Looking at a new computer

daemos

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Apr 19, 2008
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18,510
Well ive been looking to buy a new computer, ive done some research and ive come up with two builds. The only difference is the GPU an
XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT XXX 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card
in one and an
EVGA E-GEFORCE 8600GTS 675MHZ 256MB 2.0GHZ GDDR3 PCI-E Dual
in the other. The price difference is about 70 dollars. Im not completely sure on if i should just stick to 2 Gb of RAM or should i go 4? i will be running Xp Pro so i know not all of the 4 Gbs will be used up. also another question is will all the components fit together in the case. Like will the graphics card block the 1st pci-e slot where the sound card for the mother board goes? i just want to make sure everything is compatible and that nothing will go wrong. Also if you have an suggestions to better parts im always open to them, since this is my first time build. here are the two builds ive come up with:
http://pc.ncix.com/pcbuilder/pcbuilderpreview.cfm?id=2783173&skus=27784-1-0|17225-1-0|26550-1-0|24036-1-0|23716-1-0|13954-1-0|30037-1-0|6024-1-0|24028-1-0|29986-1-0|18413-1-0|24649-1-0|26375-1-0|7842-50

http://pc.ncix.com/pcbuilder/pcbuilderpreview.cfm?id=2785328&skus=27784-1-0|17225-1-0|26550-1-0|24036-1-0|23701-1-0|13954-1-0|30037-1-0|24028-1-0|29986-1-0|27144-1-0|24649-1-0|26375-1-0|7842-50

Thanks
 

modode

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May 21, 2008
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Looks like a beautiful build except for the GPU's. The GPU will definitely be the bottleneck in your system, at least for gaming. Of the two, the 8600GTS is a little bit better performer, but both are blown away by something like th 8800GT 512 MB for not a lot more money (at least in the U.S.).

It'd be smart to stick with a BFG or EVGA brand card, since they offer a trade-up pathway for 90-100 days after purchase, since the new family of GPU's is coming out in about 2 weeks.
 

modode

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May 21, 2008
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correct. thanks.