I configured one with an Ultra now (without the RAID) for $2,530 or a 320 gb one for $2,568. Sure it's a few hundred more, but I won't need to upgrade to the 9800 for a while now. Like I said, might not be worth it in current games, but I am thinking the future (Bioshock and Supreme Commander are already pushing the limits of current hardware). Thing is..I probably can't afford a 30'' monitor for the highest resolution...or have the space for that. A 24'' monitor is probably my limit.

quote:

Often, when reviewing hardware, it is difficult to draw a hard line and state with total confidence that our conclusions are the only logical ones that can be drawn from the facts. We try very hard to eliminate personal opinion from our reviews and provide readers with enough information to form their own educated opinions. We try to point out the downsides of the best products out there, as well as the niche uses for which otherwise disappointing hardware might shine. So often our job is about balance and temperance. But not this time: The NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra is an utter waste of money.

the rest of their round up is HERE

dont say i didnt warn you

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You can get a top of line line gaming PC for $2000 on Ebay. Search for "barebones", pick one of those auctions and do a shitload of upgrades on it. There should be an "upgrades" link on the auction page...the seller will add everything you need...8800GTX, quad core processor, 2GB DDR800 ram, etc etc. You'll get a complete package with warranty from some of the better sellers, and you'll have plenty left over for a 360.

And personally, I recommend you look into a 30-32inch CRT tube HDTV. Samsung makes a beautiful one for around $600. The pictures on CRTs are still better than any LCD on the market. The only downside is the weight.

quote:

Originally posted by Capitalizt You can get a top of line line gaming PC for $2000 on Ebay. Search for "barebones", pick one of those auctions and do a shitload of upgrades on it. There should be an "upgrades" link on the auction page...the seller will add everything you need...8800GTX, quad core processor, 2GB DDR800 ram, etc etc. You'll get a complete package with warranty from some of the better sellers, and you'll have plenty left over for a 360. And personally, I recommend you look into a 30-32inch CRT tube HDTV. Samsung makes a beautiful one for around $600. The pictures on CRTs are still better than any LCD on the market. The only downside is the weight.

I can also get one I already configured from Dell for $2,000. I don't completely trust sellers or small companies on Ebay. I know that sounds weird but I just don't. I get a discount from Dell, and I know I am getting what I pay for.

Going to get a new PC, will probably order it either on Saturday or Sunday. It is going to have..and give me your input...my parents are going to pay $2,000 like I said, and I will pay the rest...

Intel QX6700 over clocked to 2.93 ghz (1333 FSB) (figure it will last, wont need to upgrade)
Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX 768 MB
2 GB of 800 mhz DDR2 RAM
Intel 975XBX2 Motherboard
320 GB 7,200 RPM HD with 16 MB Cache (with a 500 GB External Drive, could lower it to a 250 to save $40).
Windows Vista Home Premium (nice to have on hand when they release SP1 soon)
1000 Watt Power Supply (in case I want to do SLI or new GPUs require more wattage)

all and all it comes to $2,987...so I only owe $987 for a very fast computer. It would have costed over $3,000 but I used my student discount and a 3 year warranty that gives me 12% off (22% off total) and it saved me close to $500.