Buying a Gaming PC

[Dias]

Hey guys, I've been planning on buying a new gaming PC for around $2000ish this summer, and have been conducting a bit of research for the last few weeks. After checking out Alienware, Dell, and a few other big name PC vendors, I went to my local Best Buy and found this:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8308173&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050055&id=1173577735288

I had not heard of the company Velocity Micro, but after looking into it they seem decent enough, and for the money this is the best deal I have found (It's a MUCH better deal compared to Alienware and Dell)

The only problem with it I can see is that it comes with Vista, which I've heard a ton of bad stuff about. The hardware looks nice, and the case is awesome.

What do you guys think? Any obvious problems I'm missing? Know of a better deal anywhere else? Ect.

[odannyboy000]

If you build your own, you can get a much better computer.

[Dias]

Haha yea I know I know, I'm just too scared to try it (The most ive done hardware wise is upgrade RAM and replace a modem), and I like having a warranty.

[paul_]

It really isn't that bad. There is little to mess up if yo have a steady hand and an anti-static wristband. Just don't bend any processor pins! :D

If your budget is $2000, start with a 680i Motherboard, a Core 2 Quad Q6600 (will be under $300 as of July 22), 2-4GB of good DDR2 800 RAM, and either an 8800GTX or an ATI X2900XT 1GB, depending on how the rest of your system goes.

[Dias]

Thats a reply I had been looking for for a while (really wanted a list of stuff like that) but I've decided I'm just going to go with a premade computer. That Velocity Micro computer is still my first choice right now but I've done some more skimming and found a few similar systems for cheaper, but from less known vendors. Do you guys think the computer I linked above is decent enough for the money or should I check a different company?

[PatioFurniture]

You know, as much as I would strongly suggest building your own (scary for me too, but easy and very rewarding) the PC you are looking at i feel is not that bad for the money. Granted its not an 8800GTX, but it will do well.

But still, building your own is a lot of fun....

[Dias]

Alright well I'm still 80% sure I'm going to get that Velocity Micro one, but I can't ignore the pressure to build my own so I scouted this forums and New Egg and came up with (I think) a decent rig:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119136
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188013
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130071
2 Gigs RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034
CD/DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151145
Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073
Case Fans x4: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999127
CPU Cooling: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223

All this plus Vista comes to about $1887.00 without tax/shipping, unless I forgot to add one. Would this be everything I needed to build it? I'd also have to order a PC work kit with a static band and stuff. What do you guys think?

[Dias]

Any reason not to build that rig?

[odannyboy000]

Its all really good. You could always pay a little more and get 4GB of RAM (which is better for vista). Also you could pay some more and get the 8800gtx.

[George Hallam]

heres a better selection of memory its cheaper but still the same quality

2GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144062

4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227195

[Orion]

The case and power supply are a little overkill, by about $200...you can get a good case for 115 (I'm thinking a thermaltake Tsunami-I've been really happy with i) and a good power supply for around $70-you don't need a Kilowatt..you could do just fine with a 550-750, especially if you're not going SLI with that 8800.

Personally, I would go with a tsunami, a 600 watt psu, and use the extra money you save to go with the 8800GTX. the GTS is no slouch, but the GTX is even better.

Has everyone but me had static issues? I've been building, revamping, frankensteining and playing with computer parts for years, and not once have I even tried putting on a static band....Not that I'm advocating that you don't bother with it, I just have never ever had an issue-I just make sure I touch the case/something grounded before I pick stuff up...

As far as a PC toolkit, for building, you'll be just fine as long as you have a P1 and a P2 phillips screwdriver, and if your case maker is annoying, you'll need a T15 torx tip. I wouldn't bother too much with the tool kit-although most tool kits come with a static strap.

Edit: any reason you were looking at an SLI mobo? I notice you weren't going SLI, were you planning on going SLI in the future? Unless you're planning on going SLI within a foreseeable future (not just "In case I feel like it later") you might want to just go with an Intel chipset, with the intel processor. A lot of people were burnt by going SLI with the intention of just upgrading their 7900 to two 7900s, and then when the 8800 came out, it was cheaper and more powerful to just upgrade to an 8800...new architecture, new DX version, everything, and in the end, it wasn't worth it to go SLI.

