Ordering a new computer

[Shiverwarp]

I was planning on ordering a comp from NCIX, which is the best place I could find that ships to canada and builds computers.  I have no desire to build my own computer, cause I'm sure I'd **** something up and I don't want to waste my money on something that I'll end up frying.

So I'm wondering what everyone thinks of NCIX, or if anyone has experience with them and how their built computers work out.

My thoughts were to use my windows XP home edition CD that I already have.  But should I bite the bullet and just get Vista?  Anyone know how the pirating (I'm not sure if talk about this is allowed on the forum, feel free to edit this out if not) side of Vista looks?  Because I really hate paying 150 bucks for an OS. 

Also I'll be taking my sound blaster X-Fi out of this comp and putting it in the new one.

Was going to just use my crappy windows keyboard instead of getting a new one.  Debating on whether to get a new mouse, I have a pretty old Logitech MX510 and I don't know whether it would be worth it to get a new mouse.

Anyways, here's what it looks like:

http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=04B0950A-603D-4631-BFCF0CFB7B106599-2132207

Open to any suggestions or thoughts you guys might have.  I'm wanting it to have the best performance for value, I'll be playing a lot of TF2 and Left 4 Dead and any other new games that come out.  And KOL of course

[Zaranthos]

I'd go ATI and avoid the nForce if possible. I'm sure you could find more places that ship to Canada.

[Shiverwarp]

I've always used nVidia myself, never tried ATI.  Any reason you feel they are a better choice?

[Zaranthos]

I was a huge fan of nVidia for many years. ATI has just been kicking their butt lately. nVidia also seems to have a lot of driver problems. At least that's the impression I got when I was deciding what parts to order for my system.

[Shiverwarp]

After some suggestions on here and other forums, this is something I've come up with:

http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=AECC2A37-D1E0-446B-AB25EA6BB57181B1-2132770

Windows Vista 64 bit I think I will just buy, because I don't want to mess around with other "methods".

So ATI is the best choice right now?

Is this not a good time to be buying?  The prices for what I want seem pretty good, but apparently a new windows is coming out and something about some new Intel stuff?

Really just looking for some general info and thoughts along with specifics for what I'm looking at currently for the build.

[Shiverwarp]

And another little update.

I've changed my mind again on the Windows Vista 64bit thing, from talking with people it seems like the downsides far outweigh the benefits.  So I'll be sticking with my current XP disc.  I doubt I'll utilize the full 4 gigs of RAM anyways.

So here's the new build:

http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=AECC2A37-D1E0-446B-AB25EA6BB57181B1-2132770

I upgraded the CPU with the money I'll save from not getting Vista.  Would that be a better choice than upgrading the RAM?

Should I be bothering with the arctic cooling freezer if I'm not planning to overclock?

[Zaranthos]

That looks like a better computer. No need for anything but the stock cooler.

XP Home won't use both cores on your CPU though. You need XP Pro for that.

[Shiverwarp]

Alright apparently those NCIX links don't work properly and don't show what I had actually selected.  Sorry about that.  Anyways, here is what my most up to date build looks like:

http://pc.ncix.com/pcgallerynew/index.php?id=1001143

I'll be trying out XP x64 instead of 32bit home edition or Vista.  If that doesn't work I'll use Windows Pro.

[Zaranthos]

The current link shows a core 2 quad and the previous link showed a core 2 duo. I think to use a quad core you have to run Windows 2003 server or some flavor of Vista. XP Pro supports 2 cores. I'd avoid Vista simply because it's a worthless pile of monkey dung. That's my professional opinion of it anyway.

[Shiverwarp]

Yeah, I'm not planning on getting Vista.

I think XP x64 supports quad core.  Not sure though.  I thought it was more about whether an application was designed to use the cores or not?

[Zaranthos]

Pulled this from another forum and I *think* it's accurate which means I was wrong about XP Home not supporting dual core.

Xp home - 1 physical 2 virtual
Xp pro (and 64 bit) - 2 physical 4 virutal
2000 pro - 2 physical or 2 virtual
2000 server standard - 2 physical or 2 virtual
2000 server advanced - 16 physical or 16 virtual
2003 server standard / small business - 2 physical or 4 virtual
2003 server enterprise - 64 physical or 128 virtual

XP Pro should support quad core. I wouldn't run 64 bit unless you "need" more than 3.2GB of available RAM. There are still plenty of problems with 64 bit versions of Windows XP. Vista has better 64 bit support but it's still Vista so....

[Shiverwarp]

I'll give x64 a try first, if it doesn't work out I'll move to Pro or home.

[Shiverwarp]

Alright, so here's what I'm looking at now with more finality:

http://pc.ncix.com/pcbuilder/pcbuilderpreview.cfm?id=2878188&skus=30418-1-0|26564-1-0|21123-1-0|26414-1-0|30576-1-0|31134-1-0|6024-1-0|30004-1-0|27455-1-0|7842-50

Same deal as before, using x64 and old sound card etc

[Zaranthos]

Looks like a really nice computer. The price looks a little high but I'm guessing that's partly because it's priced Canadian and you're paying extra for someone else to build it.

I have to wonder if you'd get more performance for your money by getting twice the RAM and dual core instead of quad core? Going 64 bit with the OS will eat up some more of your RAM. I don't know the numbers but I know 64 bit software uses more RAM in general.

Is the power supply 80 plus rated? A 650W power supply will suck a lot of power and making sure it's energy efficient will cut down on the costs of running it.

[Shiverwarp]

The RAM use is negligible, with 4 gigs I'll be more than fine.

Did a little more tinkering: