Planning on buying a new rig.

Dude. I would never spend 10K on a computer, that is mad
As I said. I have the money and more if needed.
I'm buying it for myself, not for my friends. I already have a better computer than my friends.
And this is not a monster computer or anything, I'm not spending 8K on it as it takes to upgrade everything to the max.

And my friends don't even have 50% of the power..
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64[email protected]Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GBMSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 B3
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Pro (USB)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Intel 510 Series 250GB SSD
Corsair Reactor Series 120GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB
3x External HDD's.
PSU
Corsair AX 1200W
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 920 & 3x Scythe Gentle Typhoon AP-15
Keyboard
Mionix Cibal 60
Mouse
CM Storm SENTINEL
Internet Speed
Pretty Fast
Well, once you get it...be sure to let us all know how it's working out for you. Sounds like a really nice setup.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timingsEVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
You won't need the water cooling for a 20 percent overclock. I'm running a 35% overclock on air and have no problems with cooling, even at higher clocks. Water cooling makes a bigger difference on the GPU's but it's still not worth messing with in my opinion. It greatly complicates things for very marginal gains.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ult, Windows 8.1 Pro,Q9650-4.275GHz, E8600 4.5GHz, E6750-3.8GHzG.Skill PC2 9600 1200Mhz 5 5 5 15 2TGTX480
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home built
OS
Windows 7 Ult, Windows 8.1 Pro,
CPU
Q9650-4.275GHz, E8600 4.5GHz, E6750-3.8GHz
Motherboard
Evga 780i FTW
Memory
G.Skill PC2 9600 1200Mhz 5 5 5 15 2T
Graphics Card(s)
GTX480
Sound Card
Asus Xonar D2
Monitor(s) Displays
HannsG
Screen Resolution
1680X1050
Hard Drives
GSkill Phoenix Pro 120GB SSD
PSU
ThermalTake Toughpower 1000Watt modular
Case
ThermalTake XaserV
Cooling
Xigmatek S1283
Keyboard
Logitech G15
Mouse
Logitech G9
Internet Speed
T1
Dude. I would never spend 10K on a computer, that is mad
As I said. I have the money and more if needed.
I'm buying it for myself, not for my friends. I already have a better computer than my friends.
And this is not a monster computer or anything, I'm not spending 8K on it as it takes to upgrade everything to the max.

And my friends don't even have 50% of the power..

I'm pretty sure the guys just want to make sure that you don't fall into the trap of believing that how good a gamer you are is a function of the machine you're running: it's not.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

7 Ultimate x64i5-2500k8GB G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL7D-8GBXH 1866...EVGA GTX 570 SC
OS
7 Ultimate x64
CPU
i5-2500k
Motherboard
Asus P8P67 Pro
Memory
8GB G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL7D-8GBXH 1866MHz 8-9-8-24
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 570 SC
Sound Card
X-Fi Titanium Fatality
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung S27A550H 27" LED
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
OCZ Vertex 3 120GB.
1TB Samsung F3.
2TB Samsung F4.
PSU
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 760
Case
Lian Li Lancool K62
Cooling
Thermalright Venomous X Black/Scythe S-Flex/Shin-Etsu X23
Keyboard
MS Natural Elite 4000 Ergonomic
Mouse
Logitech G500
Internet Speed
6MB/768
Other Info
Logitech Z-5500 505 watts.
D-Link DGL-4500.
Tripp-Lite Smart Pro 1500.
pparks1: I will, thanks for being active here :)

chev65: The cooling isn't possible to remove from my config on the site (i know, it's stupid) It's a pretty cheap one though, don't think it will be a problem. I mean, is it a problem for my system?