Also-the hard drive could be better. WD only has 3 year warrantys on their drives. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 series has 5 year, and also perpendicular recording. Their performance is actually better than the Caviars...and here is a 500 GB version (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148136) for almost the same price

[Dias]

*sigh* alright sorry to change the topic of this thread for a 3rd time, but while I still think I'm getting the Velocity Micro one, I had a discussion with my mom and she guilt tripped me about already having a working computer (a 4 year old Alienware) and still wanting to buy another one. So now I'm kinda thinking of just upgrading my old ass Alienware, but I'm not sure how possible that is. This is whats inside (from the specs list off my Alienware Invoice sheet):

Motherboard: Asus NForce 2 Motherboard
CPU: AMD XP 2800+
RAM: 512MB DDR PC2700 x2
HD: Seagate Barracuda 80GB HD

Videocard: Came with Hercules 3D Prophet 9700 Pro 128MB but the fan broke so I replaced it with a Radeon X1050 256MBDDR, I really dont know which one is better because the second one I just got 2 weeks ago, but the Prophet looks much better

DVD-ROM: 16X DVD-ROM
Sound: Soundblaster Audigy w/1394
Modem: 56K PCI Modem
NIC: Intel Pro 100 S Desktop Adapter
CD-RW: Plextor Plexwriter 48/24/48 CD-RW
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home
PSU: 320 Watt Power Supply

Is there any chance at all of upgrading this to a decent computer or would I be better off just starting fresh? I don't see how that old motherboard can be expanded to support today's hardware.

[TopChip7]

Sorry Dias but your old Alienware is past its sell-by-date mate.

It's not ultra-simple to build a PC, but it aint rocket science either - Is there someone who has the knowledge to help you out if you get stuck - If the answer is yes then build your own, If no then there's always the forum sites...... or you could simply buy one I suppose but it just aint the same - You'd never appreciate your system for what it is.

Ultimately, this is a forum site for those who are prepared to get stuck in and get their hands dirty..... so to speak!!! If I had never found this site I would had never of built my own system..... and I am so so so glad I did!!!

Go on mate - give it a go - We'll even find the parts for you at NewEgg or something!!!

[Orion]

The upgrade path option for your Alienware is a valid option-you have many of the "nickel and Dime" components already taken care of. Check out this other post:
Will this psu... (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=58187)

In there I suggested an upgrade path for a computer that is around the same generation as you...You can use your old case, assuming it supports ATX, you likely would want to upgrade the PSU, though you may be able to get by with the low requirements that you would have. All in all, the cost for an upgrade to a dual core AMD 939 system for you would be around $350

A dvd/cd burner combo is around $30...you would be able to use that old IDE hard drive if you want to economize and spread out the cost, but a 500GB SATA can be had for around $115...

It all depends on your budget and needs. Topchip is right-the system is past it's date. The upgrades you can do to it would be what at least Saph and I call a core platform upgrade-mobo, proc, and whatever else is necessary to make it compatible. you would be gutting your current computer-taking everything out, and putting it all back together again. This is easier than it sounds, as long as you're careful-with a resource like the forums, you should be able to get through it quickly.

Overall, going the route above would place you at around $350, for a system that should at least hold your head above water for a few years. The drawbacks to that upgrade would be that you would have DDR memory, which is rapidly rising in price and disappearing, and your future processor upgrade path would be more limited than if you went AM2. In addition, in order to play DX10 games (real ones, not just Lost planet...what a disappointment...) you'd need a DX10 vid card-and that could be your upgrade next year, when affordable and effective new models come out in DX10...

If you can rationalize another 150-200, you could easily go AM2 (with DDR2) and SATA...and then your only limiting factor would be your vid card.

Let us know if you want any further help with planning this out-if you can give a budget (along with how firm it is), that will help us come up with the best path for you.

[saphalline]

I had a discussion with my mom and she guilt tripped me about already having a working computer (a 4 year old Alienware) and still wanting to buy another one.Ok, hold on, I need to take a big breath for this one...

Ahahahahahaaaaa!!!!

OMFG!! Your mom is hilarious!! Modern gaming on 4-year-old hardware!? Hahahaa! She kills me!!


