Greetings – Some background: I posted a call for build suggestions awhile back when the i7 was fairly new. At that time, I was giddy over the new technology, looking at things from the perspective of purchasing the best rig money could buy to accomplish every computing need I could imagine. I’ve since reevaluated my needs and taken a more realistic approach. Thankfully, I did not pull the trigger on the build that was worked out previously. Thank you all for your help, regardless. My old P4 system that I was running has been gifted to my parents as a web surfer and email fetcher. They could not be more pleased. My work situation has improved, and I now have a nice new dual quad core Xeon workstation with a respectable GPU, Quadro FX 1800. This system more than satisfies my ArcGIS and AutoCAD needs. What has not improved is my home system. As of now, I’m limited to my laptop, a budget Dell Studio 1535. It’s fine for travel, handling my finances, internet, email, dvd and video playback, & light gaming with older titles. I’m in need of a new home system. Input on “ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS FIRST” below:
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, Watching movies and OTA HDTV, Web browsing, Office apps
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Providing an actual number tends to format responses into lists of systems that spend the funds. I’d rather state my perspective on purchasing, I like to go for the “most bang for the buck” method related to my needs. I do not believe in future proofing, although I would like to buy a system that will not need a major overhaul every six months. Considering GPU and CPU upgrades on an annual basis is reasonable. If you must have a number, then I can guess at one, let's say $1200 +/- .
3) Where do you live?
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
CPU, GPU, RAM, Mobo, PSU, Monitor, Case, Hard drive, CD/DVD drive, Mouse, Keyboard, Headphones
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
6) Will you be overclocking?
Yes
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
24”+ or 1920x1200. Am curious about the Asus VW266H 25.5.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
This month, maybe next. If it’s a bad time to buy, e.g., revolutionary tech just coming out soon, then I can wait a bit.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
I’m considering RAID 0 for performance. I’d prefer to roll with a single GPU solution, though I would consider Crossfire/SLI if it enhanced my gaming experience.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
Windows 7 RC 7100 64-bit
I’d be happy to provide more details if needed. Just ask. Thanks for any and all input.
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, Watching movies and OTA HDTV, Web browsing, Office apps
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Providing an actual number tends to format responses into lists of systems that spend the funds. I’d rather state my perspective on purchasing, I like to go for the “most bang for the buck” method related to my needs. I do not believe in future proofing, although I would like to buy a system that will not need a major overhaul every six months. Considering GPU and CPU upgrades on an annual basis is reasonable. If you must have a number, then I can guess at one, let's say $1200 +/- .
3) Where do you live?
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
CPU, GPU, RAM, Mobo, PSU, Monitor, Case, Hard drive, CD/DVD drive, Mouse, Keyboard, Headphones
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
6) Will you be overclocking?
Yes
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
24”+ or 1920x1200. Am curious about the Asus VW266H 25.5.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
This month, maybe next. If it’s a bad time to buy, e.g., revolutionary tech just coming out soon, then I can wait a bit.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
I’m considering RAID 0 for performance. I’d prefer to roll with a single GPU solution, though I would consider Crossfire/SLI if it enhanced my gaming experience.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
Windows 7 RC 7100 64-bit
I’d be happy to provide more details if needed. Just ask. Thanks for any and all input.
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