New PC?

[B_Level]

I’m in the market for a new desktop and was just seeking some advice, suggestions, preferences, etc. on what’s out there. I’m really interested in what people have/use as far as:
- Processors
- Memory
- Graphics Cards
- Sound Cards
I’d mainly be using the workstation for Game Dev and Music Production/Editing. I’m trying to stay in the $1,200 - $1,500 price range as well. I was considering going with one of the big manufacturers (Dell, Gateway, HP . . .) I realize I’m looking for some opinions here but any advice would help a lot. Thanks!

[SlyMaelstrom]

Well the hot items for each of those right now would probably be.

Processors: Core 2 Duo; The competing AMD processors are way more expensive right now and they haven't shown too many signs of their next release. If you're using it for development, then a quad core would probably be better for you, but the only option in that pathway is the QX6700 and that alone is about $1500, so that's probably out for you. Who knows, perhaps even a XEON would be better for you if you're using it solely for game and sound development.

Memory: Anything from Corsair, OCZ, Mushkin, Patriot, Crucial, or G.Skill. The more expensive, the better, usually.

Graphics card: Either the 8800 series or something cheap. There is simply no point in going for a high end DX9 card anymore. If you don't want to go the 8800 route, get a low end card for a few months until there are more options in the DX10 path.

Sound card: If you're spending a lot of money on this PC, then Sound Blaster is the only way to go. The X-Fi being their best series.

$1200 - $1500 can score you a pretty decent PC, you have to go into details however on everything you're using this for. If it's for personal use then I'd build it one way, if it's for sound/video dev only, then I'd build it another way.

[Suchy]

If you are going to be running windows on it, wait till Vista comes out. Because what is the point of buying a PC with XP now and in couple of months paying for Vista.

PS. The Upgrade that Microsoft offers is only for the Basic Home eddition, which lack most of the features of the new Windows.

[SlyMaelstrom]

PS. The Upgrade that Microsoft offers is only for the Basic Home eddition, which lack most of the features of the new Windows.

All OEM Windows XP CDs are offered with a coupon for their Vista equivalent so long as you buy a computer with your purchase. However, I'm not sure if buying all the parts for a computer counts as "buying a computer".

[Dark_Phoenix]

The online dealers usually will sell OEM software/devices with purchase of another NON OEM device. I bought Windows XP for $80 OEM with a $5 floppy drive.

[SlyMaelstrom]

It's not a matter of buying XP OEM... it's a matter of getting a coupon for Vista with that purchase. Something that you only get with the purchase of a full system.