Seriously, don't listen to your mom! WTF is she thinking?? Gaming hardware has generations spanning a mere 6-9 months! In the time since you bought your computer, we've had many major advances in PC technology! Socket A systems predate:

- 64-bit CPU's
- Dual-core CPU's
- Quad-core CPU's
- PCIe
- PCIe 2.0
- native SATA support
- SATA 300
- true 128-bit dual-channel RAM
- DDR2
- DDR3
- Vista
- WGF 1.0 & 2.0
- D3D10!!

And I'm tired of listing them now!! Everything I listed above, and more as it pertains to gaming technologies on PC's, has been developed and released after you bought your old Alienware! Take this list to your mom and ask her if she wants to buy you a new hamster wheel to put in your Alienware so that you can run Crysis!!

Your system is, without a doubt, completely incapable of playing the latest games, much less upcoming Vista-only/D3D10-only games! The only viable option for that Alienware is replacing EVERYTHING, like Orion said! No amount of money can turn a Socket A system into a dual-core 64-bit gaming monster!! The hardware simply doesn't exist.

[sassie05]

...If I had never found this site I would had never of built my own system..... and I am so so so glad I did!!!!

I second that!
I know next to nothing and was still able to build a rig and then another,and another, and....:D

You know one day I'll build myself a nice rig.
No none of those were for me.

[Dias]

Alright guys I've given it some more thought and posted this build on a few other forums and this is where I'm at now:

Case w/ PSU: COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 w/ Real Power Pro 1000W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119136

Motherboard: ASUS P5B LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131030

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 6750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115029

Video Card: EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

RAM: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

CD/DVD Drive: SAMSUNG
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151141

Hard Drive: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD403LJ 400GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152085

Case Fans x4: Thermaltake A1926 120mm Blue LED Case Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999127

CPU Cooling: ZALMAN CNPS 9700 NT 110mm 2 Ball Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118020

Thats where I'm at so far. I'm going to go with Windows XP Home because after some thought I realized I didnt wana start with Vista on my first build; don't want any problems, and I can always upgrade when Vista gets fixed. I'm also thinking about maybe going for a 8800GTX since I'm not going SLi, and I was also looking into this Zalman Fan Controller http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813999251 since I've heard those 4 additional fans can be loud and this will allow me to control the power, but I dont know how hard it would be to install the controller. Anyway what do you guys think of this current build and the possible changes?

[odannyboy000]

You don't need a 1000W power supply. Save money and get a cheaper 700-800 Watt one.

You should go with XP professional. You have a dx10 card, why not just get vista too? you can dual boot and have both of best worlds.

Do you have a case already?

[Dias]

I know I don't need a big power supply like that but the combo is a really good deal. If I were to get that case separate and a 650w PSU its only like 20 bucks cheaper. I know I could also get a cheaper case but I like that one lol. Hmmm what are the advantages of Professional over Home? I didnt want to go vista because this is my first build and I'd like as few problems as possible, and I can always upgrade later on after they fix Vista a bit.

[Orion]

Hmmm...the case and PSU are still $200 overboard...That's WAY more than you need. The Coolermaster cases are good quality, and nothing beats a coolermaster PSU, but you're matching a Ferrari Fuel delivery system with a Fiero Engine here...you just don't need a Kilowatt, unless you're going to go Dual Geforce 8800 GTX''s in SLI....

I would suggest going with a thermaltake purepower series 600 watt or so (about $70, I beleive), and I've been really happy with the Thermaltake Tsunami case...($115). With the 200 you save there, you can go with XP Pro, and even get the 640 MB version of that 8800GTS-that way for games like Bioshock that are talking about requireing no less than 512 MB video card ram, you're covered. That's what Saphalline did, just to make sure he's future proofed, and it's likely what I'm going to do once I have the money....

I agree about holding off on vista, if you use the computer for any games that are DX9, as it's still a little buggy, compatability is poor, and there aren't any DX10 games out worthy of the name....but you really ought to go with XP Pro. Home was a crappy product, especially when you compare the prices....

