   Want to build a new computer...
  Hi Everyone,I'm thinking of building myself a new computer probably after Christmas time or maybe next summer (as a graduation present to myself).  Anyways, What I was thinking was just to splurge on a comp and hopefully it will last me a while longer.Here's what I wanted to put in it:Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 Quad-Core 3.0GhzAsus P5B Deluxe Socket 775 Intel P965 Express motherboardAsus nVidia GeForce 8800GTXCosair XMS2 4gigs ramThermal Take toughpower 650W power supplyAll those plus hard drive and case would come up to around $2400 cdn. (hoping the price goes down by when I actually get around to buying the parts)  I have two questions for you guys:1) Do you think quad core games will be developed relatively soon so that I can actually use the CPU to its full capacity?2) Will PCI express be around for a while?  I mean, If i want to upgrade my graphics card later on, I don't want to have to buy a whole new computer because the new graphics cards are all AGP-express or something.I would like my computer to last me at least 4 years.If you guys have any experience with quad cores and can give me some advice on them, that would be great.Thanks in advance.Gavin.   
Quote:Original post by GavinlCosair XMS2 4gigs ramYou should probably read this.   ;Quote:Original post by SneftelQuote:Original post by GavinlCosair XMS2 4gigs ramYou should probably read this.Hmm thanks for the info.  I guess I'll stick to either 2 or 3 gigs.   ;Quote:Original post by SneftelQuote:Original post by GavinlCosair XMS2 4gigs ramYou should probably read this.The 3/4GB barrier only applies to 32-bit OSs - why not install XP-64 or Vista-64 bit? Especially if you want to build a system that you can keep for 4 years or so, you might as well take advantage of the 64 bit CPUs...(just as an aside - I've been running Vista 64 bit with 4GB RAM for about 2 months now with no issues - Had to wait on a couple of drivers for some audio equipment, but they work now).   ;  Can I run 32 bit games on a 64 bit machine? or will it give me some problems?I don't mind installing xp64 or vista64, but I would like it to be compatible with my other software.   ;Quote:Original post by GavinlCan I run 32 bit games on a 64 bit machine? or will it give me some problems?I don't mind installing xp64 or vista64, but I would like it to be compatible with my other software.You can run 32 bit games just fine.  16 bit games on the other hand will be a no go without an external program such as DOSBox to run them.The only slight problem you might have is the maturity of certain drivers which might cause a few slight bugs in games, but that happens with any OS upgrade.  For the most part, you'll be just fine.   