Ok, I think I will go with the Dell I looked at originally. I can always change graphics cards if this one gets too obselete, so that isn't too much of a worry. I'm really looking at short term. I only play enemy territory, occasionally rollercoaster tycoon 3, and half life 2 occasionally. But halflife2 is always on a lower graphic state, so it isn't special. All i need is enemy territory really.

Finally, overall, this computer won't set me back on anything my other one had? I had a dell dimension something desktop, pretty basic, nothing fascinating or special. This new comp will just be that and more.. Ok, then i'll buy it. Any last suggestions before i make the final cut?

wait, should I get the nvidia 7300 one that comes with the comp, or the ATIradeon x1300 gs??

The only other thing is that this system comes with Vista installed. But you said you were going to use XP?

The only reason I mention this is that Vista will make the gaming performance worse (drivers are immature and vista seems to require more resources than xp did). Also older things aren't always compatible with vista.

So if you are going to wipe it and install XP, you will probably get better performance. (as long as the motherboard drivers etc will work in XP)

This:

ttp://techreport.com/reviews/2006q2/budget-gpus/index.x?pg=1

says x1300pro is better

As does this one:

http://www.sudhian.com/index.php?/ar...ndup_may_2006/
(but have a look at the gaming performance benchmarks in this one - will you be happy with either - considering you will be running at a higher resolution than they even tested (1280x1024) )

These guys say the x1300pro is better by a fair amount:

http://www.techzine.nl/exreviews/716...dware.com.html

I may need your help doing that. Is it easy to do?


Last question. is there a way i can get a faster delivery time? I don't want to wait until the 3rd. Is there anything on the site I can get it for 3 day delivery or something?

wait. Should i get the nvidia or ATI card??

I posted 3 reviews a couple of posts above - x1300pro is a bit better it seems, but look at the benchmarks to see if you would be happy with either.

Installing XP is easy - provided your motherboard drivers etc will work with XP. I don't know the answer to that - would have to check with Dell.

But make sure you get the Vista reinstall discs with the system.

I know some HP systems did not come with an XP reinstall disc - they make you make your own by burning files from the hard drive onto blank CD's. This is ok as long as you make them before anything goes wrong, and nothing goes wrong with the discs you made.

But the game you are thinking of might work OK with Vista, so installing XP may not be necessary.

I have had mixed success with older games. Some work well in Vista, some don't.

I suggest if you want a gaming machine is that you buy anykinda computer and just add shit..Yeah for sure if I had the money I would probably buy some alienware shit cos its da bomb haha. But if you get the right parts you can actually have a better gaming machine then alienware. As for what to get. Would love to help ya but I wouldn't know where to start.

Thanks everyone. I got the dell, with the ATI videocard, and a 20 inch flat panel, for a little over a thousand, not including 70 bucks of tax and 60 for 2 day delivery... dear God, bet my dad loves that one. it should hopefully be here friday since I sent the order wednesday night, but it could be saturday, assuming it is shipped here on a business day and then just delivered on saturday, and dammit i hope so, i can't post on this damn VISION anymore.