[Dias]

The Thermaltake 650w is $150.00 from New Egg, and most of the 650w power supplys from a brand I'm familiar with are around the $120.00ish price range. That Cooler Master Stacker 830 is $260.00 by itself, and $400.00 with the 1000w PSU. I don't think I'm saving that much by not going with the combo (I really want that case lol, I know I could get a better PSU/Case deal if I went with a different case, but I like this one.)

As for the 640mb over the 320mb I will definantly look into that. About Professional over Home, I've been using Home on this computer for years and havent had too many problems, just a few viruses here and there. What are the advantages of Pro?

[saphalline]

That case is awesome! :D One of the best you can get for an air-cooled gaming system. Even has enough room to fit two 8800 GTX/Ultra's in SLI! :cool: So yeah, if you're dead-set on that case & PSU combo, go ahead. The PSU is certainly good enough for any future needs ;) and cases in general are very personal preference. Besides, it's your money! :p If you feel it's worth $400 (and I don't blame you if you're used to an Alienware case!) then go ahead. The only noteworthy item about the PSU is to carefully check your +12V rails when plugging in components! The PSU should come with a manual on the wiring diagram, so just make sure the vid card is plugged into its own +12V rail, and make sure that rail is one of the 28A ones!

That mobo is ancient! The Intel P965 chipset series has already been replaced! Even if you don't need the NVidia 650i/680i series, Intel has a new one. The P35 chipset is what you should be looking at now. Something like the already famous Asus P5K (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131180) mobo would be a better choice.

CPU choice is good. 1333 FSB, lower CPU multiplier, and Conroe 4M core? What's not to like!

Vid card. Tough choice. The 8800's are the vid card series du jour, and they certainly are excellent. I'm very happy with mine on a number of different levels. But while the 320MB version is good, the higher RAM versions are better! I bought this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130080). It's a tough call, though, because it's an extra $100+ yet all it has is more RAM. 320MB vs 640MB. And the decision is not quite as clear-cut as, say, Vista 32-bit vs Vista 64-bit. :p So it's definitely a steep climb just for more RAM. However, like Orion said, I went for the 640MB version because I know for a fact that several games coming out over the next year or so will require at least 512MB of graphical memory for either running or turning up all the details. That being said, D3D10 does have a short-cut to get around that requirement via direct memory mapping (moot point on WinXP, tho). I wanted the extra RAM for a pure performance aspect so as not to bog down my system's RAM, but the choice is really yours to make.

RAM - I've seen better. I like to stick to my main list of "3+1" RAM manufacturers to ensure full RAM compatibility. The list consists of Crucial/Micron, Kingston, Corsair, and Patriot (as the "+1"). The first 3 are all really old RAM manufacturers; they've been in the business of making high quality computer memory since the days of EDO! :eek: Micron, in fact, was the first to offer 50ns RAM back when everyone else was stuck at 60ns! They all got on my list because they've all got an impeccable track record. Consider this list when making your final purchase.

Optical drive. If you truly want your first build to be flawless, you need to buy a retail boxed optical drive! Trust me, OEM is not for the faint of heart. I recommend something like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135149). It's the next model revision up from the one I bought a few months ago.

Hard drive. Excellent choice, plenty of space! ;) Just be sure to partition that sucker to keep Windows in check. Windows + large volumes = finicky performance. For gaming, I'd say keep about 100-150GB for Windows itself, and the rest of the drive space for storage. There are many many reasons to have a storage HDD or partition with a Windows machine, but that's beyond the scope of this post! :p

Case fans. At 21dBA per fan, I don't see how they could be "loud" per se. I doubt you'll need a fan controller for those things. Your system will certainly not be "silent", but neither will it sound like a jet engine with several quiet 120mm fans! I say skip the extra cost and complexity of a fan controller, at least for now. If it bugs you later, you can address it then. But if I may offer a suggestion when buying those fans? That massive case accomodates up to 9 fans. And while I don't think you'll need all of them, I also don't like the idea of mixing fan types (ie, mixing bundled case fans with extra ones you buy). And since those particlar case fans offer free shipping per fan when you buy 8 or more, and since it never hurts to have extra fans on-hand, why not buy all 9? If you buy 4, you're looking at $8.99 per fan + $2.91 shipping per fan = $47.60. If you buy 9, you're looking at $8.49 per fan + free shipping = $76.41. That's 60% more money for 125% more fans! I'd go with 9 myself...

