The differences between OEM and Retail (as I see it). OEM is tied to the machine it was originally installed on, and you can not do an in place upgrade from older versions of Windows, only a clean/fresh install.
Retail can be used on multiple machines, as long as it is only used on one machine at a time. It also comes with support, which may be of dubious value, what with Seven Forums being available
Licensing for Hobbyists
A Guy
I too would just go with Win7 Home Premium x64.
Also, Corsair is a excellent Power Supply. But you could drop that down to a 650W or so.
750 or 850W is overkill for that build.
Unless of course you plan on a SLI configuration in the future, then a bigger PSU may be needed.
If it were me, I would drop down to a 650W Corsair, and Win7 HP for the OS.
Then,, put that extra money towards a bit more powerful GPU, like the GTX570.
Since this is afterall, a Gaming PC.
A small SSD for the OS and Apps would be worth considering as well.
Doesnt have to be huge, but Id say 40-80GB would be great. Even something like a 40GB Intel for less than $100.
And then use the 1TB drive for DATA and Games.
This infuriates me.The differences between OEM and Retail (as I see it). OEM is tied to the machine it was originally installed on, and you can not do an in place upgrade from older versions of Windows, only a clean/fresh install.
Retail can be used on multiple machines, as long as it is only used on one machine at a time. It also comes with support, which may be of dubious value, what with Seven Forums being available
Licensing for Hobbyists
A Guy
These continue to be sold on mass to owner builders with the reponsibility of breaking the seal passed onto them. Those who sell these know what they are doing. When or if owner builders digest the fine print they realize they have been taken for a (legal) ride.
This was totally legal prior to Windows 7 so something stinks.
Owner builders have paid good money and accept the OS is tied to one motherboard along with technical support responsibility. As far as wanting MS technical support
Nevertheless, I guess by selling to a third party you make it legal and MS must respond to activation issues associated with the legal key.
Why are you recomending those parts? With a bigger power supply you will save money when he wants to upgrade. Also the corsair SSD has a amazing read/write speed. With two raided WD Blacks 750 will give him the space for programs and for files. He will never run out of space and it will alow him to use the speed of his system and not create a bottle neck which is happening with the new chips in regards to the Low end SSD and mechaical drives.
Also a GTX570 on a 650W psu? Under load the computer might crash due to everthing drawing for power. I am not saying that it would not work but there is no room for over head. I use the rule if it is the right size then go up 50watts just to be safe.
For a single GPU, Yes.
If its a good Quality PSU (Such as Corsair, Seasonic, or Antec) 650W is more than enough.
Im running a 570 SuperClocked in the system in my Specs. Officially they recommend a 550W 38A PSU for it and the system.
Im using a 650W (52A) Corsair with no power issues at all. Thats including multiple HDs, and a Overclocked Quad.
You really only need more than that if running multiple higher end GPUs.
I simply suggested a SSD for the OS and Apps, because they will provide a lot of overall performance.
And although I would personally prefer Intel or OCZ, the only reason I metioned the 40GB was because of price, and would be easier to fit in a budget if running a bit tight.
It would be enough space for the OS/Apps if using larger spinners for DATA and Games. A bit larger SSD would be better though, if it could be worked in.
Though, I think a RAID setup would be more trouble than its worth.
Last edited by Wishmaster; 27 Jul 2011 at 16:41.
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