Anandtech System Guides

[disruptorsignals]

It's been a couple of years since I built my last PC and I really haven't stayed current on hardware. I've been looking at hardware reviews for the last couple of weeks and have decided I want something like the most recent mid or budget rig . I'm interested primarily in the intel systems and plan on getting a 8800 gt graphics card, but otherwise I am pretty flexible. It seems to me that they are building a computer more with overclocking and gaming in mind. I am personally just looking for a gaming rig and don't really want to mess with overclocking.

I am just checking but more expensive ram like the patriot extreme isn't really necessary unless overclocking and regular ddr2 800 will probably perform pretty close at regular speeds. Right? I've been thinking somewhere between 2to4 gigs of ram is there really any reason to get more then 2 gigs. I've heard that 32 bit xp pro only supports 4 gigs total, but about 3.5 with your graphics card in reality.
I've also been thinking the Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 processor is the one I'll go for any other recommendations?

What I have been hearing though is Vista is under performing xp in gaming so is it really worth it to get Vista like in the recommendations? What would be the benefits of Vista could I use more memory and does it manage multiple processors better?

Also if I don't get vista is xp 64 compatible with most games now and worth getting because of the speed and memory benefits?

Then if I shouldn't get xp 64 is it worth it to get xp pro over xp home and if so why? Does xp home work with multiple cores?

I've only ever used xp pro and don't know what the draw backs of xp home are.

Well that really dragged on more than I would like thanks for any advice or help given.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Intel P35 chipset mobo
4 gb RAM (2 gb only if money is tight) - extra mem will help in games
32bit windows (xp home, xp pro, vista) can only use ~3.2 gb RAM
E6550 sounds alright, also check out E6750.

They say vista's "underperforming" is exxagerated, with 4gb ram Vista will fly.

Don't get XP 64, it SUCKS. Driver support is really bad. Get VISTA 64 instead.

Xp pro/home will have no prob using multi core as long as they are in same physical socket (one physical chip).

64bit OS will be able to use all of 4gb and more if you give it more.

XP Home isn't bad. Look on the Internet for differences between home/pro.





bottom line:
get vista64, 4gb ram

 

[Davegod]

Must admit every time I go upgrading I get annoyed how all the reviews are either for top-end parts or overclocking (if not both). It's always about who's got the performance crown, not what's the better buy at a given budget.

Personally I would not bother upgrading to Vista, I do not see any tangible benefit. On a reasonable spec machine I don't really see there being much difference anytime soon regardless which you use. Of course that means if you don't already have XP, then get Vista.

here is MS's comparison of editions. Google for a decent independent view too - but look for one written at or after launch, there was several wrong rumours (and changed minds at MS). Which is better depends on what you need/want, though bear in mind several of the differences at least on the MS comparison there is better 3rd party software for (some free).

IMHO there's Basic, add Aero makes Business, also add Media Centre makes Premium, also add Bitlocker makes Ultimate. If you have a Xbox360 get at least Premium.

 

[Blain]

If you want to spend more money for bragging rights, yet get less performance > Build out a Vista box. :roll:
If you want your $$ to count and get better performance > XP is the only way to fly. :laugh:

 

[MegaVovaN]

Blain, I meant he should get Vista if he does not have XP already...

 

[disruptorsignals]

I actually have a Vista upgrade CD from any version of windows and xp on my existing pc, but I lost my xp CD. So I'm kind of torn right now what to do.

 

[Seedog]

disruptorsignals,
You could always upgrade Vista to itself on your new build. Here's something you might find interesting. http://www.winsupersite.com/sh...ista_upgrade_clean.asp