Jophiel wrote:
Dread Lörd Kaolian wrote:
Total: $662 for the hardware, $99 for the operating system. $751 with the OS.
Thanks. I have a family connection who works for Microsoft. I think I can get a deal on the OS and upgrade from my current XP.
Nice! In that case you really want Windows 7 Ultimate, which comes with 32 and 64 bit. (I got most of mine free from microsoft too! yay!)
Other computer musings, since i'm writing thingies here:
The main difference between 32 bit and 64 bit, as far as gaming is concerned, is that 64 bit is a bit trickier to set up (but only slightly) and it allows you to use more than 4 GB ram. I run 64 bit on all my PC's, even the media PC downstairs which only has 4GB ram, simply so I can upgrade to more someday without having to reload.
There are cheaper cases out there than the one I listed. There aren't many cheaper cases with that many ease of assemmbly features, room and general assembly quality that don't look like ***. Avoid the $30 cases if possible. If you go the build your own route, the case is the one piece you will have longer than all of your other components, so it pays to spend a bit extra and get one you won't get tired of looking at after 10 years. If you have to cut cost to meet budget, i'd cut one of the 2 ram sticks and upgrade that later before i'd cut the case.
That case does have a fan with a blue LED in it in the front, it just glows blue, not strobing or anything, but if extra lights annoy you you can easily swap it out for a standard 120MM fan.
Other thing to consider buying if you have a digital camera: 3.5" bay card reader. Can easily add later. They run about $20. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820223113
You won't need a 3 1/2" floppy drive anymore.
That 22X SATA burner is mostly important because it will allow you to install games and programs much faster than your existing, likely 4X or 8X dvd drive. I'd say worth it just in terms of time saved in the long run. but technically not necessary.