CPU cooler. Ok, now we come to the crux of the cooling situation. With that case and its cooling potential, and the fact that this is your first build and you are not likely to OC, why even bother with the Zalman?? Given the airflow design with the side-action on that CM Stacker 830, the Zalman will almost completely go to waste at stock speed. When comparing the 1-2C drop in temps you'd receive from that Zalman (plus AS5, of course!) to the cost and work it would take to buy and install it, I can't see how it would be beneficial to your first build. It adds too many steps with not enough return to be a valid option here. Drop the idea of a 3rd-party cooler altogether (especially since that CPU is so cold already!) and save yourself some money and work.

About Professional over Home, I've been using Home on this computer for years and havent had too many problems, just a few viruses here and there. What are the advantages of Pro?WinXP Pro is considered to be much more of an OS than Home. When SP1 came out for WinXP, Home received a ton of "fixes" and features that were already a part of Pro. And Pro offers a few administrative tools that Home doesn't have, not even with SP1 and SP2b. Thus, when it comes to picking out Windows versions, every member here will recommend WinXP Pro! And, not to hint at you too much ;), when it comes time to request help here on the forums, you'll be in a much better position if you have Pro. Use the money you saved by not buying the Zalman to upgrade to WinXP Pro.

[Orion]

I agree-case is awesome, lord knows I'd love one like that...and the power supply is incredible too, I just thought we were still going budget. if not, then by all means, go for that case and PSU! All I was saying was that the case is good for overclocking, the PSU is good for SLI, and from what I gather, You're not going to be doing either...

There it comes to a personal choice-I would rather have an adequate case that doesn't look as pretty, and a power supply that's reliable but only adequate for my current and likely projected power needs, and invest the rest of the money I saved by doing that into actual performance...Everyone's going to have different priorities...

Take a look at the Vista and Gaming thread in the Performance SIF area of the forum for a good look at what D3D10 is and how it will affect you if you do go 320MB. Simply stated, if you have less than the "required" amount of memory for a game, you will not be able to run that game. not "you will be able to run it but not very well", but rather "you won't be able to run it." Which kind of limits you. It's worth considering, but a hindering factor there is that there are no games out yet that have that issue-There's only one D3D10 game out there now, and it sucks! I guess we'll have to wait for Crysis and Alan Wake.....

[Dias]

Hey guys, I figured I'd drop off an update. I spoke to a friend of mine and he kinda turned me off to building my own PC when he pointed me to Ava Direct and their great custom PC options. However, i went to Bestbuy today and saw that the original PC I asked about from Velocity Micro...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8308173&type=product&id=1173577735288

Has dropped in price from $2100.00 to $1900.00. Do you guys think that is worth it now?

[odannyboy000]

Nope. It will never be worth it (unless its free, and even then I'd think about it carefully).

Your friend is trying to convince you not to build your own? That's not what I'd call a friend, but he probably just doesn't know any better. Build your own.

[Dias]

Haha no he wasnt telling me to not build it, he just showed me Ava Direct and how you can pick basically any hardware you want. But why wouldnt that VM one be worth it? I heard it wasnt that bad a buy at 2100.00 so I figured now it would be very sweet lol

[saphalline]

But why wouldnt that VM one be worth it? I heard it wasnt that bad a buy at 2100.00 so I figured now it would be very sweet lolThe problem with that system is based on many things. odannyboy000 is probably most concerned with the price and choice of components, as am I. The big companies have realized that there's a major profit to be gained from gaming of all sorts. But a good gaming system is more than that Velocity Micro listing. It's about more than just picking out a windowed case with some lights, slapping some merely adequate parts into it, installing the "Ultimate" version of Windows, and adding 80% to the price!!

Seriously, from what you've seen here of component links and prices, do you honestly believe that system is worth $1900 for just the system alone!? Price out the parts yourself. How much is a C2D E6700 going for these days? How much is the mid-range 8800 GTS 320MB version? How much is a 2GB kit of DDR2-667? And what about the unknowns?? What mobo is in there? What PSU? Is the RAM quality decent? Is the vid card at least a factory-OC'ed version? And aside from that, why do you think the price recently dropped? Is it because better hardware is now available? That's my idea, since the E6700 is now "old" because it's been replaced by the E6x50 series using the 1333 FSB. And I suspect the mobo's chipset is the older Intel P965 Express, or maybe even not a gaming-worthy chipset!!

