I'm FINALLY building a new computer!

[Jdub22]

okay in the coming week or two, i'm going to build a new computer. I'm ordering everything off newegg to save on shipping.
i'm putting up links to all the parts and i just want to know if anyone has suggestions on whether i should go with what i've got, or change one or two of my options for something that will be more compatible/faster.

here's what i'm planning on getting:
motherboard: MSI K9A Platinum Socket AM2
processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+
video card: XFX GeForce 8600GT 256MB
ram: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 (PC2 6400)

i've already got a sound card, HDD, keyboard, mouse, monitor, case, speakers, etc. so don't suggest that i need those things lol

so now that i've shown you exactly what i plan on getting, i would like some input as to whether any of you know if i should replace one of the parts with something better. i'm open to any suggestions but let's be clear that i'm only open to parts from newegg. also i'd like to stay in the price range that each part is at so i'm not going to go over like $10 on each if you suggest something else to me that is more expensive.

lastly, can anyone tell me which version of windows is best to run since i'm going 64-bit? i'm going to use the computer obviously for gaming.
i know there's like a 64-bit version of windows xp, and there's also Vista and i honestly don't know which to go with. and then there's Home edition, Professional edition, etc. so if anyone can recommend the best version of windows and what edition it is (preferrably provide me a link to it) so i can be confident that i won't have issues.

so far, the best version of windows as far as i can tell, is Vista Ultimate.

i greatly appreciate any feedback

[Slaymate]

I don't see any good reason to buy an AMD system now. The Intel
Core2Duo has made AMD Obsolete. You'll get a lot more out of these
parts.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115014
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813131142
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820220144
The G.Skill memory you picked is good but the Patroit is a better
deal if you can wait on the rebate. The 8600 isn't the best, but
with your budget? The mobo I listed is SLI capable, a 2nd 8600
later would help if the 8600's are SLI capable :-)

Edit: At the moment XP will give you the best gaming performance. But avoid the
64-bit version. In the long run you'll be better off with Vista. Again, I would avoid
the 64-bit version. I'm using Vista 32-bit Home Premium with no problems.

[werty316]

If you are planning on overclocking and you don't mind spending a bit more I would go with a Coro2Duo rig.

This is just a personal taste but I am not too keen on the 8600GT let along and 8600 series card for that matter.

For now XP x86 will do fine and I wouldn't jump onto Vista just yet however Vista Ultimate x86 is working fine for me but then I only use Vista 1% of the time if not less.

[Jdub22]

Originally posted by Slaymate@Jul 30 2007, 03:20 PM
I don't see any good reason to buy an AMD system now. The Intel
Core2Duo has made AMD Obsolete. You'll get a lot more out of these
parts.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115014
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131142
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220174
The G.Skill memory you picked is good but the Patroit is a better
deal if you can wait on the rebate. The 8600 isn't the best, but
with your budget? The mobo I listed is SLI capable, a 2nd 8600
later would help if the 8600's are SLI capable :-)

Edit: At the moment XP will give you the best gaming performance. But avoid the
64-bit version. In the long run you'll be better off with Vista. Again, I would avoid
the 64-bit version. I'm using Vista 32-bit Home Premium with no problems.

can you fix your links please.

[AKADeadly]

I use Vista Home Premium x64 with no problems

[Jdub22]

Originally posted by AKADeadly@Jul 30 2007, 05:28 PM
I use Vista Home Premium x64 with no problems

what games do you run on it? also what are your computer specs?

[Jdub22]

Originally posted by Slaymate@Jul 30 2007, 03:20 PM
You'll get a lot more out of these
parts.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115014
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131142
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220174

PLEASE fix the links. i really want to know what it is that you're trying to show me.

[Magus]

Someone i know is running 64bits windows XP, and he can tell you he really notices a BIG difference, but it doesnt have alot of drivers, so i might suggest to take 64bits Vista ;)

[AKADeadly]

specs are in my sig. I've been playing the World in Conflict beta which is great. Shadowrun, Halo 2, World of Warcraft, Overlord, Steam games, lots of others. Frets on Fire

[Jdub22]

Originally posted by AKADeadly@Jul 30 2007, 06:43 PM
specs are in my sig.

i don't see your motherboard there