And yeah, one question: What do you think of the caviar green serie? I've seen many complaints about it being slow, but I guess that's what makes it cheaper than the black serie.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64[email protected]Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GBMSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 B3
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Pro (USB)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Intel 510 Series 250GB SSD
Corsair Reactor Series 120GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB
3x External HDD's.
PSU
Corsair AX 1200W
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 920 & 3x Scythe Gentle Typhoon AP-15
Keyboard
Mionix Cibal 60
Mouse
CM Storm SENTINEL
Internet Speed
Pretty Fast
There really isn't that much difference in terms of price between a green and a black series drive. The green series is marketed towards lower power consumption...but we are only talking about a few watts (like 5 or less usually). At NewEgg, the 1GB Caviar Black is $89 with a 5 year warranty and the Green 1TB is $69 with a 3 year warranty. For $20, I'll take more performance and a longer warranty.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timingsEVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Dude. I would never spend 10K on a computer, that is mad
As I said. I have the money and more if needed.
I'm buying it for myself, not for my friends. I already have a better computer than my friends.
And this is not a monster computer or anything, I'm not spending 8K on it as it takes to upgrade everything to the max.

And my friends don't even have 50% of the power..

I'm pretty sure the guys just want to make sure that you don't fall into the trap of believing that how good a gamer you are is a function of the machine you're running: it's not.


Dude i never said that. And I'm not into being a "good" gamer.
I play almost only single player games like rpg's and campaigns on fps games.
I rarely play online, and when I do it's on trackmania united forever.
I want this system to enjoy my games & programs to the max, not to impress anyone.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64[email protected]Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GBMSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 B3
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Pro (USB)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Intel 510 Series 250GB SSD
Corsair Reactor Series 120GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB
3x External HDD's.
PSU
Corsair AX 1200W
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 920 & 3x Scythe Gentle Typhoon AP-15
Keyboard
Mionix Cibal 60
Mouse
CM Storm SENTINEL
Internet Speed
Pretty Fast
@hawkin90: I don't really think you have to justify this purchase to any of us. Just understand where we are coming from....we are trying to make sure that you realize that you won't be in for a huge performance increase with this new purchase as your current rig is more than decent. We aren't trying to give you a hard time to be jerks...but just trying to ensure that you understand that your gains are going to be small for the investment.

I mean, I'm somewhat into gaming and my box is only 1 year old. Technically I would have to upgrade to even get to where you are today...but I know that for what I do with the computer....the cost of upgrading (while fun to piece together a new machine and do a new wiring job), just won't blow me away as my current rig is a great performing box. I don't see me upgrading anything for at least 1 more year maybe 2.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timingsEVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Well they are not small for me as I can now run more games on max settings and the highest resolution. The graphic change is actually pretty big from the system I have now.

Yes, sometimes it's good to be critical :)

I'm also planning on getting a monitor with a higher resolution (2560x1600) sometime later this year, and for that this build is better than the one I have now. And the case is much more a self-build than my dell, So I will probably make most of the upgrades myself, when I want new hardware.

EDIT: My box is also 1 year old.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64[email protected]Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GBMSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 B3
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Pro (USB)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Intel 510 Series 250GB SSD
Corsair Reactor Series 120GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB
3x External HDD's.
PSU
Corsair AX 1200W
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 920 & 3x Scythe Gentle Typhoon AP-15
Keyboard
Mionix Cibal 60
Mouse
CM Storm SENTINEL
Internet Speed
Pretty Fast
Well they are not small for me as I can now run more games on max settings and the highest resolution. The graphic change is actually pretty big from the system I have now.
Hopefully. But I think that you will find that it won't be as dramatic as you think. I think that's what the guys with experience are trying to say. I think the video card will really be your upgrade.

I spent $1,192 on my box in June of 2009. This included $189 for a Vista 64-bit Ultimate OEM copy with a free upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit Ultimate. Since then, I added a $289 SSD...so my build is just under $1,500 counting the OS...or $1290 for just the hardware.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timingsEVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I know the graphic card is the biggest upgrade. But you also built it yourself, which saves you money.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64[email protected]Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GBMSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 B3
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Pro (USB)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Intel 510 Series 250GB SSD
Corsair Reactor Series 120GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB
3x External HDD's.
PSU
Corsair AX 1200W
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 920 & 3x Scythe Gentle Typhoon AP-15
Keyboard
Mionix Cibal 60
Mouse
CM Storm SENTINEL
Internet Speed
Pretty Fast
From what hawkin90 is saying, computer stuff typically costs a lot more in his country. I don't know about the rest of you, but if I was used to seeing systems over here costing an arm and a leg and then found places to buy parts on the cheap then I might be tempted to overbuild, too.

