Missy wrote:
>  I'm preparing to buy a new computer, one that I hope will last me for at 
> least as long as my current system
>has. >>


Hi Missy. You certainly appear to have done your homework well.

Although I've never built a computer of my own (you are braver than I am), 
I do know this from my hifi experience and from talking to computer builders:

You can put together a system which, on paper, should work fantastically 
well, with all known high-quality components. Yet, when you listen to or 
work with the final result, it's crap. Often because of some insignificant 
incompatibility such as a mis-matched impedance.

I'm sure others on this forum will advise you on your choices.

You might like to have a look at 
http://www.tweaktown.com/system_builders_guide/3/The%20Slayer/index.html
for what the authors reckon is the ultimate gaming machine. Overkill for 
you, of course, and well beyond your budget at about $8300, though this 
includes the latest Dell 30-inch LCD monitor. yummy! You might spot some of 
your components or get some more ideas through the site's excellent 
comments and links to each item.

Another thought:
Since you live in a large city, have you considered taking your list to a 
few well-chosen smaller computer shops which specialise in sales of their 
own made-up computers (NOT brand names).  This is what I've always done 
myself, and have found that often they can build and supply cheaper than I 
could put it together myself. But the biggest advantage is that these 
people generally know from experience what works and what doesn't---after 
all, they don't want their computers coming back under warranty.  My 
supplier here in Australia offers 3 years warranty and same-day service 
(usually while you wait) on any parts which fail. All at a fraction of the 
cost, and far more up-to-date, than any brand-name computer. I have 
recommended them to many friends, none of whom have been disappointed by 
taking this route.

Most reputable shops would, I'm sure, be very happy to either quote you on 
your chosen selections, or advise you on potential problems.  You can learn 
a lot from talking to these people (or get totally confused).

That removes the worry of your chosen parts not combining well.

Of course, it's not always easy to find these shops--you may have to do 
some asking around. Perhaps there are local computer clubs which might 
help.  You'll usually get a gut feeling when you speak to these experts, 
and you obviously have done enough research to know if you are being 
conned.  Beware the "expert" who is nothing more than a salesman trying to 
sell you his stock product.

Anyway, it's just a thought.  Good luck in whatever you do----I'm sure 
you're getting a lot of fun out of it.

Don Penlington





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