I can't make up my mind <:/.

[Epickz]

Well honestly I wanna make a cheap pc, well not completely. A medium budget one. I am gonna build it in a couple of months but I'm starting the planning a bit earlier. So far I decided to get an EVGA Geforce GTX 460 Fermi Superclocked for my video card. Nothing too special with sound cards or anything. Also a Phenom II X4 (Havent made up what version of the Phenom II X4) . Also does anyone have any idea where I can buy a cheap copy of Genuine Windows XP??? Oh and no bidding though. I also plan to hook up a PCI Express Wi-Fi Antenna. Since my whole family is connected to wirelessly to one network. I also want to keep my PC in my room not my basement. I know I am asking a lot. This is my first PC. The most struggle I am having is buying a motherboard that will fit up with the case I plan to get (Coolermaster HAF 932). Then the other problem is figuring out what RAM, Hard Drive (or SSD), and Power Supply I should get.. Ughhhh so confused. My last question is does it affect your gameplay by the amount of hard drive or SSD you get? I plan to only have one. Though should I.

[Nuclear Krusader]

You can no longer get a genuine copy of Windows XP, cheap or expensive. Why would you want such an outdated OS anyway?

[Epickz]

Well, I don't wanna waste money on how the interface of the computer looks. Im fine with any OS unless it won't let me max out games.

[Epickz]

Also, if I can't find XP. Is it possible to get a free trial of Windows Vista and then buy a Windows 7 upgrade disc for a cheaper price then the full installation disc and get a full Windows 7 installed in a PC for cheaper?

[Nuclear Krusader]

The problem is that M$ has phased out any OSes other than Windows 7. Nobody will sell you anything but Windows 7 now. Software is not like hardware, where an item comes down in price as soon as the newest model comes out; with software, prices stay the same and old versions are taken out of the market.

So, even if Windows XP, Vista and 7 were all sold, you'd still pay 140 bucks for an OEM version of any of them.

[Epickz]

Yeah I know. Thats why came to the forums. No retailers sell Windows XP anymore. Except in Amazon you can only find Windows XP upgrades (I find that really akward XD).

[glc]

You shouldn't have a problem finding XP for sale.

Buy.com - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 3

If you want advice on components, please post your budget and what you will be using it for.

[cantputt04]

Hmmm.... At that price you might as well go with 7... Windows 7 uses DirectX11 too, which makes games look puurty. Plus Windows 7 is actually pretty decent.

But yet, budget is a must.

[glc]

You can also get OEM Dell XP Home kits for about 75 bucks. Supposedly they come with a legal key that will work on any computer, not just a Dell.

[cantputt04]

Originally Posted by glc You can also get OEM Dell XP Home kits for about 75 bucks. Supposedly they come with a legal key that will work on any computer, not just a Dell.

I did that for my first build. Problem is, in your start menu, there's an unmovable Dell logo there. Boy did that drive me crazy trying to get rid of it.... Which I never did.

[0bit]

Originally Posted by Epickz So far I decided to get an EVGA Geforce GTX 460 Fermi Superclocked for my video card. Nothing too special with sound cards or anything. Also a Phenom II X4 (Havent made up what version of the Phenom II X4) . The most struggle I am having is buying a motherboard that will fit up with the case I plan to get (Coolermaster HAF 932). Then the other problem is figuring out what RAM, Hard Drive (or SSD), and Power Supply I should get.. Ughhhh so confused. My last question is does it affect your gameplay by the amount of hard drive or SSD you get? I plan to only have one. Though should I.

Hi Epickz

You're working with parts that I currently have in multiple comps, so I think I can be of assistance. First off, the HAF 932 is a full tower, any atx form factor motherboard you get will fit in the case with no issues, that and go Asus. I have a video card thats 10.5" in length and it does not jam up against my hard drives. The superclocked 460 is only 8.25 in length, however the power connector go at the end of the card as opposed to my card where the power connectors are at the top of the card. I don't know if the warranty matters to you. When you buy an EVGA video card, make sure to checkout if it's a AR or TR model. AR models are lifetime warranty and the TR models are 2 year warranty. Then again you have an extra 2 inches to work with. For the Phenom, it would depend on what you do with your system. The low end of the Phenom x6 is at $180 US and the high end of the x4 is at $185 US. As GLC stated already, budget and usage will help us in giving advice.

[glc]

If all you are doing is building a gamer, a x6 processor is a waste. Gamers need a strong video card and can work fine with a simple dual core processor, maybe a quad.

[Epickz]

About my budget. I have a medium budget actually. Though not just for gaming. I am a great multi tasker. I also need to do work on After Effects and Photoshop work.

[Epickz]

Corrections medium budget. Not too mediumish and not to low

[Epickz]

Alright heres a final budget price: 1400.

Its this much cuz this is my first build. Means I don't have a monitor no keyboard either.

I also want X4 black edition and EVGA GTX 460 Superclocked very badly.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by Nuclear Krusader You can no longer get a genuine copy of Windows XP, cheap or expensive. Why would you want such an outdated OS anyway?

windows xp

WINDOWS XP sp2 PRO

These are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part XP w/ key goes for about $50 on Craigslist.

Why XP? Not everyone needs Win 7. XP is more than adequate for alot of users.

[glc]

The legality of those on CL is suspect. Only buy a sealed copy with a guaranteed unused key.