Time for a new build

[kmwrestle]

Here is the specs on my new computer. I picked up the case and psu today so started putting everything together =]

SPECS
------------------------------
INTEL Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00 GHz CPU
4GB CORSAIR CMS6400 C4 RAM
MSI P35 NEO2-FR ATX MB
PNY 8600GT 256MB VID CARD
WD 40GB SATA 10000RPM HARD DRIVE (OS + PROGRAMS)
WD 1TB 7200RPM 16MB HD (DATA)
2 X Samsung SH-S203N SATA DVD-RW
ANTEC EARTHWATTS 500W PSU
ANTEC NINE HUNDRED CASE
SAMSUNG SYNCHMASTER 2232BW 22" LCD 2MS
WINDOWS XP PRO


I still need to pick up a 2nd dvd drive so that I can copy dvd's. I also want to pick up a firewire card so i can enable the firewire port on the case. i was kinda dissapointed when i realized the mobo didnt have firewire support.

this is repacing an amd 2700+ ive had for over 3 years now. Should see a vast improvement

 

[troymscott]

I know it would be an extra $100.00 or so but i say ditch the 8600GT for and 8800 GT. every penny would be a penny well spent. I also feel your need for upgrading as I too am on a dinosaur.

check my build and my current rig

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/248774-31-tomshardware

 

[kmwrestle]

i got the vid card for like $60 AR so i had to weigh price vs performance. I didnt feel that the 8800 gt was 160.00 better than the 8600. Basically i use the computer for browsing the web, email, occasionally movies. The only game i expect to play is WOW and im sure the 8600 can handle that from what ive heard. I used the savings there to get a better psu and case than i origionally planned on doing.
Total cost out of my pocket is going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 1250 which is about 250 more than i origionally planned.

 

[kmwrestle]

well got it all put together

had some issues installing xp since i have the pre service pack version which does not have pci express support. so after some research i got a slipstreamed version installed.

now im just waiting for this hard drive to format.....over 2 hrs later and its about 75% done

its definetly a step up from my last computer. 2gb ram > 256mb ram

 

[mlaporta]

Samsung SH-S203B SATA

(Get the "Retail" version of the optical drive in order to get software with it. This will include the decoder you'll need to watch movies on it.)

 

[kmwrestle]

ordered the drive today should be here early next week.

whats the max ram that win xp can recognize? im building it with 4b(2 installed now waiting for the other 2 sticks to come in.

 

[IH8U]

XP (non 64) will recognize 3.2Gb of ram, unless someone knows a hack? As I would love to know myself.