(I'm good at rationalizing...) :(;)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Main - Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-Bit; 2nd - Window...Main - Core i7 2600K; 2nd - Core i7 920Main - 16GB Corsair Vengeance; 2nd - 12GB Cor...Main - XFX Radeon 6870 1GB; 2nd - XFX Radeon ...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self
OS
Main - Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-Bit; 2nd - Windows Server 2008 R2
CPU
Main - Core i7 2600K; 2nd - Core i7 920
Motherboard
Main - Asus P8Z68-V Pro/Gen3; 2nd - Gigabyte GA-EX58-UDR3
Memory
Main - 16GB Corsair Vengeance; 2nd - 12GB Corsair Vengeance
Graphics Card(s)
Main - XFX Radeon 6870 1GB; 2nd - XFX Radeon 4870 1GB
Sound Card
Both: Onboard Realtek Azalia
Monitor(s) Displays
Main - Hann 25" + I-INC 25" + Acer 23"; 2nd - Upgrading Soon
Screen Resolution
Main - 1920x1080 (All Three Monitors); 2nd - Upgrading Soon
Hard Drives
Main - (1) Crucial M4 128GB (Boot)
Main - (1) Seagate 2TB 64MB Cache (Data)
Main - (1) Seagate 2TB 64MB Cache (Data Backup)
2nd - (1) Intel X25-M SSD 80GB (Boot)
2nd - (3) Seagate 1TB 32MB Cache (Data Backup)
2nd - (1) Seagate 320GB (Because)
PSU
Main - OCZ 600W Modular; 2nd - OCZ 600W
Case
Main - Thermaltake Element G; 2nd - NZXT something or other
Cooling
Main - Corsair H80; 2nd - Prolimatech Megahalems
Keyboard
Main - Razer Reclusa; 2nd - Old MS Keyboard
Mouse
Main - Logitech MX Revolution; 2nd - Old MS Mouse
Internet Speed
20Mbps Time-Warner Cable
Yeah. It is much more expensive here. On that cyberpowerpc site I saved almost 1000$ on the same system, even a little better one. I mean I would love it to be that kind of prices in Norway too. But all the english and american stores with those kind of prices only ship inland, and suddenly you pay almost 1000$ only for the shipping.

Btw: I have an unused licenced copy of windows 7 ultimate, is it okey to just order a "whitebox" then? I mean, no reason to spend 200$ more when I can just install it myself.
Unless there is a problem with installing seven on a whitebox?...
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64[email protected]Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GBMSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 B3
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Pro (USB)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Intel 510 Series 250GB SSD
Corsair Reactor Series 120GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB
3x External HDD's.
PSU
Corsair AX 1200W
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 920 & 3x Scythe Gentle Typhoon AP-15
Keyboard
Mionix Cibal 60
Mouse
CM Storm SENTINEL
Internet Speed
Pretty Fast
As long as the copy of Windows 7 Ultimate that you have is a retail copy (not OEM), there is no problem with installing it on your new box. The key is that it's unused. If you have an unused OEM...you could use that. But if it were activated or used on another machine, technically you cannot use it on a new machine.

I don't know about the rest of you, but if I was used to seeing systems over here costing an arm and a leg and then found places to buy parts on the cheap then I might be tempted to overbuild, too.

(I'm good at rationalizing...) :(;)
Well in his case, he "might" be "overbuilding" a new machine to upgrade a box that is only 1 year old. So, if he overbuilds on a yearly basis...it's going to not be wise in the long run. Not to mention, if he saves $1,000 on parts but pays $800 for shipping...his savings really only amounts to $200.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timingsEVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Yes it is a fresh disc. Retail. Never ever been booted before :) Good that saves me some cash.

