First time build -- need critique and GPU advice

I have the x1950xt, and It's great for the gaming I do, but I game as much as I use the computer for other things, so you might get away with a card that cost less. The rest of the build looks good.

You probably already know, but be aware that "for system builders" means OEM, which means you will not be able to install this OS if or when you change mobo or cpu since that will be considered buying a new system.
So if you go with this OEM, at least try and install maybe a non-OEM version of some Windows first to check everything works BEFORE installing and activating the OEM.

The Rosewill psu might not be the best choice. I wouldn't trust them.

psu is just shy but it might work with the 8600, you should look into a better one with higher efficiency. If that psu goes it could take your mobo and gpu with it. Better to spend an extra 60-70 now than have to replace alot more later.

12v2@18a 18x2=36 36x.65(efficiency)=23.4a and i think you need 26 for the 8800gts 640mb

What for? You can install Vista and not activate for up to 120 days legally (just Google it); plenty of time to find out if all your hardware works. Don't be messing with the guy's head.

Yes I know, but are you certain the OEM won't be consumed until activation? I had the same thoughts, but not sure when the OEM is consumed/registered.

What are you talking about? Consumed? WTF? If you install Vista but don't activate it, you'll have 30 days to do so. A Vista product key is not tied to any hardware until you activate it; that is what activation is. If you're scared of your product key being "consumed"; do not enter the product key during install but choose the version of Vista that you bought when given the choice. You will still have 30 days to enter the product key and activate. That way your product key will not be "consumed".

Not so happy! Lighten up will you, this is not a board for flaming and I am sure no one here is deliberately trying to annoy you.

Don't buy a PNY video board, they break all the time and their warranty and support & customer services sucks the big one!

1. BFG
2. XFX or EVGA

It's amazing that Vista is still so misunderstood... that certainly wasn't the intent of my post, but I appreciate the healthy conversation regarding it.

Does anyone know if it is possible to purchase the upgrade version of Vista if I only have an OEM version of XP on my laptop?

I just liked the deal on the Rosewill, but I know that's not a part I want to cheap out on. I looked on the main site, but did not see many reviews of PSU's. I'm guessing after a different PSU and the added cost of Vista I will be going with the 7950gt or the x1950xt graphics card. But I think either one will be capable of handling my gaming and application needs.

Thanks again for the responses!

You can upgrade from an OEM XP to Vista using the Upgrade SKUs. You can even do a clean install with an Upgrade version without any other version of Windows at all. It's very simple:

1. Boot from the Vista disc.
2. Install the version of Vista you bought without entering the product key.
3. While in Vista, run the Setup/Upgrade from the disc to reinstall Vista - this time entering your product key.
4. After setup is complete, delete the old Vista folders.

Yeah but I think the question here is, can he upgrade his _laptop_ OEM XP to VISTA on his desktop.

If the question was "Am I eligible for a Vista Upgrade SKU for my desktop because my laptop has XP OEM?" then the answer is no. Thing is no one checks if you are eligible for the Upgrade SKU at checkout; so the clean install work-around will work. In effect, you can install any OS that's eligible for a Vista upgrade and then upgrade to Vista; it's just that this way you avoid many of the upgrade incompatibility hassles. Technically, you're violating the EULA but I doubt that MS will even know; much less come knocking on your door.

What is so difficult to understand? With the Vista Upgrade SKUs XP is no longer required. Doing a clean install with an Upgrade SKU used to require you to possess the physical media of an eligible OS. With Vista Microsoft tried to crack down on this as many people bought the Upgrade SKU and borrowed a buddy's disc; but they in fact made it easier in a way. Since you're allowed to install a demo version of Vista without entering a product key, you can then start the update from within Vista.

That is why his laptop's OEM XP is in no danger. Besides the Vista Upgrade Setup (currently) doesn't log any information about what you're upgrading from; it just makes sure it's being launched from within an eligible OS. Since Vista does log what you upgraded from, the tin foil hats can come off.

mike1447 wrote:

From my understanding this is not the way to check if a PSU will hold your rig.
1. efficiency determines how much power the PSU will draw - if you've got 2 PSU rated 500W on has efficiency 80% and the other 60% they'll both give you 500W but the one with 60% will draw ~800W and the one with 80% will draw ~625W which would be nicer on the electric bill
2. you can't just add the numbers on the 12v1 and 12v2 these numbers indicates the maximum amperage for that rail but it doesn't mean that the PSU can provide the maximum for both of them at the same time! unfortunately I could find the needed data on the manufactures site to determine the total amperage on the 12V rail

for more information please read http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/PSU-101-102-ftopict198276.html it is very helpful and has a reference list.

Let's assume he does the clean-install trick with an upgrade version of Vista. Since he never uses an XP disc nor enters any XP product key during the Vista install; his desktop will never know about the laptop or what OS it uses. The only time they'll see each other is if he enables file sharing. There's no way for Microsoft to know that he has XP on the laptop when he's activating Vista on the desktop; especially since he never had XP on the desktop.

If he were to install OEM XP on the desktop using the laptops product key; he would not be able to activate it. The Vista upgrade setup would not care; it only checks to make sure the OS he's launching the upgrade from is an eligible version. Beyond that it doesn't care. It will replace all the XP files and when he goes to activate Vista, it will create a Vista hardware code for activation. Since he's activating Vista, the computer doesn't need to provide an XP hardware code to make sure the upgraded OS was genuine. Of course this may change with Windows Activation 3.0.