What can I do with my old system?

just an hd graphics card and blu ray reader

Doesnt the 8800GT already support HD video and sound? It looks like it has an HDTV connection and takes SPDIF audio input for HDMI output.

so you got the later version 8800 but if you got an hmdi cable you good to go

You can probably tell from my name what I do with old gaming rigs  , but to make it clear I use them to:

1) 2-box MMOs,
2) display reference info for games (and other things) while 1-boxing the new rig,
3) have something for the friends/grandkids to use and to compete with,
4) hold drive-images of the HDs in the other three rigs on my network. Since the backup runs far less than the main, this is an effective backup solution for me,
5) Store ripped copies of DVDs. I have found very little need to use anything other than a DVD player to play them on my HD TV. NOTHING works that cleanly, cheaply, clearly. And most times why watch DVD's on my 27" display when I can use my 65" display?

I also reinstall the now back-up system in a more portable case to carry it to my other location. DVDs come with me, and this is one situation where playing a DVD from a PC helps me.

I *previously* used that PCs TV Tuner for recording the odd program off cable that couldn't be recorded on my DirecTV DVRs. But recent changes in the cable signal required many folks to install set top boxes eliminating "tuning" any channels at the PC. And in my case, those signal changes continually blow the splitter & filter required to run (basic) cable into my whole-house TV distribution system.

Do you use a KVM switch between the two machines to 2 box or just two separate mice/keyboards?

Separate, because it works best (and simultaneously) for me not only in games, but for all other uses.

I also use a pair of Ideazon Fang keypads, one to each system. It is by far the most versatile, left-or-right-handed macro pad on the market. In MMOs, there's no need to use anything more than the Fang to control the 2-boxed toon.

http://www.steelseries.com/us/products/keyboards/fang/i...

(I have the older models, same visual.)

You need to connect the SPDIF cable to output sound from your sound card to your 8800GT to use over HDMI. Of course you also need a DVI to HDMI adapter. You could also use component out for the video and hook up the sound separately. If you want to use it as a Blu Ray player, legally, you should use an HDMI cable and your card needs to have the HDCP key. If it doesn't then you will have to purchase a Radeon or something that does. You will also of course need a blu ray drive   with the appropriate software.