Widescreen Gaming Forum

OK. After all the help, for which I am grateful, it turns out that my system is just not up to running this at even low res. So.... Any recommendations on building a new system. I am going to stick with XP. but beyond that, I am prepared to go for a REASONABLE (2,000 to 2,500 USD) build up of a new dedicated gaming rig. Any advice?

here's what i think you should get if you want a killer system for that price :D
keep in mind i'm thinking after rebates too :D

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3523225&CatId=1533

x2 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2206874&CatId=2261

x2 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3941228&CatId=3669

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3127372&CatId=2535

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3901538&CatId=89

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043&Tpk=Antec%20Twleve%20hundred

plus another 2-300$ on whatever OS you want, i'd go with 64 bit though if i was you, can use more ram that way

grand total is around 2000-2200 give or take for shipping and what not but it'll be a really nice system :D just to give you some ideas

also keep in mind if you go to vista you can use 3 gpu's for 3 way sli and if you're willing to spend 2500 it will be perfect if you got another gtx 280 with vista you could run 3 way sli and have the ultimate gaming system :D

All sounds good. However, I kind of want to stick with XP 32bit as my other addiction Flight Sim (FS9) runs way way better on XP and some of the add-on aircraft won't work right in 64bit. Are you in NJ. I am in Northern NJ.
What are your thoughts on Micro Center or Alienware as sources? Thanks

yeah i've been to micro center, really nice store. i wouldn't buy anything from alienware, they're WAY overpriced, you can build the same thing for half. i will say this though, shop around, you'll see that 1 spot has something less then here and so on so fourth. that's how i buy. i'll order things from all over and get better deals if i can.

if you go with 32bit just go with 2 gb of ram, thats all. it only see's 3.5 gigs in 32 bit so with the 1 gb from the gpu and the 2 gb of ram you'll be good.

Thing is. I don't trust myself putting it all together and stress testing etc. Thanks for the advice on memory. I may future proof the machine and overbuild it... Quad core, Top end MoBo so that down the road I have the option of switching to Vista etc. BTW. Quad core or Dual core?? SLI/xfire or single GPU. or.... single GPU with 2 processors? Thanks