Yes. I admit I have not been very smart. I have bought a new computer every year the three last years. But from now on I will absolutely just buy parts when I upgrade the hardware. I am also going to learn much more about building computers.

I'm starting on a computer/IT school this fall. It's one year in school and two years as a trainee for a company before I am qualified for the full job. So in a couple of years I will be much more educated with the system :)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64[email protected]Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GBMSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 B3
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Pro (USB)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Intel 510 Series 250GB SSD
Corsair Reactor Series 120GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB
3x External HDD's.
PSU
Corsair AX 1200W
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 920 & 3x Scythe Gentle Typhoon AP-15
Keyboard
Mionix Cibal 60
Mouse
CM Storm SENTINEL
Internet Speed
Pretty Fast
... I have bought a new computer every year the three last years. But from now on I will absolutely just buy parts when I upgrade the hardware...
The trick is to buy a platform with long term upgrade potential. By that, I mean get a good case, PSU, and motherboard and then just upgrade your CPU/Video/RAM/HD when something significantly better is affordable.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Main - Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-Bit; 2nd - Window...Main - Core i7 2600K; 2nd - Core i7 920Main - 16GB Corsair Vengeance; 2nd - 12GB Cor...Main - XFX Radeon 6870 1GB; 2nd - XFX Radeon ...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self
OS
Main - Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-Bit; 2nd - Windows Server 2008 R2
CPU
Main - Core i7 2600K; 2nd - Core i7 920
Motherboard
Main - Asus P8Z68-V Pro/Gen3; 2nd - Gigabyte GA-EX58-UDR3
Memory
Main - 16GB Corsair Vengeance; 2nd - 12GB Corsair Vengeance
Graphics Card(s)
Main - XFX Radeon 6870 1GB; 2nd - XFX Radeon 4870 1GB
Sound Card
Both: Onboard Realtek Azalia
Monitor(s) Displays
Main - Hann 25" + I-INC 25" + Acer 23"; 2nd - Upgrading Soon
Screen Resolution
Main - 1920x1080 (All Three Monitors); 2nd - Upgrading Soon
Hard Drives
Main - (1) Crucial M4 128GB (Boot)
Main - (1) Seagate 2TB 64MB Cache (Data)
Main - (1) Seagate 2TB 64MB Cache (Data Backup)
2nd - (1) Intel X25-M SSD 80GB (Boot)
2nd - (3) Seagate 1TB 32MB Cache (Data Backup)
2nd - (1) Seagate 320GB (Because)
PSU
Main - OCZ 600W Modular; 2nd - OCZ 600W
Case
Main - Thermaltake Element G; 2nd - NZXT something or other
Cooling
Main - Corsair H80; 2nd - Prolimatech Megahalems
Keyboard
Main - Razer Reclusa; 2nd - Old MS Keyboard
Mouse
Main - Logitech MX Revolution; 2nd - Old MS Mouse
Internet Speed
20Mbps Time-Warner Cable
The trick is to buy a platform with long term upgrade potential. By that, I mean get a good case, PSU, and motherboard and then just upgrade your CPU/Video/RAM/HD when something significantly better is affordable.

Harder said that done. By time a new CPU really equates to a good upgrade, it's usually a different socket....which often means a new motherboard. Same thing for RAM...people who have DDR2 mobo's now find the market full of DDR3 RAM. For me, I rarely purchase with the intention of upgrading as things change so rapidly. But that's just my opinion.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timingsEVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

