So here's the system I think I am going to build. I was really impressed with these forums so I figured I'd ask people that know more about this stuff than I do any tips. Let me say this is my first true build. I have upgraded before but never build a PC from start to finish. I am a college student so I'm trying to be as affordable as I can. I recently sold my Xbox 360 after it died on me multiple times. I just didn't like waiting a month+ to get my system back when most AAA titles were on the PC or will be soon anyways. I know everything integrates into this system well but my main concern is Vista 64 bit. I don't want to buy the 32 bit and upgrade later so my main concern is the stuff on my wishlist compatible with Vista 64 bit. Here is my wishlist at TigerDirect.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/sectors [...] c=New%20PC

Thank you everyone in advanced for your answers.

You will probably have issues with the wireless card.

Hmm... What would you recommend?

This is the wireless card that you need for Vista 64-bit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6833127075

When you get it, do not run setup. Go through the Vista's Found New Hardware setup, locate the vista 64-bit driver and install.

Do not run the Dlink's setup program. If you do, it will install but you will get no network connection.

^Agreed.

Hi monkeyflin gpoo:
I would recommend buying the full retail version of Vista.....in particular Vista Ultimate. The reason I suggest this is that the full retail version offers support from Microsoft, allows any kind of modification of your hardware....even removing it and using on another pc. Also, it comes with both the 32 & 64-bit DVD and you can install either and later switch to the other without cost. Another nice feature of Ultimate is the built-in software to make a complete image of your system drive and save it to another hard drive in case of drive failure. You can also copy the image to dvds or a usb drive. I have the ulitimate version and started with the 32 bit and later switched to 64 bit only to find out my MSN software wouldn't work and went back to 32 bit. I have since re-installed 64-bit and every re-install activated without any problem. Ultimate also offers other features not included in other versions. NewEgg is a little high priced on the Ultimate Full Retail version......I bought mine for $60 less at the following vendor:
>http://www.viosoftware.com/Windows+Vista+Ultimate+PG/Windows
+Vista+Ultimate.html?osCsid=
6f026aa1dc67658e051d8190de597430<
Changing hardware with OEM versions can result in frequently needing to re-activate the O.S. and some changes may result in the inability to re-use the OEM version. Usually they will allow a hard drive change but a new motherboard or multiple hardware changes at the same time may invalidate your OEM O.S. At your age you are likely to want to make improvements as technology advances and a retail version will always allow you to do that. You may also find the following Vista newsgroup helpfull when/if you run into difficulties:
>http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/
default.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windows.vista.general&lang=en&cr
=US&r=2a072220-0dc1-4760-b70b-a63e791bbc79<

Good luck with your build.....it looks like a great pc.

newnerd

The only thing that concerns me is the CPU cooler, don't really know what to suggest maybe an Artic freezer 7 or coolermaster hyper TX2

You might consider an 8800GT video card......I believe I've read some articles that say it's almost as good as the GTS and consumes less power, produces less heat? I think it uses newer technology than the card you're thinking about.
It's also considerably less expensive!

Your wish list has Vista Home Premium 32 bit OEM. I'm pretty sure you ment to select 64bit OS. You should get the retail version as newnerd suggested.

I'll put in my vote as well for Vista 64. the 32 bit version is limiting and the only legitimate reason for it is so that people with older computers that can't run a 64 bit OS can have DX10. I also concur with getting the retail version rather than an OEM version.

I'm building my computer system as well. What difference does it make if its 64 vs. 32. Are'n't there more 32bit supported drivers? and what's the difference between the retail vs. OEM? Woudln't it be better to save the money for something else?

A 64 bit OS is faster to start with, all other things being equal, as it moves information in 64 bit blocks while a 32 bit OS moves information in 32 bit blocks. A 32 bit OS will only recognize a maximum of 4 gig of memory, which decreases to about 3 gig of ram, the rest being used by the video card(s) and other components on the system. A 64 bit OS can recognize and use far more, which is why the new motherboards typically support up to 8 gig of ram, though some support up to 16 gig of ram. Drivers used to be a problem, even though XP64 Pro had been out for a few years, but with the advent of Vista almost all hardware companies have provided 64 bit drivers so there is no real problem now.

With an OEM copy of the OS, you are allowed a license for a single computer. Changing the motherboard can be interpreted as putting the OS on another computer. This is explained in a Microsoft bulletin:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824125

Buying a retail copy of the OS allows for easier upgrades and maintainance, and usually a few other features that are not included with an OEM copy.

" and usually a few other features that are not included with an OEM copy."

Like what? I have both an OEM copy of Vista, and a full retail version. To my knowledge, I can't find 1 single thing added to the retail version. Please inform me what exactly it is you're refering to.

Btw. I've had zero issues changing motherboards with my OEM version.

You may not have had problems changing motherboards, but that is listed by Microsoft as a problem area. I'm only relating what is known and I gave a link to the information. If you had no problem, then you've been fortunate.

The most common difference that may or may not be present between OEM and retail is the ability to partition the hard disc from within Windows itself. Retail versions may also allow a single copy to be used on both a desktop and a laptop machine, while OEM limits itself to one machine only. Since Vista has several different versions to start with, I'm not sure of what all teh differences might be.