Okay I am thinking of getting a new pc or something similar.
I wanted to see your views and opinions as to what I should do. I saw a PC with these specs: (wondering if I should get it)

* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6400
* (2.13 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)
*20'' LCD
*2048 MB RAM
*500 GB HDD
*16x DVD+/-RW
*1.44 MB FDD
*Internal 13 in 1 Card reader
*Dual 256MB Nividia Geforce 7900GS Graphics card

Thats mostly it.
Oh I am also wondering, if I get windows Vista, wont I need a graphics card that is 512MB? cause the one on this pc is Gefore 7900 (which is pretty fine) except its only 256 MB, just like my current one, which is Geforce 6200.

And thanks

Well that is a DUAL video card setup at least from how I read it

Originally Posted by Donkey

Well that is a DUAL video card setup at least from how I read it

it says dual yep. Why? I know it sounds good but my novice experience fails to tells me anything. Is it like better than 512mb , IF I ever wanted to get vista or anything?

Oh and what about the other specs?

If you are looking at gaming and can afford it I would bump the RAM up at least 1Gig and perhaps look at the Nvidia 7950GX2 video cards if not it still looks like a better than average system.

I would also look to avoid Vista for a little while until there is a full range of manufacturers drivers and software to support it.

Originally Posted by MontyB

If you are looking at gaming and can afford it I would bump the RAM up at least 1Gig and perhaps look at the Nvidia 7950GX2 video cards if not it still looks like a better than average system.

I would also look to avoid Vista for a little while until there is a full range of manufacturers drivers and software to support it.

very well hmm, but is it true that I need a 512mb video card in order for vista to work propertly? And say I get this pc, and vista eventually conquers everything, will I be able to easily get it and let everything work propertly?

Oh and isnt this pc more than 1gb of ram?

2048 MB RAM

?

thanks

No you dont need 512 megs for Vista. If you got the cash I would drop the dual setup and get one of the new GF 8 series cards. Two gigs of ram will be perfectly fine as well. That CPU overclocks very well too, some of them can be bumped up 1000mhz....

Originally Posted by Big_Z

new GF 8 series cards.

hmm interesting. Okay, say I get that 7900 now, and then decide to change it to the 8 series, will that be fine? wont I need to change anything with the pc?
Oh and you see, this is an already built Pc soo.. but is the 8 series out yet? (edit, okay, its out)

thanks

* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6400
* (2.13 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)

-Don't get the E6400. Get the E6300 or E6600 instead. Why the E6300 is a monster overclocker. I know guys who have overclocked it to as much as 3.0 Ghz (from 1.8. You just need to add a good heatsink/fan like the Zalman 9700. If you arn't intersted in overclocking (or at least not much) get the E6600. It is by far the best bang for buck. They overclock pretty good too, I got mine at 3.1 GHZ (and I have seen guys at 4.0GHZ). Again you'll need a good cooler. The price difference is less than €100 between the two, so I think the E6600 is the better deal, espically if you plan on SLi


*20'' LCD

Samsung 225BW Its a 22" Screen. At its cheap at 350€.

*2048 MB RAM

CORSAIR DDR2 PC6400 XMS2 5-5-12 SLI ready. Make sure you get PAIRS (1 box of 2 chips as they are tested to work with each other.

*500 GB HDD

Since you will only have the 1 Disk I would recommend that its a SATA2 15000 RPM. You other option is to get 2 slower disks 7200 RPM and create a RAID 0 stripe set. You'll want to add a 2nd disk anyway for backups. As for Brands go with Seagate, Hitachi or WD. Avoid Maxtor, its cheap, but as we say in the USA "You get want you pay for". Make sure it all supports SATA 2.

*16x DVD+/-RW

NEC 3520 Burner Black I'd also add a PIONEER DVD Drive for €20.

*1.44 MB FDD

Any. NEC, Mitsumi...

*Internal 13 in 1 Card reader

IOMEGA 12 in 1. You can even omit the floppy if you choose this.

*Dual 256MB Nividia Geforce 7900GS Graphics card

THIS IS A MISTAKE!!! MS VISTA is out, which means DirectX 10 is out too. Only the Geforce 8800 series supports DirectX 10, the 78/79 series do not. If you don't buy a DirectX 10 capable card now, then you will be buying a new one within a year or 2. For the Price of 2x 7900GS you can buy a single 8800GT, and then buy a 2nd 8800GT later. This 8800 is also a much faster card.

Keep in mind that in terms of performance all the cards of the same chipset preform the same. Therefore you should choose the card that has the best options (extra ports, best software, extra features).

You neglected Mainboard, case and PSU.

Mainboard. Since you are planning on SLi you MUST use a i680 chipset ONLY. If its not out in your area than wait for it. DO NOT GET Nvidia i590 chipset for Intel, it sucks lemons and has already been replaced. Other Chipsets like SiS and Intel DO NOT SUPPORT SLi. So avoid them.

The i680 boards that are out now are good, but not great. They are either buggy or overpriced. There are new ones coming out this one. Gigabyte just released theirs, DFi, MSI, and Abit should be coming along soon.

If you must by now get the ASUS P5N32-E SLI. Its what I have.

Case
Antec, Coolermaster or Lian-li. I have 2 Lian-li, they are expensive but very good craftsmanship.

PSU. You will want at least 500W for SLi. You must get a good name brand. ENERMAX, COOLERMASTER, ANTEC, HIPER. I just picked up a ASUS that isn't too bad. Also modular cables are a big help if you get them.


Thats mostly it.
Oh I am also wondering, if I get windows Vista, wont I need a graphics card that is 512MB? cause the one on this pc is Gefore 7900 (which is pretty fine) except its only 256 MB, just like my current one, which is Geforce 6200.

512MB Video cards do help with Aero. But that isn't a good enough reason by itself. However, If you get the 8800GT like I told you, it, comes with 640MB standard. Just don't get the 320MB cheaper version, it isnt worth it.

And thanks [/quote]

Personally I dont agree with the choice of the 8800 cards for several reasons:
1) I have yet to know anyone with one that hasn't had issues with them.
2) From what I understand good reliable drivers are currently not available and until last week there wasn't even a generic set of 8800 drivers with Vista.
3) There are few applications if any that support the 8800's or Vista currently and if he is using any non-generic software it could well be a long wait until it is updated.

I appreciate the help , very much

Although its quite complicating and confusing, for me at least.
I could write the specs you guys advise me to get, as well as the brands, and then just show it to the store or whoever is building my pc (I thought of getting an already built one but may change my mind).So my specs are open for editing: and your advises are much appreciated

* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6400
* (2.13 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)
*20'' LCD
*2048 MB RAM
*500 GB HDD
*16x DVD+/-RW
*1.44 MB FDD
*Internal 13 in 1 Card reader
*Dual 256MB Nividia Geforce 7900GS Graphics card

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But I also have another question. Say I get that 7900GS, and find out that the 8series is out, can I buy it and simply replace it with the 7900GS? (without any other major pc changes and modifications)

Oh and this made me pause:

Personally I dont agree with the choice of the 8800 cards for several reasons:
1) I have yet to know anyone with one that hasn't had issues with them.
2) From what I understand good reliable drivers are currently not available and until last week there wasn't even a generic set of 8800 drivers with Vista.
3) There are few applications if any that support the 8800's or Vista currently and if he is using any non-generic software it could well be a long wait until it is updated.

Interesting, hmm, then what should I get? the 7900gs for now? for example?

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You have to put in mind that I have little experience with PC technical issues such as these. Facilitation is needed

And thank you alot fellas