8 Pro x64i7 3770K 4.6GHz16GB G.Skill Trident X 2666mhzx2 EVGA 780 Ti Superclocked SLI
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Systems by SmartEyeball
OS
8 Pro x64
CPU
i7 3770K 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Memory
16GB G.Skill Trident X 2666mhz
Graphics Card(s)
x2 EVGA 780 Ti Superclocked SLI
Sound Card
SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB / ATH-AD900 Headphones
Monitor(s) Displays
x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung
Screen Resolution
5760*1200/ 1920*1200
Hard Drives
2x Intel 520 240GB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0) * 2TB WD Caviar Black * Sony Optirac DVD
PSU
Silverstone Strider Evolution 1200W
Case
Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
Mouse
Thermaltake Theron (Highly Recommended) + Razer Imperator
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE, FF, WaterFox
Other Info
GT Extreme V2 Sim Racing Cockpit + 40" LCD and K/B Mouse stand ▼
Fanatec CSR Elite Wheel + Clubsport V1 Pedals + CSR shifter/7G-H ▼Saitek X52 Pro ▼ TrackIR 5 Pro
Buttkicker v2 Seat Rumbler with Dedicated 5.1 and Sub Woofer attached to frame ▼
=
Bloody Big Grin
Dude have some humour :)
He's my best friend, and I'm just joking. His computer isn't that bad.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64[email protected]Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GBMSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD80 B3
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Geforce 580 Twin Frozr II @ SLI
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Pro (USB)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Intel 510 Series 250GB SSD
Corsair Reactor Series 120GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB
3x External HDD's.
PSU
Corsair AX 1200W
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 920 & 3x Scythe Gentle Typhoon AP-15
Keyboard
Mionix Cibal 60
Mouse
CM Storm SENTINEL
Internet Speed
Pretty Fast
The trick is to buy a platform with long term upgrade potential. By that, I mean get a good case, PSU, and motherboard and then just upgrade your CPU/Video/RAM/HD when something significantly better is affordable.

Harder said that done. By time a new CPU really equates to a good upgrade, it's usually a different socket...
Tell me about it. :(

The system I'm using now is just under a year old and replaced what was at the time cutting-edge. Unfortunately for me that was a Socket 939 computer with AGP and regular DDR RAM. Socket 939 was only available for about two weeks (a slight exaggeration, but not too far off the mark). By the time I was ready to upgrade the world had moved on to a different socket, used PCIe, and required DDR2.

My current build is a core i7 1366 with a 920 CPU. By the time it feels old I'm hoping that the unlocked six-core CPUs will be heading for eBay as everyone moves to core i8. (Or core i9 or core i10 or core iwhatever.)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Main - Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-Bit; 2nd - Window...Main - Core i7 2600K; 2nd - Core i7 920Main - 16GB Corsair Vengeance; 2nd - 12GB Cor...Main - XFX Radeon 6870 1GB; 2nd - XFX Radeon ...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self
OS
Main - Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-Bit; 2nd - Windows Server 2008 R2
CPU
Main - Core i7 2600K; 2nd - Core i7 920
Motherboard
Main - Asus P8Z68-V Pro/Gen3; 2nd - Gigabyte GA-EX58-UDR3
Memory
Main - 16GB Corsair Vengeance; 2nd - 12GB Corsair Vengeance
Graphics Card(s)
Main - XFX Radeon 6870 1GB; 2nd - XFX Radeon 4870 1GB
Sound Card
Both: Onboard Realtek Azalia
Monitor(s) Displays
Main - Hann 25" + I-INC 25" + Acer 23"; 2nd - Upgrading Soon
Screen Resolution
Main - 1920x1080 (All Three Monitors); 2nd - Upgrading Soon
Hard Drives
Main - (1) Crucial M4 128GB (Boot)
Main - (1) Seagate 2TB 64MB Cache (Data)
Main - (1) Seagate 2TB 64MB Cache (Data Backup)
2nd - (1) Intel X25-M SSD 80GB (Boot)
2nd - (3) Seagate 1TB 32MB Cache (Data Backup)
2nd - (1) Seagate 320GB (Because)
PSU
Main - OCZ 600W Modular; 2nd - OCZ 600W
Case
Main - Thermaltake Element G; 2nd - NZXT something or other
Cooling
Main - Corsair H80; 2nd - Prolimatech Megahalems
Keyboard
Main - Razer Reclusa; 2nd - Old MS Keyboard
Mouse
Main - Logitech MX Revolution; 2nd - Old MS Mouse
Internet Speed
20Mbps Time-Warner Cable
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