You aren't going to see us say anything nice about these so-called "gaming systems" from the big OEM's, just like you won't see us say anything nice about Dell! :p The real point here is that off-the-shelf cr@p like this often uses last generation's hardware at prices that make me want to cringe! I could build a better system with better components and MUCH better performance, not to mention rounding it out with a nice 19" LCD monitor and gaming-worthy peripherals, and still come in under that new lower $1900 price tag!! If you're asking for an opinion here, I second odannyboy000's - it's not worth the money and there are better components available today. In that price range, there's no reason to buy a system that is already behind the curve!

So, moving on... what's this about "Ava Direct"? I fully understand if you don't want to get into building your own computers. It can be a black pit of addiction sometimes, so it's not something to take lightly. If you want to buy something customized, we can certainly help you there. What are you currently looking at?

[Dias]

Seriously, from what you've seen here of component links and prices, do you honestly believe that system is worth $1900 for just the system alone!?


Haha yea you really got me there, it is not really worth it if you price it all out on your own, I was just thinking it may be worth it for the labor and warranty but it is a huge cost difference.

This is the build I'm currently looking at from Ava Direct:

# INTEL, Core™ 2 Duo E6750 Dual-Core, 2.66GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache, 65nm, 65W, EM64T EIST XD, Retail
# ZALMAN, CNPS9700 Copper CPU Cooler, Socket LGA775/AMD754/939/940/AM2, Blue LED
# SERVICE, Overclocking, Dual-Core CPU, 20-30% Performance Increase
# eVGA, nForce 680i SLI 775 T1, LGA775, nForce 680i SLI, 1333MHz FSB, DDR2-1200 8GB /4, PCIe x16 SLI /2, SATA 3Gb/s RAID 0+1 /6, HDA, GbLAN /2, FW, ATX, Retail
# CORSAIR, 2GB (2 x 1GB) XMS2 Dominator PC2-8500 DDR2 1066MHz CL5 (5-5-5-15) SDRAM 240-pin DIMM, Non-ECC, Heatsink
# eVGA, e-GeForce 8800 GTS Superclocked 576MHz, 320MB DDR3 1700MHz, PCIe x16 SLI, 2x DVI, HDTV/S-Video Out, Retail
# SAMSUNG, 300GB SpinPoint T133, SATA II 300MB/s, 7200-RPM, 8MB Cache, OEM
# RAID, No RAID, Independent HDD Drives
# MITSUMI, Black Internal 1.44MB 3.5" Floppy Drive
# LITE-ON, LH-16D1P-187 Black 16x48x DVD-ROM Drive, IDE, Retail
# LITE-ON, LH-20A1H Black/White 20x DVD±RW Dual-Layer Burner w/ LightScribe, EIDE/ATAPI, Retail
# COOLERMASTER, CM Stacker 830 Evolution (RC-830) Black Tower Case, EATX, No PSU, Aluminum, SLI Certified
# OCZ, GameXStream 700W Power Supply, 24-pin ATX EPS12V, SLI Ready
# AVA, Original Side Panel (may not have window)
# CUSTOM WIRING, Standard Wiring with Round Cables
# CASE FAN, LED Fans Maximum Package, Red
# MICROSOFT, Windows XP Home Edition w/ SP2b, OEM
# GAMING PC, Silver Warranty Package (3 Year Limited Parts, 3 Year Labor Warranty)
# SERVICE, Standard Shipping (UPS, DHL, or Fedex)

The total comes to $2039.60. I'm thinking about maybe going with a different motherboard, different optical drives (I've heard nothing but bad stuff about Lite-On) and maybe a few other changes. What do you think?

[WarmCupOfSTFU]

Personally I just was in this situation and me wanting to play it safe had a company build it. The company is Cyberpowerpc. They are decent and make good pcs for cheap. Might want to consider them. But if you want a great machine I would also recommend building it yourself just make sure you look at different sites or stores before you pick out your stuff.

[odannyboy000]

I would definitely not get XP home edition. Get Professional.