- decide whether you want AMD or Intel processors. this will govern your motherboard. AMD is MUCH cheaper and has their new chip out in a week or two, so wait for that news first to see what happens. there isn't much difference between 'em overall honestly, for 90% of what you do it's gonna be the same, just at a fraction of the price.
- AMD/ATI vid cards generally work better with AMD computers, while NVIDIA's tend to run better with Intel. not that you can't mix and match obviously, but those are just general connections that make sense.
- don't skimp on the case. just because it holds everything together doesn't mean much, you want to make sure it's got great ventilation.
- don't skimp on the power supply. you want to make sure it's got plenty of juice, ESPECIALLY if you plan to run two vid cards in there. not necessary to do that, but it's helpful if you go with an AMD build and want to see PhysX in action as it's totally doable.
- RAM is dirt cheap. 8GB for $40 is normal enough. rather, high quality 8GB is normal enough.
- if you're a student, try one of the many student deals to get the Windows if you want a legit version.
- newegg is your best friend. get on their newsletter so you'll see the very frequent offers they do, and check daily to see the sales on the front page and what time they'll start.
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The future must protect the clone's past.
"Maybe it's a tentacle, molesting the planet itself. - Aschen Brodel.