Right, here we go:

  • RAM - Since DDR3 already exists, get the best DDR2 RAM you can afford. I am going to get the "OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-8500 1066MHz Reaper HPC Edition Dual Channel DDR2" for my new PC.
  • MOTHERBOARD - get an X38 Intel chipset motherboard if you want to be future-proof. This is because it supports SLi (in theory), 45nm processors and PCI-E v2.
  • GRAPHICS CARD - Since I can't wait until Feb to get my new PC, I am going to be getting the NEW Nvidia 8800GTS with 1GB of RAM in it, this will retail for about £250 - £325 I think. It is going to be released on the 11th of December.
  • PROCESSOR - Get a quad-core if you really want to be future proof. I am sure that in 2008 we will see almost all games supporting multi-core processors. The Q6660 (2.4GHz) is almost the same price as the E6600 and is much better. If you get one (I am), make sure you get the G0 stepping version, for increased overclocking possibilities. You can overclock this processor to the same as an QX6850 very easily, which saves you a lot of cash.
  • SOUND CARD - Motherboard sound is generally crap, especially for gaming. I recommend that you get the "Creative Soundblaster X-fi Xtreme Gamer Soundcard".
  • PSU - This is a very important component. If you are using the components above, a Corsair HX Series 620W Modular PSU should be fine.
  • HARD DRIVE - You might as well get a 500GB one, so why not get the "Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATA II 7200RPM 16MB Cache"
  • CASE - This may not suit you, but if you want an awesome gaming case get the Antec Nine Hundred.
  • OPTICAL DRIVE - If you want lightscribe the "Asus DRW-1814BLT 18x18 DVD±RW Serial ATA Dual Layer Lightscribe ReWriter (Black)" isn't a bad choice.
  • MOUSE - I have the Logitech G5 v2 and it is perfect. It is £50 though, but I regard that as a worthwhile cost.
  • KEYBOARD - If you have lots of desk space, the Logitech G15 is an amazing keyboard.
  • MONITOR - I am a man who likes big things, so a 24" monitor is very nice indeed. The "Samsung SM245B 24" TFT Monitor Widescreen" is a good value monitor. I will be getting this monitor in about a year if I have any spare cash.


Please note: Use Windows XP if you want to get a higher FPS than Vista. DX10 is still nothing to rave about. Also, the components I specified above are high spec. and I will be getting most, if not all of them in my new PC which I am ordering very soon. If you get all the components above and useful stuff like thermal paste, you will be looking at about £1400. I am not getting the monitor with my new PC, so the cost is significantly less.