Proposed build

[bggsm03]

Core 2 Duo E 8400
4GB G.Skill DDR2 800
eVGA 8800GTS 512MB
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB (16MB Cache)
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX PSU

And I can't decide whether or not to get Vista 32-bit or 64-bit. The only reason I am thinking of getting 64 bit is due to the fact that it can support more ram when it comes to that time when programs will and OS together will need at least 3GB of ram. Also I've heard that the 64-bit version of Vista pulls more power and runs quicker cause it utilizes the 64 bit specs of the processor. Would I notice any gaming improvement over a 64 bit processor over a 32 bit?

I understand nVidia is about to release their nine series here soon so I am planning on stepping up within the 3 months alloted provided they come out with a card worth the money in that amount of time. As far as any releases on upcoming Dual core processors for around the price of the E8400 and what not.. are any available anytime real soon? I am planning on building in about a week or 2 and really have been waiting for about 9 months to build a new rig.

Thanks in Advance!

[Dave21]

1) No you will not notice much difference in regards to gaming. 32bit vs 64bit is personal preference, I would go with 32 bit as not many developers use 64 bit yet. By the time that happens, maybe the new OS will be released. But if you want to go 64 bit, go ahead, as long as all your parts have drivers. So do your research first.

2) I'm not sure about any newer dual core processors being released in the upcmong months, but I do know the new quad cores are being released.

Lastly, I think you might want to get the new 32 mb cache seagate harddrives, the 7200.11

[bggsm03]

Won't 2 of the hard drives that I was planning on getting be faster then the new seagates?
Those 2 16mb harddrives vs 1 32mb new hard drive...

Would this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288 be faster then 2 of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262 in RAID is my basic question... Or... would the comparison be the same exact results? With the latter of all the choices, it would make more sense to just go with the single drive option.

[kram 2.0]

Won't 2 of the hard drives that I was planning on getting be faster then the new seagates?
Those 2 16mb harddrives vs 1 32mb new hard drive...
Unless you're planning to utilize multi-hard drive arrays, like RAID 0 (which I highly recommend AGAINST), the speed of two hard drives is probably going to end up being as fast, if not slower, than a single fast hard drive. Chances are, in a given instant, you will be accessing from one hard drive. In this situation, I don't think you could go wrong either way.

EDIT: Rather important typo.

kram

[pam123]

And unless you're using Vista 64 bit 4 GB of ram will not work in your rig.

[bggsm03]

Should I get 64 bit? There's not much really that I don't have that isn't s upported by vista 64. Logitech G15 has 64 bit drivers... as well as my G5 mouse. Nothing else I have is really much of a concern such as an external hard drive, monitor and router. I will be purchasing a printer some time down the road. So would 64 bit have troubles with games any more then 32 bit as it stands generally?


btw.. i knew that about the difference between 32-bit and 64 bit.. i know vista will recognize at least 3.25 gbs... but is it true that it address some of that space for the video card and whatever other hardware may be requesting?

[bggsm03]

What do you think of this motherboard with the new X38 chipset? I got it cause it's the only chipset (intel wise) that supports PCI-X 2.0. It also has a high FSB speed support list.. and good ram speed support. I believe it's worth 200 bones? What is your guys' take?

[Dave21]

System only uses your memory if you have onboard video or sound.

The mobo with the x38 is good.

[bggsm03]

oh... well thanks dave... any more opinions... (not that your's aren't good enough dave).. so no offense!