back???

[BOZ]

Ray if you read this do you still own your computer/parts store? anyone else want to help me build a new rig? i was looking at dell 410 XPS.  pre-made set up looks good for 1500 bucks... but i wanna see what ya'll think.  I want it to handle games like coduo and cod 2 ect. but also run more than 4 or 5 programs at once ( i need this for my masters work) like excel word power point ect without any slow downs... so ok lets get cracking on boz's new computer

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

I would avoid dells, HP's, gateway etc etc and go for something less "out of the box".  Having built my last computer with a company called NCIX (http://www.ncixus.com/) I will never buy a computer out of the box.  This company was good for me because they had a local store as well as internet service - so I could talk to people in person if necessary.  There would also be people to yell at if things went bad!    There is probably a similar company with good service close to you.

1.  Get enough RAM - especially if you are running the rabid resource hog that is VISTA.
2.  Likewise - get a good vid card. 
3.  As stated above - plenty of power for the PSU
4.  I love fans.  Get a case and case fans that will get that heat out. 

Im no expert, and perhaps the above is a big DUH...  but its where I'd start.  Many companies like the one above have an online place where you can build and tweak a system and see the eventual price.  I'd also price check your components when you have chosen them with competitors...  quite often the local place will match or beat prices - even ones found on the internet.

Or buy this and you won't have to deal with Vista as much:  http://www.apple.com/macpro/  The 8-core CPU probably runs nice.     

-- JT

[=JHF= Smoke]

The 8-core CPU probably runs nice.     

Im no expert, and perhaps the above is a big DUH... 

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

OUCH!   

-- JT

[BOZ]

well i was tinkering after a few attempts to get on tonight.  and my ac power box in the cpu itself is hot as heck and the fan in it is not working... not tunring at all so might be broken... could this be the issue... but wouldn't the computer shut off at random times not just when high useage is a problem?

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

I've heard of random shut offs/reboots more when the CPU is overheating than a PSU problem.  It makes sense that your video card etc would draw a little more power when you are running a game...  perhaps that is when the PSU cannot dissipate the heat adequately and fizzles?

-- JT

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

Most computers will shut themselves off if they are overheating based upon their internal thermometers.  If you cpu is overheating that would be the most likely scenario.  A couple of options exist, you can add more fans to the case if your power supply can handle it, another option is running the system with the side access panel off (its cheap and effective but it gets dustier faster), or you could move your system to a different case.   I would try running the system with the panel off.  At least you could see if it is a heating issue then.

[BOZ]

I put my room fan at the level of the open case and bingo! played atleast 10 maps with no problems! cod uo here i come! thanks guys

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

If that is the case, no pun intended, you may want to invest in one designed for gaming.  There are several out there, and they can be a good investment.  If not, just plan on cleaning your case out every now and then.

[Currahee]

Ray if you read this do you still own your computer/parts store? anyone else want to help me build a new rig? i was looking at dell 410 XPS.  pre-made set up looks good for 1500 bucks... but i wanna see what ya'll think.  I want it to handle games like coduo and cod 2 ect. but also run more than 4 or 5 programs at once ( i need this for my masters work) like excel word power point ect without any slow downs... so ok lets get cracking on boz's new computer

what is your budget?

also, can you wait until fall, or even January?  Intel & AMD's new cpu's will be out by then and that always triggers lower pricing in the older models.