Q: Ok, I'm getting a computer soon, and am ordering some parts today, so tell me what you think and if there's anything I need to add or should change. Logitech G51 5.1 surround sound speaker system-$119.99-Amazon.com* Logitech G11 Gaming keyboard-$45.95-eBay.com* Antec 900 case-$79.99-newegg.com* Samsung syncmaster 20" 2053BW monitor-$199.99-newegg.com Logitech MX1000 Cordless laser mouse-$65.98-eBay.com* Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 CPU Combo-$364.99-tigerdirect^ EVGA nForce 680i Sli LGA 775 Mobo^ OCZ SLI-ready 4gb ( 2 x 2gb) memory^ Nvidia 8800GT 512 Graphics Card-$135.99-newegg.com* Corsair 620HX PSU-$124.99-newegg.com* Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM HD-$99.99-newegg.com Sony DVD-ROM Drive-$17.99-newegg.com Sony DVD-RW Drive-$25.99-newegg.com Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OS-roughly $100-unknown TOTAL $1381.84
A: The CPU that comes with the Tiger Direct bundle is an OEM model. Don't forget to order a CPU cooler for it (maybe something like an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, though there are lots of other good alternatives). I believe that the Freezer 7 Pro comes with thermal paste pre-applied. If not, get something like Arctic Cooling MX-2 thermal paste or Arctic Silver 5. Vista Ultimate gives you a few features over Vista Home Premium. If you don't need one of the features listed here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/default.aspx you might want to get Home Premium, instead. In either case, you'll save some money if you get an OEM version, the major drawback being possible license problems later on if you replace the motherboard on your PC with a different model. The 64-bit version will have some issues with some games, but lots of things will work in compatibility mode. If you have your heart set on running a particular game, you might want to check before you get your OS to see if it'll run under Vista 64. If you plan on doing SLI, then that 8800gt is a good choice. If not, maybe look at a Radeon 4850, instead. If you're not doing SLI, maybe also look at different motherboards, like some P45 chipset models.