Buying a new computer-got $1100-$1200

[Celtman]

For under $200, this graphics card may do good, they seem to have a good price vs performance balance:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102075

Only downside is that it is not DX10, but DX10 cards are $300+

[Virtual_Pilot]

What about a 7950 512MB? That's what I've got on my list, the whole thing comes out to 1240$

[Brett_Henderson]

Just a side thought (because I'm almost hardware illiterate and know even less about over-clocking)...

Can the Q6600 handle 3.6 even under an after market air cooler like the Zalman 9700? Would you all even recommend pushing that far? I've read that a few people have done it on air. But looks to me that the life of that processor is down to 2 years or less.

You'd probably be upgrading again anyway.. Two years is five lifetimes for a gaming computer. And even if you aren't looking at a new computer by then... that Q6600 could probably be had for $70 in mid 2009..

[Celtman]

What about a 7950 512MB? That's what I've got on my list, the whole thing comes out to 1240$

Yes, that is a good card, although, as I mentioned before, stretch your budget and you could get a DX10 card.

[Virtual_Pilot]

Yes, that is a good card, although, as I mentioned before, stretch your budget and you could get a DX10 card.

Yeah, but only the 8800's are the DX10 cards that have good reviews also. I will look at them...

[Virtual_Pilot]

One question, what is an operating system that says DSP OEM?

Like, I added Vista Home Premium to my cart and then later I saw something that said: Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit DSP OEM DVD

What is that?

I have a really nice system built so far and would like to show it, but I am confused with this. If that is just a plain Vista Ultimate 32-bit, then that means I save 30$ by getting Ultimate instead Home Premium

[Brett_Henderson]

"OEM" copies of Windows are like the same as you get when you buy a pre-built computer. It's licensed for that machine only. In other words.. if you build another computer down the road, you can't just transfer the license from the computer you have now. You'd have to buy another OEM.

With a retail version, you can transfer that license to the new computer.

[Virtual_Pilot]

Oh wow, so the OEM's still have full funcionality?

[Celtman]

Oh wow, so the OEM's still have full funcionality?

Yes, just no fancy box packaging, I ALWAYS buy OEM, great money saver

[Virtual_Pilot]

Yeah, I will save a whopping 110$

[aussiewannabe]

Remember - Today's high end components will soon be outperformed by the newer Intel and AMD processors, and DDR3 RAM. If you want to make the most of your budget, do what I am doing an wait until after Christmas (Around January). you will pick up a much better system for your money.

As much as I like what Mouse Ace wants to build, I think it might be better to wait until the new processors and RAM come out. That will give me more time to learn about them and also learn about Direct10 cards as well. I would love to build my own system, but patience is a virtue.

[MOUSY]

Thinking back, I probably shouldn't have highjacked this thread. I'll delete my questions and place them somewhere else.
@ Brett: I'll only go that far if I'm feeling curious, then bring it back down again. I plan to sell it within a year. So it may be best to extend the life a bit for the next buyer.

To add to what Celtman is saying.... The 7950 512 is the best DX9 card you can get. The only way to beat it in terms of performance would be to go with an 8800GTS 320 (which is DX10: added bonus) or higher. Now seeing that the XFX 7950 is about $270 and the EVGA 8800 is $260 after a $20 rebate... that's a pretty easy choice wouldn't you say? 8-)
(The ASUS 7950 is $250 but out of stock.... I would still go for the 8800)

[Brett_Henderson]

@ Brett: I'll only go that far if I'm feeling curious, then bring it back down again. I plan to sell it within a year. So it may be best to extend the life a bit for the next buyer.  

Good man  :)

[Virtual_Pilot]

[Brett_Henderson]

Oh wow, so the OEM's still have full funcionality?

Yes, just no fancy box packaging, I ALWAYS buy OEM, great money saver

Not always a money saver. It's usually a good idea to buy full retail early in the release of a new Windows.. because chances are you'll be upgrading a time or two... else you'll have to buy a new OEM every time. With retail, you can upgrade and new-build a thousand times and keep re-using the same license.