Yea, I looked into the pci-express, considered it..
the gfx card would be nice to be able to keep and buy a second one later, pop it in and instant upgrade.. but it will be at least 2 years before I seriously think about upgrading, and by that point I figure this gfx card will be getting dated (although not as dated as the 5200 I have now lol) and I'll want something near top of the line again.. and by that time im sure I'll want a new everything else too lol
As far as the ram, I'm going to plug in as much as I can afford.. I could cut some things for a 4th chip, but I'd have to raid my current pc for parts, and as it's my lifeline to people who know what they hell they're doing (a.k.a. you), I'm not taking the chance lol
But I appreciate the suggestions
I just found out our bank account hasnt been used in so long they suspended our debit card, so I have to use a money order
the wait is harsh lol