Which OS should I get?

Thanks to evryone for the info. I really doubt that I'll be joining a network so it looks like I can save myself $100 and go with Home Premiun x64 :)

Ravi5kumar said:

I would recommend the x64

Yes a 64 bit is better as it can handle larger amount of RAM which is needed for gaming....

Hi there : Larger amount of RAM needed for Gaming : Why please ?????

64 bit is the OS of choice I agree -- but GAMING per se doesn't actually require large amounts of RAM

For Gaming what IS mega important is a DECENT GPU where most of the video and rendering processes are off loaded from the main processor and system RAM anyway -- AND the fastest DISKS you can find as well -- not HUGE disks but FAST one's -- I'd recommend an SSD for the main OS.

Processor power IS important too --but if you have the top of the line GPU the processor plays less importance than you might think. Still get a QUAD anyway.

Obviously you must have some sort of sensible size RAM -- 8GB is cheap enough -- but don't go Bonkers with RAM while neglecting the other parts of the system.

Cheers
jimbo

paradox13 said:

Thanks to evryone for the info. I really doubt that I'll be joining a network so it looks like I can save myself $100 and go with Home Premiun x64 :)

You're very welcome and a wise choice if I may say so.

Just goes to prove that a bit if research is invaluable if you're looking to save some money.

The $100 you've saved on the operating system could always be put to anything else you need for your new build.

Anyway, do keep us posted as to how things go. :)

Where do I find the Show Us Your Rig thread?

paradox13 said:

This is the build that I'm going with:

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3P
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core
GPU: Sapphire Radeon 7850 2GB
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB
PSU: Corsair Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W
Optical: LG BluRay burner
Hard Drives:
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G SSD for OS and apps
Samsung EcoGreen F4 HD204UI 2TB for Storage
Case: Antec Twelve Hundred V3
Monitor: ASUS VH232H

Would Home Premium be good enough for this, and how do you get SP1?

yes home premium is good enough

Try to use 64 bit because i think its better as it can give extra speed to your System while you play game or something else....

Thank you, I will definitely be going with x64. I looked in to the retail version and it comes with both x32 and x64 to choose from:)

Let me clarify a few things. First, to the OP, you were told where yo get SP1 after you install the OS, but if you look around, you should be able to buy Home Premium with SP1 already incorporated. If not, you can download one from here: Download the media refresh version to match whatever you buy....if it doesn't already come with SP1.

Windows 7 Digital River direct links: Multiple Languages; X86 & X64 - Page 60

As for those questioning the memory usage for gaming, 4 GB should be the minimum considered. Many of the current games can use several GB of memory at once. In addition to this....why not? Memory is dirt cheap right now. As we've seen before with memory, and now hard drives....we're one natural disaster away from skyrocketing prices.