely not as fast as the 8800GT.

Here's a chart for you, not ideal as the 8800GT is overclocked etc but it may give you a rough idea about how powerful the cards are.

[ArtistofWarfare]

More memory doesn't make a slow card any faster.

This is precisely what I was asking...and should have. Thank you.

What would be the main purpose of getting more memory on the graphics card then?

- also, could someone clarify SLI capable PSU's vs. Quad SLI capable PSU's? What do I want?

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

What would be the main purpose of getting more memory on the graphics card then?

- also, could someone clarify SLI capable PSU's vs. Quad SLI capable PSU's? What do I want?

More memory on a graphics card, AFAIK, increases the dedicated graphical processing power (memory used ONLY for graphics), but not the speed with which it is transmitted.

An SLI capable PSU means it can support two graphics cards running in SLI. Quad means it can support four graphics cards running in SLI. You'll probably want an SLI capable of some kind, and most power supplies aren't terribly expensive (except the 1600W ones!), so by the time this one is done, which will be a relatively long time, you won't have much money trouble replacing it.

This is what I have (found it on newegg for you):

OCZ GameXStream 700W

[ArtistofWarfare]

http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/c...mid=119#header

This is the build I'm on...it's almost done...

I need: Motherboard still- What about the 3rd one down...the Asus 750i? Why is it less than some of the 680's and 650's?

And- Graphics cards...is a dual 8600 GT 1GB better than a single 8800 GT 512MB?

It turns out that price wise, I could get a better deal with the dual graphics cards...How would this effect overall performance?