I think it’s time for me to get a new computer. I’ve been trying to prop up my current one with more memory and a better video card, but since it’s a small form factor Shuttle, I’m limited to what I can do. And they don’t really make AGP video cards anymore. (Yes, AGP. It’s been that long.)
I’m going to probably go off of the Grand Experiment from Tech Report’s current system guide. I’m not too keen on Radeon cards, so I’ll probably go for an nVidia. And I don’t need a quad core CPU. The real sticky point for me is the OS, because the latest version of Windows I have is Windows 2000. Yes, I’m still using an 8 year old version of the operating system and it’s served me well so far.
At least until Blizzard announced today that Wrath of the Lich King won’t support it.
I’ll actually have to pay retail for Vista Home Premium, because I’m scared to get the OEM and being stuck with the x64 version. Maybe I can poke one of the people I know at Microsoft for a discount…
I’m just in the process of finishing my ‘upgrading my gaming computer’ saga.
The Tech Report guide is very good. I use a lot of information from the SomethingAwful serious hardware forum as well.
I’ve had nightmares with some parts [current Asus motherboards and current Corsair memory units are off my Christmas card list], but hoping I’ll be enjoying my Vista 64 goodness.
Central Computers (El Camino and Sunnyvale) have been good for me, and they special order stuff if you want it.
Best of luck!
p.s. if you need 4GB of inexpensive RAM, I’ve got some DDR2-1006 sticks in the factory box on my desk. >.> *cough*
You might be able to get OEM copies of XP Pro from Newegg, which is much less of a headache than using Vista. ^^;
Several local stores also have OEM XP Pro, for those who want it too.
I’m thankful for the option.
Yeah, some of the ones down here do, too, thankfully.
I’m avoiding Vista until I have absolutely no choice. >.>
make sure to get an nvidia card! lol
Hmm I would guess that the OEM XP Pros wouldn’t work for
Intel Macs would it? I forgot the specs they can or not -_-…
I’ve been using Vista x64 for quite a while, and unless you’re sticking in really old hardware, you shouldn’t have driver problems at this point. If you’re buying all new stuff, shouldn’t have any problems. Vista isn’t as bad as some says it is, but it definitely isn’t as good as some say it is either. In general, I’d say it’s an upgrade over XP, and if you’re building a new system anyway, go for it.
Poke someone at MSFT for a discount, you get both 32 and 64 bit discs (Ultmiate edition). Take your pick.
RAM you can get at Fry’s cheap now a days, so just look for a weekend sale for a pair of corsair 2GB (for 4GB).
That is virtually the same system I built for myself in august (though I went with a beefier power supply and a slightly slower quad core cpu, since the CPU isn’t the bottleneck for anything.)
The Radeon card is friggen sweet, you should get it. I love mine.
Q6600 was what I got, but I think the price has come down enough to make your choice better. Antec 900 case is friggen sweet btw.
If you’d like help putting it together (in case you are worried about the scheffler field) give me a call.